The fee amount is calculated based on the hourly rate agreed when each case is opened. The hourly rate amount depends on the nature and complexity of each case and the skills required to deal with it. Additionally, the degree of urgency and importance of the case will also be taken into account (success fee).

For certain types of cases, the hourly rate may be replaced by a fixed fee or retainer agreement.

The costs cover all expenses incurred in the handling of the case (opening, closing, archiving, registered letters, faxes, phone calls, photocopies, IT, travel, etc., …) and disbursements, that is to say expenses incurred on behalf of the client such as bailiff costs, costs of expert assessments, court fees, translation costs, etc.

In line with common practice, costs and fees may be subject to requests for advances and/or interim statements. An advance is an amount that the client pays the lawyers prior to the establishment of an expense claim and final fees. When establishing the final statement of account, the advances already paid are deducted. An interim statement is a statement of costs and fees covering all costs incurred and services provided on a case for a given period.

The conditions for Sybarius’ intervention are agreed with the client at the start of each case and confirmed in writing.

Sybarius informs the client of the consequences of Belgian law of 21 April 2007 concerning the recovery of legal costs and fees (reimbursement of legal fees incurred within the context of legal proceedings).

Since 2014, lawyers’ fees have been subject to VAT at 21%. For further information, please visit the website of the Ordre français des avocats du Barreau de Bruxelles [French Law Society of the Brussels Bar].