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Frequently asked questions
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General questions
One may need the services of a lawyer in cases such as employment disputes, property sales, divorce or funeral matters, family matters, professional disputes and intellectual property issues.
The time it takes to resolve a legal case depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the case, the amount of information the lawyer needs to collect, the availability of courts and the procedures required to resolve the case. Typically, lawyers try to resolve their cases as quickly and efficiently as possible.
One can find a suitable lawyer through recommendations from friends and relatives, by searching the internet or by contacting the local bar association.
The lawyer provides a range of services such as legal advice, representation in court, contractual advice, advice on setting up companies and strategic advice on dispute resolution.
A legal adviser is a specialist in law who provides legal advice on non-legal issues, such as tax or intellectual property issues, without representing the client in court.
In contrast, a lawyer is also a specialist in law, but may represent his or her client in courts and other legal proceedings. In addition, the lawyer can provide extensive legal advice and provide full support in court cases.
Overall, the differences between a lawyer and a legal adviser are linked to the extensive representation provided by the lawyer in court proceedings and the more limited legal advice provided by the legal adviser.
A lawyer's receipt is a document issued by the lawyer that includes the services provided to the client and the amount charged for those services. The solicitor's receipt is important to the client as it is proof of the agreement made with the solicitor, the services provided and the amount charged.
The lawyer's receipt must include the following information:
- The name and registration number of the lawyer
- The name and address of the customer
- The date of the receipt
- Description of the services provided by the lawyer
- The amount charged for these services
- The VAT charged, if applicable
- The signature of the lawyer
Lawyers are usually charged by the hour. However, in some cases a flat fee may be agreed for a particular case.
Mediation
Frequently asked questions
Mediation is a process of resolving disputes between two or more people with the help of an independent third party (the mediator). The purpose of mediation is to help the parties resolve their dispute and find a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved.
Any dispute can be resolved through mediation, including disputes in the areas of family, professional, commercial and Community law. Disputes may include maintenance issues, professional disputes, contracts, intellectual property rights, real estate, accidents, etc.
A mediator is an independent third party who helps the parties to resolve a dispute between them through non-judicial means, while a lawyer is a legal professional who provides legal advice and represents his or her client in court proceedings. A mediator does not take sides in a dispute, whereas a lawyer represents his client's interests and tries to achieve a successful resolution for him.