How can I keep the costs of a legal dispute as low as possible?
June 9, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Alice Schulz
Dear lawyer,
my name is Roberta Evers and I am facing a difficult situation being involved in a legal dispute. I am very concerned about the costs involved and wondering how to keep them as low as possible.
The background is as follows: It is a dispute with my neighbor regarding the boundary construction. My neighbor claims that our fence extends too far onto his property and demands its removal. We have been at odds over this issue for some time now and a resolution does not seem to be in sight.
The current situation is that my neighbor has already threatened legal action with a lawyer, and I sense that the situation is escalating. However, I do not want to immediately be drawn into a lengthy and costly legal dispute, but rather seek ways to keep the costs to a minimum.
My concerns mainly lie in the fact that as an average earner, I do not have unlimited financial resources to finance a legal dispute. Therefore, it is important for me to know what measures I can take to minimize the costs of the legal proceedings.
My specific question to you as an expert in fee law is: What options are available to keep the costs of a legal dispute as low as possible? Is there, for example, the option of an out-of-court settlement, or what alternatives are available to me to avoid financial burdens?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your helpful tips and advice.
Best regards,
Roberta Evers
Dear Mrs. Evers,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding cost minimization in a legal dispute, especially concerning a neighborhood dispute regarding boundary construction. I understand that as a low-income earner, you are concerned about how to keep the financial burdens of such a legal dispute as low as possible. I would like to offer you some options that may help you in this regard.
First of all, it is important to mention that an out-of-court settlement in such cases is often the most cost-effective solution. If you are able to reach an agreement with your neighbor, whether through mediation, conciliation, or mediation, you can avoid the costs of a lengthy court process. However, it is important to ensure that all agreements are documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
Furthermore, you may consider hiring a lawyer who works on a fee basis. This means that you only have to pay for the actual services provided by the lawyer rather than a flat fee. This way, you have more control over the costs incurred and can selectively decide which services you want to avail.
Another way to minimize costs is to apply for legal aid or litigation funding. Legal aid can help reduce the costs of the initial consultation with a lawyer. Litigation funding, on the other hand, can be granted if you cannot afford the financial means for a legal dispute. In this case, the court will assess your financial situation and decide on the granting of litigation funding.
Finally, it is important to seek professional legal advice early on to avoid potential cost traps. An experienced lawyer can help you keep track of the costs of the legal dispute and assist you in finding cost-effective solutions.
I hope these tips will help you in minimizing the costs in your legal dispute and I am happy to assist you with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Alice Schulz
Attorney specializing in fee law
