When it is needed ttorney, not a consultant
The difference becomes clear at the worst moment: when the appeal window is already running, and the person who handled your case has no right to file an appeal.
What types of matters require specifically this one
General rule: if a case has a second party or an authority, decision you are challenging — a lawyer is required.
Immigration and appeals against refusals
A visa or residence permit refusal can be challenged through administrative and then judicial proceedings, and in almost every jurisdiction there is a short deadline running from the date the decision is served. Only a lawyer admitted in the relevant jurisdiction can file an appeal on your behalf in court.
- The appeal deadline is running
- A lawyer is required
Asylum and protection
International protection cases turn on evidence and on an interview where every word counts. Here, you need a lawyer from the very start — rewriting your account after a refusal is not an option.
- From the very beginning
- A lawyer is required
Real estate transactions
Checking legal title, encumbrances, and debts on the property; reviewing the preliminary contract; and attending the notary with you. The notary certifies the transaction but is neutral — your interests are protected by your lawyer.
- The notary ≠ your representative
Family law across borders
Divorce, child residence arrangements, maintenance, and international child removal when the parties are in different countries. The most complex category: a ruling in one country does not automatically apply in another — it must be formally recognised.
- Two jurisdictions
- Recognition of decisions
Employment disputes
Dismissal, non-payment, disputed contract terms. In most countries the window to file a labour claim is very short — weeks, not months — and a missed deadline closes the case for good.
- Duration in weeks
Inheritance and property
Estate matters involving assets in multiple countries, establishing rights, disputes between heirs. Requires a lawyer in the jurisdiction where the assets are located — and often in two jurisdictions at once.
- Based on the location of assets
Ask about the payment structure at the first meeting. A good lawyer will name it themselves.
Hourly
For consultations and matters where the scope of work cannot be determined in advance: complex disputes, negotiations, cases with an unknown number of hearings. The rate is agreed before work begins; billing by the hour is standard.
Fixed fee per case
For straightforward procedures: transaction support, preparation and submission appeals, handling one instance. Convenient because you know the amount in advance — ask what is not included.
Success fee
Part of the fee is tied to the outcome. Used in property and labour disputes where there is a recoverable sum. In migration and non-property matters in many jurisdictions restricted or prohibited — a promise of ’pay after you receive your residence permit’ should raise a red flag.
On top of the fee, there are almost always additional costs: duties, translations, notary, expert assessments. Ask about these upfront — they take a significant part of the case budget.
What to bring to initial consultation
An hour spent by a lawyer reconstructing the picture from memory — this is your paid hour.
On refusal
- The refusal decision itself — in full, with all pages and the date of receipt
- The package you submitted, exactly as you submitted it
- All authority notifications and requests with dates
- History of previous applications and refusals, if any
Real estate
- Extract from the property register
- Preliminary agreement or its draft
- Property documents from the seller
- Proof of the origin of funds — the bank will ask
In a family matter
- Marriage and children’s birth certificates with apostille
- Court decisions, if already available — with translation
- Correspondence and agreements between the parties
- Income documents from both parties, where child support is concerned
In a labour dispute
- The employment contract and all annexes to it
- Notice of termination or change of conditions, dated
- Pay slips for the period in dispute
- Correspondence with the employer
Where we are we find you of a lawyer
You need a lawyer in the jurisdiction where the case is being heard — there is no such thing as an ’international a lawyer for everything’ does not exist.
Spain
Mexico
Turkey
UAE
Serbia
Montenegro
Armenia
Georgia
Cyprus
Canada
Argentina
USA
China
Portugal
Thailand
Chile
