Frequently Asked Questions About Lawyers and Legal Services
We know that when it comes to legal matters, many questions may arise: How much does a lawyer cost? Do I need a lawyer for my case? What documents do I need to provide? Here we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you find answers quickly and easily.
If you don’t see your question here, you can contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you in a confidential manner.
About Legal Advice and Consultation
How much does an appointment with a lawyer cost?
What does a preliminary consultation include?
It generally covers an assessment of your case, initial recommendations, and next steps. If you decide to proceed with our services, part of the preliminary consultation may be applied toward our initial fees.
Can I hire the law firm from another country?
Yes. You can sign up for our services from any country. We work with international partners to facilitate the necessary procedures on a case-by-case basis.
Can I reschedule an appointment I've already made?
If you cancel your face-to-face or online visit within 24 hours of making the appointment, you will be entitled to a refund or to reschedule it again with our team. If you do not do so within the stipulated time, you will lose the right to a refund and you will have to pay again. We invite you to read the payment and refund policies we have on our website.
If I have an emergency outside of business hours, who can I contact?
If you have an emergency outside of business hours, you can email us directly at info@martinezcaballeroabogados.com, providing your full name and a phone number where you can be reached immediately.
What kind of advice can the MC Abogados team provide?
We currently have appointments as follows:
- In person at the office.
- By phone call.
- Via videoconference.
All of them have the same terms and conditions specified regarding cost and estimated duration.
About Costs, Rates, and Fees
What are a lawyer's fees?
The cost depends on the specialty, the complexity of the case, and the stage of the procedure. We can agree on fixed fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of the outcome. We always provide a clear estimate before beginning.
If I have paid for a previous consultation but I have doubts, do I have to pay the amount again for each question I ask?
If the doubts that you have are about the subject dealt with in the consultancy, it is complementary or it is necessary to be able to complete the first consultancy, it is not necessary to pay a new amount.
If I am already an active client of a department within MC Abogados, and I have doubts about other processes, do I have to pay the amount for prior advice?
- If the doubts are related to the process you are actively carrying out, you will not have to pay any fee as prior advice.
- If the doubts are related to other processes that you are not actively carrying out, you will have to pay the amount as prior advice.
Is there free legal aid or a public defender service?
Yes: Free legal aid is available to those who meet income requirements or are in special circumstances. The public defender’s office provides free legal representation to those who need it, although the scope of coverage varies by case.
Do I have to pay multiple times if I have questions after a consultation?
If the questions relate to the same active case, there is generally no additional charge. If it is a different matter, the applicable fee will be charged.
Can I request a refund of the payment of the prior advice if I do not carry out the process with MC Abogados?
The answer is no. If you do not proceed with the case through M&C Abogados, that €60.50 (including VAT) becomes part of the attorneys’ fees and is no longer considered a retainer. Thus, if the case proceeds, this amount will be deducted; if it does not, it will be used to pay the attorneys’ fees.
About Legal Proceedings and Representation
Do I always need a lawyer?
Not all legal matters require a lawyer, but in most judicial or disciplinary proceedings, it is advisable to have one to protect your rights and avoid procedural errors.
What should I do if I receive a court notice?
You should read the deadlines carefully and seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid negative consequences. Ignoring a court document may result in the loss of your rights due to the expiration of deadlines.
What documents should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring everything related to your case: notices, contracts, emails, relevant messages, or any other documents that might help us evaluate your case.
Can you represent me outside of Barcelona or Spain?
Yes: We have a network of partners and legal mechanisms in place to assist with proceedings in other jurisdictions, provided that regulations permit it.
Other Common Questions
What are the hours of operation?
Our office is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m . and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These are standard Spanish business hours, and we offer alternative ways to contact us for emergencies outside these hours.
How many offices does the firm have?
We have our headquarters in Barcelona, with partners that enable us to operate throughout Spain and internationally.
Are there any benefits if I recommend the firm?
You can find out about partnership programs or direct referrals in accordance with the firm’s policies.
Should I request an appointment if I want to leave documentation or collect documentation at the office during business hours?
The answer is yes, you must make an appointment in advance so that you can be attended in the most diligent way possible by our colleagues. If you come without an appointment, you may risk not being seen and/or having to wait 2 or 3 hours before being seen.
Is it possible to have double advice with two experts in different areas of law at MC Abogados?
This is possible as long as advance notice is given prior to the consultation. The two experts you need in the areas you request will be present in the room. In addition, a double fee will be paid for each attorney.
Can I request an appointment for prior advice in person at the offices?
The answer is yes; you can come to our offices in person during business hours and ask the receptionist for an appointment.
What means do I have to communicate with the MC Abogados team?
You can do so primarily by email at info@martinezcaballeroabogados.com
You can do it by landline: +34 936 32 32 36
You can do it by WhatsApp: +34 628 37 90 16
Can I be part of the MC Abogados team?
If you’d like to join the MC Abogados team, please send your resume to info@martinezcaballeroabogados.com
Frequently Asked Questions by Practice Area
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration
Can I apply for residency without a contract?
How do I bring my family here?
What happens if my application is denied?
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Citizenship
Can I apply for residency without a contract?
How do I bring my family here?
What happens if my application is denied?
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Law
What rights do I have if I am arrested?
Do I need a lawyer right from the start?
What happens if I’m charged with a crime?
Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Law
Can I file a claim for wrongful termination?
What happens if I don’t pay my employees?
How is severance pay calculated?
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Nomads
Can I file a claim for wrongful termination?
What happens if I don’t pay my employees?
How is severance pay calculated?
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law
Can I apply for residency without a contract?
How do I bring my family here?
What happens if my application is denied?
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Law
Can I apply for residency without a contract?
How do I bring my family here?
What happens if my application is denied?
Frequently Asked Questions About Administrative Law
What rights do I have if I am arrested?
Do I need a lawyer right from the start?
What happens if I’m charged with a crime?
Frequently Asked Questions About Businesses and Self-Employed Individuals
Can I file a claim for wrongful termination?
What happens if I don’t pay my employees?
How is severance pay calculated?
Frequently Asked Questions About Gender-Based Violence
Can I file a claim for wrongful termination?
What happens if I don’t pay my employees?
How is severance pay calculated?
Hire a lawyer to provide legal advice
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