A dispute over a contract, an outstanding claim or a case of damage? In civil law matters I review your case personally and tell you honestly which options are worth pursuing.
Civil law governs the legal relationships between private individuals and businesses. This includes contracts, claims for payment, damages, and unwinding deals that have gone wrong. As an attorney in Cologne, I have guided clients through disputes of this kind since 2010, explaining every step in plain language. Consultations are available in German, Turkish and English.
Many clients come to me unsure whether a dispute is even worth pursuing, or whether a claim against them is actually valid. That is exactly what I clarify at the outset, before time and money are spent on a case with no real prospects. In many situations a matter can be resolved out of court, but sometimes a lawsuit is unavoidable. I review your documents, assess the legal position and discuss the chances and risks with you openly.
01You may recognise this
A contracting partner refuses to pay an outstanding invoice, even though the work was completed long ago.
You received goods or a service that turned out to be defective, and the other side is blocking your complaint.
You are being asked to pay money and you doubt whether the claim is justified at all.
A private sale, for instance of a car, has led to a dispute over an undisclosed defect.
You have received a payment order (Mahnbescheid) or a lawsuit and do not know how to respond.
02How I support you
Reviewing your claims, or claims raised against you, based on your documents and the applicable law.
Out-of-court correspondence with the other side to reach a resolution without going to court.
Reviewing, drafting and adapting contracts to help you avoid disputes later on.
Asserting and enforcing payment claims, including through the German court payment order procedure (Mahnverfahren).
Representation before the local and regional courts (Amts- und Landgerichte) in and around Cologne, whether you are the claimant or the defendant.
Defending against unjustified claims, payment orders and lawsuits, including checking limitation periods and other defences.
03How we work together
We begin with a personal meeting in which you describe your case and I review your documents. I then assess the legal position and tell you clearly what claims exist and how realistic it is to enforce them. Together we decide on the next steps, often starting with a letter to the other side, and a lawsuit if that becomes necessary. You are kept informed at every stage, you make the decisions, and I carry them out on your behalf.
04What does the advice cost?
Fees are calculated under the German Attorneys' Remuneration Act (RVG) or under an individual fee agreement at an hourly rate of 450 euros. The initial consultation is a paid service costing 249.90 euros for private individuals and 450 euros for businesses. These figures are non-binding guidance; I discuss the exact cost of your case with you transparently in advance.
Civil law governs the legal relationships between private individuals and businesses. This includes, among other things, contracts, buying and selling, damages, outstanding claims, and unwinding failed transactions. Tenancy law, employment law and family law are specialised areas within civil law.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a small claim?
Whether legal help is worthwhile depends on the amount in dispute, the prospects of success and whether you have legal expenses insurance. For smaller amounts, I first check whether an out-of-court letter is enough, which is often cheaper than a court case. During the initial consultation I tell you honestly whether the effort is worth it for you.
What does the initial consultation in civil law cost?
The initial consultation costs 249.90 euros for private individuals and 450 euros for businesses. At this appointment you describe your case to me, I review the legal position, and you receive an initial assessment. I discuss any further costs with you transparently beforehand.
Will my legal expenses insurance cover the costs?
Whether your legal expenses insurance covers the costs depends on your policy and the specific dispute. Many policies cover civil law disputes, often with an excess. I can help you submit a coverage request to your insurer before significant costs are incurred.
How long do I have to assert my claim?
Most civil law claims become time-barred after three years, calculated from the end of the year in which the claim arose and you became aware of it. There are exceptions with shorter or longer limitation periods. Do not wait too long; if in doubt, have the limitation period checked early.
Does a civil dispute always have to end up in court?
No, many civil disputes can be resolved out of court. Often a letter from a lawyer or a settlement is enough to secure payment or reach an agreement. A lawsuit only becomes an option once the other side refuses to cooperate.
What should I do if I receive a payment order (Mahnbescheid)?
Act quickly, because you only have two weeks to object to a payment order. If that deadline passes, the other side can pursue enforcement, even if the claim is unjustified. It is best to have the order reviewed immediately so the deadline is not missed.
Can I return defective goods or get my money back?
If goods are defective, you are often entitled to repair, replacement, a price reduction, or to withdraw from the contract. Which right applies depends on the nature of the defect and the order in which warranty rights must be exercised. I can review which option is best in your specific case.
Do you also offer consultations in Turkish or English?
Yes, I advise on civil law matters in German, Turkish and English. This allows you to describe your matter in the language you feel most comfortable in, which often helps avoid misunderstandings on legal questions.
How does working with you proceed?
After an initial personal meeting, I review your documents and the legal position and discuss the possible next steps with you. You make the decisions, and I carry them out for you, whether out of court or before a judge. I keep you informed of every important development so you always know where your case stands.
