Administrative Law

Administrative Law: General

Who is this Service for?

This service is for those who have any general issues or problems that require interaction with local or national government. This is a common issue faced by expats who do not speak the local language to a high-level; and even for those that do, dealing with government bodies can be confusing and daunting

What does this service consist of?

Consultation to understand the issue at hand
Identification of the most efficient and effective process to resolve the issue
Engagement with the local or national governmental departments
Accompaniment with you to appointment(s) and/or attendance on your behalf

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Arrest Warrant Check

Who is this Service for?

Some can be concerned that a previous incident – which often occurred several years ago – may leave them vulnerable to arrest, if travelling to that particular country again. Great distress can follow if an arrest takes place at an airport, causing significant inconvenience and embarrassment if travelling for work or family related reasons.

What does this service consist of?

Initial consultation to determine the specifics of the original incident
Forwarding of a power of attorney for legalisation in your country (if required)
Checking with local courts and/or police authorities to confirm if arrest warrant issued or if matter is lapsed and travel is safe.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Criminal Record Check

Who is this service for?

This service is for anyone who has been resident here in recent years and who needs to obtain a certificate of a clean criminal record, usually for the purposes of taking-up the offer of a job in a restricted sector - either here or in another country.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with a local lawyer to confirm the certificate you require
Application made on your behalf
Certificate is issued and delivered to the address you specify

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Contact Us

Enforcement Foreign Judgment

Who is this service for?

If you have obtained a Court Order or judgement in your favour in your home country but then need to have it enforced in a foreign country, it may be necessary to go through a special procedure in the foreign country to achieve this.

What does this service consist of?

Initial consultation to determine the country and specifics of the original Court judgments
Based on the initial determination, the appropriate process for obtaining enforcements of the judgment in the foreign country will be provided
Full assistance and representation throughout the legal process to enforce the Court judgment in your favour

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Obtain Certificate

Who is this Service for?

Anyone who has moved countries may be required to obtain a certificate from the state that they previously lived in, so that they can successfully complete a legal process, including taking-up employment that requires a clean criminal record certificate or perhaps a certificate of divorce in order to re-marry or a certificate of marriage which can be required for a number of administrative processes.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with the lawyer to obtain the relevant details of the certificate required
Application locally to obtain the certificate
Emission of the certificate and sent to you by courier

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Police Clearance Certificate

Who is this service for?

This service is for anyone who has been resident here in recent years and who needs to obtain a police certificate of a clean criminal record, usually for the purposes of taking-up the offer of a job in a restricted sector - either here or in another country.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with a local lawyer to confirm the certificate you require
Application made on your behalf
Certificate is issued and delivered to the address you specify

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Power of Attorney

Who is this Service for?

A power of attorney is a document which outlines the instructions and extent to which another person may represent the grantor of the power. A typical example is a lasting power of attorney to look after the interests of an elderly relative or a lawyer signing for the purchase or sale of a property abroad or the incorporation of a company.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion to determine your requirements with regard to the power of attorney
Drafting of the power of attorney in English and the local official language
Sending of the power of attorney to your location with instructions for legalisation of the power
Presentation of the power of attorney to the appropriate local body for exercise of the powers conferred by the power of attorney

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Tax Decision Appeals

Who is this Service for?

Failure to look after one’s tax affairs can result in serious charges and potentially huge fines. As always, ignorance is no defence before the law – even if understandable due to language difficulties. The sooner the matter is dealt with by a professional, the better and more likely is the possibility of resolving the issue with the best outcome.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion to determine the specific tax or social security issue at hand
Contact and representations to the tax authority and any other relevant government departments
Accompaniment and representation before tribunals and government departments to effect a successful resolution of the case

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Urban Planning Law

Who is this Service for?

This is a hugely important area of law in any jurisdiction, and often one which raises the greatest number of anomalies and levels of discontent among ordinary members of the public since it regulates one of the most valuable assets that most people will ever own. Over the years many people have come into contact with this area of the law due to planning irregularieties that have rendered homes they have purchased worthless. From a simple home-extension or planning application to the delivery of a motorway or rail network, this area of law deals with the full spectrum of construction and bridges the private-state sector divide.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion to determine your requirements
You will receive an overview of the process and an estimate of costs
Upon agreement to proceed, we will initiate the process on your behalf and represent you - where necessary - before the various local government bodies and/or planning tribunals

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Consumer Protection

Who is this Service for?

Any company operating in the field of financial services for individual consumers must comply with a whole host of consumer protection laws at national and European level. Our experienced lawyers can assist firms on the development of policies to ensure ongoing compliance with existing regulations.

What does this service consist of?

Analysis of the regulatory environment that the client firm operates in resulting in a summary report of the areas that future policy development should be directed towards
Assistance with the drafting of policies specific to the client firm’s industry sector and internal structure
Provision of training as required

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Business Services

Business Licence Application

Who is this Service for?

Opening and operating a business can often require the owner to obtain a license to carry-out the specific activity. Sometimes, this is passed-on to the new owner, if purchasing an existing business, or if not, it may be necessary to make an application. Where the business shall deal with the public, these tend to be quite arcane and complex. Especially if the activity or service to be provided is dangerous in any way, such as certain sporting activities.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with a lawyer to understand the project you have in mind
Preparation of a report on the steps to be taken to initiate the activity and the likely costs involved, including an evaluation of the likelihood of success
Upon agreement, initiation of the application and the steps to obtain the licence
Follow-up services to include full tax and accounting service

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Business Purchase

Who is this Service for?

Both individuals and companies are interested in either making strategic investments in businesses located in other countries or indeed in purchasing them outright. To be able to advise on such investments – ranging from relatively straight forward to highly complex - requires a great deal of experience and ability to carry-out due diligence, understand the impact of tax and accounting rules and corporate law in general, to ensure that your investment is safe and productive.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with a tax lawyer to understand the project you have in mind
The tax lawyer will provide you with a report on the impact of the course of action proposed and options to make the investment as efficient and cost-effective as is possible.
Upon agreement on the specific course of action to take, the tax lawyer will implement and manage the investment

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Business Set-Up

Who is this Service for?

If you have already decided on the type of business you want to run, and where you wish to locate it, then the main decision you will need to make is whether you should set it up as a limited company or as a sole trader.

This can be extremely important as you can save a considerable amount of money depending on which option you choose. Both have benefits and drawbacks.

Self-employed is of course cheaper to set-up and less costly to manage since the reporting requirements are lesser than in the case of limited companies.

On the other hand, limited companies do limit your liability in the case of a claim against your business, which depending on the type of business could be the only reason you need to opt for this type of structure. Otherwise, a limited company is rather more flexible when there are a number of partners or when the company has other, more complex attributes.

What does this service consist of?

Ensure legal interests are protected, especially when creating a company with several partners.
Drawing-up a notarial contract according to your guidelines, properly prepared and tailored to your objectives.
Ensuring that your Articles of Association contain all necessary elements.
Make sure that the application is made in accordance with the requirements of the Commercial Companies Code. With the power of attorney you will have granted to us, on your behalf we will register your company at all Government institutions and offices required by law.
Applying for company tax and identification numbers.
Obtaining all necessary documents, permits and approvals.
Dealing with bank formalities connected with setting up of the company bank account.
Once completed the registration process, we will draw up all other corporate documents required by the Commercial Companies Code.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Limited Company Set-up Service

Who is this Service for?

Depending on the type and size of the business that you are planning to set-up, a limited company can often be the appropriate choice – for the same reasons as are the case in your home country – flexibility and limited liability. Note that the bureaucracy associated with incorporating a company and ensuring tax and reporting compliance tend to be rather more complex than in the UK and other Anglo-Saxon jurisdictions.

What does this service consist of?

Ensure legal interests are protected, especially when creating a company with several partners.
Drawing-up a notarial contract according to your guidelines, properly prepared and tailored to your objectives.
Ensuring that your Articles of Association contain all necessary elements.
Make sure that the application is made in accordance with the requirements of the Commercial Companies Code. With the power of attorney you will have granted to us, on your behalf we will register your company at all Government institutions and offices required by law.
Applying for company tax and identification numbers.
Obtaining all necessary documents, permits and approvals.
Dealing with bank formalities connected with setting up of the company bank account.
Once completed the registration process, we will draw up all other corporate documents required by the Commercial Companies Code.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Self-employed Set-Up Service

Self-Employed Set-Up & Tax Service in Portugal

Your are focused on your business in Portugal which is why you need your tax and accounting matters to be as straightforward, cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Our English-speaking accountants will take care of all registration and day-to-day issues relating to Portuguese tax, social security and accounting matters. Which leaves you with all the time you need to dedicate to your business.

Regulated Experts

Our consultants are registered and regulated by the Professional Accountants Body of Portugal and speak fluent English. Therefore, you can be sure that you will obtain timely answers to any queries you may have, in a language that you understand!

Office Locations Across Portugal

As well as offices in Lisbon, accounting and associated services to English-speaking clients are provided via the Advocate Abroad network of offices in Portugal (red markers on main map below). Each of the lawyers on the map of Portugal below are registered and regulated by the Law Society of Portugal and so we are able to offer a truly nationwide service to English-speakers wherever they wish to set-up their business in Portugal.

Service Features

Our English-speaking consultants will answer your questions about how Portuguese law affects your business and then make sure you comply with all legal requirements relating to legally constituting a business. This will normally require at least some of the following services:

Registration with the AT (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira - Tax Authority) and the Social Security System
Recommendation on the most appropriate fiscal arrangement to ensure taxation levels are optimised
Resolution of tax enquiries related to your professional activity
Completion and presentation of all required tax returns
Maintenance of all legally required records (income, expenses, invoicing,assets)
Updates on any legislative changes affecting your professional activity

Service Fees

This service costs from €60 per calendar month

Additional Services

The Self-Employed Set-Up and Tax Service is ideal for an individual sole trader who is planning to work alone. But, should you later add employees to your expanding business then you will want to add the Fully Managed HR & Payroll Service:

Fully Managed HR & Payroll Service

This service includes the following components:

Initial Set-up according to client's requirements
Production of Employee Payslips (printed at client site)
Management & Payment of Employer & Employee Social Security Contributions
Registration and Removal of Employees from Social Security system

This service costs €25 per month for the first employee and €20 per additional employee.

Regulated Experts

Our consultants are registered and regulated by the Professional Accountants Body of Portugal and speak fluent English. Therefore, you can be sure that you will obtain timely answers to any queries you may have, in a language that you understand!

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Commercial Law

Bankruptcy Law

Who is this Service for?

Unfortunately, every day businesses fail and as dispiriting as this is, it is vitally important to put in place a plan that will mitigate the impact of this situation on the owners, employees, clients and suppliers of the business.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with a specialist lawyer to understand the current situation
Determine if bankruptcy is the only option or if there are other viable alternatives
Presentation of a plan of action, to include restructuring where relevant, outcomes and impacts on all parties, designed to mitigate and ameliorate any potentially negative results
Implementation of the agreed plan of action

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Competition & Antitrust Law

Who is this Service for?

Often the best strategy for a business to consolidate its position in an existing market or if wishing to enter a new market, is to purchase a local competitor. When embarking on this strategy it is of course vital to the success of the venture to ensure that local and European competition rules are adhered to.

What does this service consist of?

Local, experienced English-speaking competition/anti-trust lawyers will begin with an open-ended discuss of the proposed venture
A report will be drafted on the appropriateness of the proposed merger or acquisition with the local company, to review compliance with local and European anti-trust law, including any recommendations.
Follow-up activity including full accounting and tax services and support provided

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Consumer Law & Disputes for Businesses

Who is this Service for?

Conducting a business requires a good knowledge of consumer law and, in particular, of a company’s legal obligations to clients. Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of consumer products need to navigate the global regulatory landscape and to comply with disclosure and reporting obligations, regulatory investigations and product recalls in order to avoid or reduce potential civil and criminal penalties and private litigation.

What does this service consist of?

Review and drafting of B2C General Terms and Conditions
Assisting in setting up an online store
Advising on promotions and marketing
Representation in proceedings in tribunals and Courts of Law

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Franchise Law

Who is this Service for?

This service is designed both for those planning to develop their business into a franchise operation as well as those interested in taking-on a local franchise opportunity and seeking legal advice on the specific offer.

What does this service consist of?

For franchisees, a review of the agreement and overall operation envisaged culminating in a report on any aspects that may need highlighting and ultimately adjustment
For franchisees, contact and negotiation with the franchisor
For franchisors, review of the intellectual property they seek to licence and determination of most suitable local corporate structures and franchise agreements
Negotiations and agreement conclusion with potential franchisees
Manage negotiations and acquisitions of property (if required)

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

General Counsel

Who is this Service for?

Once your business begins to achieve success, you will normally have to deal with a whole host of issues, including but not restricted to: employee matters, relationships and agreements with suppliers, landlords, clients and other interested parties such as government and local authority’s contracts for the development of the business, internal roles and director’s responsibilities and company liabilities etc. At some point, having a go to lawyer who can understand you and provide advice and knowledgeable support can become vital to your future success.

What does this service consist of?

Outsourced general counsel able to provide you with a full range of support and advice in all relevant legal and commercial fields
Access to specialist lawyers in less common legal fields or in areas of accounting and tax services.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Who is this Service for?

When seeking growth through acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures and alliances, receiving strategic advice is crucial. Getting the deal accomplished is dependent on whether a notification to a competition authority is required. Understanding the merger control landscape at the national and EU level is key to successfully structuring transactions so as to minimise the risk of competition law enforcement challenges or private litigation.

What does this service consist of?

Asset Acquisition
Mergers both domestic & cross-border
Take-overs
Notification of the merger to the National Competition Authority or the European Commission

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Contract Law

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Who is this Service for?

For those that are either bound by an arbitration clause in a commercial contract and are therefore, obliged to follow arbitration proceedings instead of court proceedings, or those who wish to resort to out-of-court dispute resolution.

What does this service consist of?

Initial consultation of existing contract in order to determine if the party is bound by arbitration.
Support and representation in the alternative resolution process
For those wishing to draft a contract that incorporates alternative dispute resolution to avoid costly court proceedings, advice and support drafting appropriate guidelines.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Contract Drafting

Who is this Service for?

Contracts are drafted in so many different scenarios that it would be impossible to provide a definitive list. Contracts arise in the most personal of affairs (prenuptial agreements, organ donation), everyday situations (leases for dwellings and commercial offices) and in the most important of matters (purchase of properties and businesses). When living in other countries, local laws can impinge on how a contract may be drafted which makes it even more important for a local lawyer to advise you on how to ensure that your rights are protected.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand the purpose of the contract and your personal objectives
Risk analysis and advice on international contracts
International negotiations and support for building commercial structures
Business contract templates – all kind of contracts including Franchise, Distributorship, Confidentiality, Consultancy, Brokerage, Employment, Partnership, Production, Advertisement, Barter, Importation, Forwarding, Loan, Financial Leasing, Pledge, Guaranty, Settlement, Joint Ventures
Contract design and drafting
Legal advice and representation in Court of Law in case of conflict

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Contract Review & Advice

Who is this Service for?

Before signing an agreement, it can be extremely beneficial to have an experienced lawyer cast an eye over the agreement. Once you sign, there is seldom any way to row-back and so it is highly advisable to have a wise and experienced professional - used to negotiating agreements and representing parties who are in disagreement - on a regular basis, to review the contract before proceeding to sign.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand the purpose of the contract and any specific concerns you may have
A written report following a review of the contract, with recommendations on any changes considered prudent
Follow-up call or meeting after report produced, to deal with any continuing questions.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Contractual Disputes

Who is this Service for?

Both in business and in personal relationships, we undertake to abide by contractual terms all the time. Whether related to the provision of a service by a company, or a private agreement between individuals. Unfortunately, the parties to agreements do not always abide by the terms and as a result the other party to the contract may need to take legal action to protect their interests.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand the details of the contract and the breach
The lawyer will confirm the availability of legal remedies or potential liabilities and present the options
The lawyer will contact the other party formally to begin negotiating an amicable resolution to the matter
Initiate/defend judicial proceedings where an amicable solution is not possible
Representation in judicial proceedings seeking the appropriate remedy (damages, specific performance, restitution or cancellation)

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Non-Disclosure Agreements

Who is this Service for?

Non-disclosure agreements arise in many varied situations such as between employers and employees and companies and consultants, and basically any scenario where privileged information is held by one party that will become known by another party as a result of some type of relationship between the two. Non-disclosure agreements require very careful drafting to ensure that all possible scenarios are considered and provided for.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand the specific objectives of the non-disclosure agreement and any specific concerns you may have
Drafting of the agreement in English and/or local language
Submission by the lawyer for your approval
Attendance with you or on your behalf to sign the contract at a public notary

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Criminal Law

Assault Charges

Who is this Service for?

Being accused with carrying-out an assault can result in a range of offences -from relatively minor charges to the most serious on the country’s statute books. In any case, the presence of an experienced criminal lawyer, who speaks your language, can be absolutely vital in determining the severity of any sentence or indeed receiving an acquittal

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Criminal Damage Charges

Who is this Service for?

A common offence among young people can be the possession of drugs. Such legal convictions can impact later life opportunities and it is important to deal with them with the appropriate level of seriousness. More serious offences involving the production and/or trafficking of prescribed drugs can result in the deprivation of liberty for considerable periods of time in a remote country, without local language abilities. Representation by an experienced criminal defence lawyer is absolutely vital to obtain the best result possible.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Defamation

Who is this Service for?

Depending on the amount of money involved, and the impact on any victims, this offence can attract a wide range of potential sentences, ranging from fines to long terms of imprisonment. A lawyer who can understand you and your role – if any – in the events that you are accused of undertaking is crucial to ensuring the best possible defence.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Drugs Offences

Who is this Service for?

A common offence among young people abroad is to be charged with possession - or the more serious offence of 'trafficking' - of drugs. Such legal convictions can impact later life opportunities and it is important to deal with them with the appropriate level of seriousness. More serious offences involving the production and/or trafficking of prescribed drugs can result in the deprivation of liberty for considerable periods of time in a remote country, without local language abilities. Representation by an experienced criminal defence lawyer is absolutely vital to obtain the best result possible.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Extradition

Who is this Service for?

Anyone may be detained pursuant to a warrant for their arrest issued by another country – most commonly in Europe under the auspices of the European Arrest Warrant. A successful defence can arise where the specific offence does not existing in the country where the individual is detained. Success can therefore require close collaboration between lawyers in both states.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
Development of your defence, including conferring with colleagues in the country seeking extradition, to determine if the offence charged is valid
Assessment of compliance of all regulations to determine if the authorities have complied

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Fraud or Theft Charges

Who is this Service for?

Depending on the amount of money involved, and the impact on any victims, this offence can attract a wide range of potential sentences, ranging from fines to long terms of imprisonment. A lawyer who can understand you and your role – if any – in the events that you are accused of undertaking is crucial to ensuring the best possible defence.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Road Traffic Offences

Who is this Service for?

One of the most common situations for English-speakers abroad is being stopped by the police for some type of infraction of the rules of the road. Such offences range from speeding to death by dangerous driving, so the sentences that can result are equally varied. Most important is having a lawyer who understands you and who will know how to mitigate any sentence that may be levied.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
Preparation of the defence/negotiation with the prosecutors
Representation in court – where required

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Sexual Offences

Who is this Service for?

There are now a wide range of sexual offences on the statute books and the way local courts handle such cases will vary from country to country. Obviously, it is important for anyone facing such charges to have an experienced criminal lawyer defend them and not only that, but a lawyer who can understand them, and explain their situation clearly to them and their legal options going forward.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
Preparation of the defence/negotiation with the prosecutors
Representation in court, if required

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Smuggling Offences

Who is this Service for?

A common offence in Europe is that of smuggling. The authorities are of course more and more keen to police national borders - especially as a result of the recent refugee crisis. Accordingly those who either are not aware of allowances relating to tobacco alcohol, or who flout the rules regardless, or who are in possession of more illicit contraband, will be increasingly subject to stop and search, with predictable results.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
The lawyer will develop a defence strategy based on the facts of the case and the circumstances
Representation in local courts and advice throughout the trial

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Tax Evasion Charges

Who is this Service for?

This is a specialist service aimed at anyone who is the subject of an investigation by the tax authorities for non-payment of due taxes. An experienced, specialist tax lawyer is required to be able to navigate this complex area and to be able to explain the options and consequences to their client.

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to determine the nature of the charges
Preparation of the defence/negotiation with the prosecutors
Representation in court, where required

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Victim Representation

Who is this Service for?

In certain countries victims have a statutory right to be represented in the trial of the person(s) accused of committing a crime against them. In this regard, an English-speaking lawyer can be a great help in liaising with the court and keeping you up-to-date with progress and information regarding the trial.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand your thoughts and concerns about the trial and the aftermath of the crime
Regular updates from the lawyer on the progress of the trial and explanation of the progress
Representation in court, where required

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Data Protection

Who is this Service for?

With the arrival of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, businesses across the world have been forced to scramble to ensure they are compliant. While currently emphasis is being placed on the management of personal data by large multinational tech companies, companies of all sizes are required to comply.

The data of individuals is the subject of the GDPR protection and consequently the impact is felt across an organization who processes their personal details: identifying who is the data controller, how data is obtained and its lawfulness of processing, technical and organizational measures to be taken in order to ensure data security, the DPO role within a company, how to manage a right request from the data subject, how to protect the confidential data managed by a processor, data protection impact assessment, how long data records can be retained, identifying special categories of data, etc.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with an English-speaking lawyer specialising in Data Protection to understand the scope of your business and likely measures that you will need to implement to ensure compliance
A report detailing policies that will need to be implemented to ensure compliance
Assistance with implementation including drafting of policy documents, employee training and 3^rd party contracts.
Ad hoc advice

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Employment (Labour) Law

Employment Contracts

Who is this Service for?

For those businesses who do not have the benefit of an internal legal or HR department, it is necessary to have an expert draft effective contracts of employment ideal for the nature of your business and your individual circumstances.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking employment lawyer to understand the nature of your business and employee relationships
Drafting of proposed contracts and presentation
Follow-up meeting to discuss any additional questions or concerns the employer may have before finalising the contracts
The lawyer will normally offer a discount for multiple contracts

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Employment Law Consultation

Who is this Service for?

Both employers and employees can sometimes require expert advice on their legal position following an incident in the labour relationship between the two parties. Labour law traditionally has an enormous number of rules and regulations and requires a lawyer who specialises in the area and who is up-to-date with any recent developments in legislation and jurisprudence.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand the nature of the dispute
The lawyer will provide expert advice and recommended next steps to take, depending on the circumstances as presented
As required, negotiation with the other party
As required, representation in employment tribunals.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Employment Tribunal Representation

Who is this Service for?

When it is impossible for an employer and employee - who are parties to an internal employment dispute - to reach agreement, generally the next step is to have the matter heard before an employment tribunal. This of course requires the assistance of experienced local lawyers who can protect and defend your interests. The ability to speak your language is of course crucial to following developments at the tribunal and ensures that you understand how you are being represented.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking employment lawyer to understand the nature the nature of the dispute
Advice on recommended strategy
Following formal instructions, representation before the local employment tribunal

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

English Law for Expats

English Law: Estate Planning for Expats

Who is this Service for?

Even if you are an expat living outside the UK your estate may still be subject to inheritance tax in the UK if you are deemed to have UK domicile status or your assets in the UK are above the inheritance tax threshold (currently £325,000). Inheritance tax is charged at 40% of the value of assets above the nil-rate threshold and after any applicable reliefs have been applied. If you are also liable to inheritance or death taxes in your country of residence proper planning will ensure you are not taxed twice and that your family can avoid being tied up in probate for months if not years.

What does this service consist of?

A solicitor registered with the Law Society of England & Wales will discuss your requirements with you and provide you with a report on the best options to manage your estate, including:
A tax efficient Will
Make outright gifts
Set up a trust, foundation or family holding company
Insurance

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

English Probate Law Consultation

Who is this Service for?

If you are from the UK, but living in a foreign country, it can at times be necessary – or simply very beneficial – to obtain a Certificate of Law from a UK solicitor. Situations where this can arise include processing an inheritance where you may need to demonstrate the law of intestacy of your home country. This will normally be achieved with a Certificate of Law from a practising solicitor in the UK who can certify the law as it applies to your circumstances, for use by the local officials to process the inheritance and transfer the estate of the deceased to the appropriate beneficiaries.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with a solicitor to understand your particular requirements and assess the next steps.
Prepare the Certificate of Law according to the specific circumstances
Translation of the Certificate of Law, by Official Translator where required by law
Presentation of the Certificate of Law in the proceedings

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Family Law

Child Support Agreement Adjustment

Who is this Service for?

Following a split between the parents of a child, whether by divorce or not, an agreement must be drafted to detail any financial responsibilities held by the non-custodial parent. Since the circumstances of the non-custodial parent may change over time, it is possible to petition the court to have any previously agreed to financial arrangements amended.

What does this service consist of?

Review of the original child maintenance or alimony agreement by a lawyer specialised in the field
Discussion on legal options to enforce or vary the terms of the agreement
Negotiation with the other party
Initiation of legal proceedings where necessary and and representation throughout

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Divorce

Who is this Service for?

For anyone who wishes to initiate, or who needs to respond to, divorce proceedings or other family law proceedings including separation and annulment.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with a specialist lawyer to understand the current position and options for next steps
If initiating divorce proceedings, possibility to refer case to an Advocate Abroad solicitor registered by the Law Societies in the UK to provide consultation on whether divorce proceedings may take place in the UK
If proceedings in UK not possible or desired, filing of the divorce petition to the local Courts or formal legal response if responding to a petition for divorce in the local Courts
Certificate of English law arranged if applying English-law to the foreign divorce proceedings
Negotiation of all terms of the divorce settlement
Drafting/Review of the divorce agreement
Division and distribution of Matrimonial Assets

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Family Law Consultation

Who is this Service for?

Today there are many variations of the old ‘marriage’ concept – many people live together and have a family without ever formalising the arrangement. Some couples prefer a civil union and in some places this is only available to same-sex couples. The old certainties have long since disappeared and this can lead to a level of confusion regarding rights and obligations to partners and any children born as a result of the union.

What does this service consist of?

An Initial discussion with a specialist lawyer to understand the current position
Based on the initial information the lawyer will detail your rights and obligations given the circumstances
The lawyer shall provide you with your best legal options in the situation

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Modification of Family Law Court Orders

Who is this Service for?

An order may be made by a family law court to alter the living arrangements of a family, such as conferring the custody of the children on one or other parent, or indeed any other such order as it considers necessary to protect the interests of the children. Either of the parents may wish to challenge this ruling – either at the time the Court Order is made or later, upon a change in circumstances of any or all of the parties involved.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking family lawyer to discuss the particular circumstances of your case, including a review of the initial Court Order
Determination of your legal rights and those of the children as well as the legal options that you have to formally request a modification of the original Court Order
Presentation of the formal request and representation in Court to pursue the modification of the original Court Order.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Parental Child Abduction

Who is this Service for?

This is a crime relating to the removal of a child or children by one parent from their current country of residence, to another country, without the approval or consent of the other parent. In such cases time is very much of the essence and it is critical that the authorities are notified if a child is believed to have been removed from the jurisdiction by one of the parents.

What does this service consist of?

Contact one of our specialised lawyers who in turn will notify the corresponding authorities in the Country where the child is currently located
Arrange all required documentation in order to begin legal proceedings as soon as possible
Initiation of legal proceedings to obtain a Court Order stating that the child has been abducted and for the child's safe return.
Continued representation throughout and contact with the relevant authorities through to successful repatriation of the child.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Prenuptial Agreements

Who is this Service for?

With the modern tendency to get married later in life or indeed to marry more than once, individuals are nowadays more likely to want to protect any inherited and/or acquired wealth to ensure that it is received by their children, for example. The laws relating to enforceability of pre-nuptial agreements vary from state to state and anyone concerned about their vulnerability to losing substantial amounts of acquired wealth, should be resolved in advance by speaking with a lawyer specialised in the field.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an experienced English-speaking lawyer to understand your particular circumstances and concerns
Written and/or verbal report on the law as it applies to you and your unique situation as well as recommended actions
Drafting of a suitable prenuptial agreement, and upon acceptance by all parties, formalising of the agreement at a local notary public’s office

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Recognition of Foreign Divorces

Who is this Service for?

If you have divorced in another country, and plan to remarry in your new country of residence, you will need to have that divorce recognised and inscribed in the civil registry of your new country of residence. If the divorce took place in an EU state, a simple process is followed, however in the case of divorces outside the EU, a more complex process is required

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with an English-speaking lawyer, specialised in this area of the law, to determine which process is required in your case
Depending on the outcome of the initial discussion, your lawyer will guide you on the process to be followed, timeframe and costs involved.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Restraining Orders

Who is this Service for?

Domestic violence can be especially difficult when it occurs in a foreign country since the victim may not have the support of extended family or understand the system of state support due to language difficulties. A consultation with an English-speaking family lawyer will provide immediate information and peace of mind as well as beginning the process of resolving the problem.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with an English-speaking lawyer, specialised in this area of the law, so that they lawyer is able to understand your current situation and provide you with information on your options
Making an application for a restraining order as well as any other order that may be required in the circumstances.
Ongoing representation in future proceedings such as separation, divorce, including resolution of child maintenance/visitation obligations/rights.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Insurance Law

General Insurance Claims

Who is this Service for?

As soon as anyone makes a substantial claim against an insurance company, they realise that insurance companies do tend to make life difficult for claimants and sometimes reject a claim for the most spurious of reasons. Rather than just accept that, you can pursue the matter with a specialist lawyer who can take on the claim, initially by negotiating with the insurance company and later via legal proceedings, as required.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with a solicitor to understand your particular circumstances and assess the next steps.
Undertake negotiations with the insurance company
Initiate legal proceedings if negotiations do not yield sufficient progress

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Product Liability

Who is this Service for?

Product liability may arise when a customer suffers loss or damage as a result of a defective product. The problem occurs thousands of times each year across Europe and the wider world and it is imperative to obtain a successful ruling to avoid the possibility of severe financial consequences.

What does this service consist of?

An Initial assessment of the circumstances of the case by a specialist English-speaking lawyer
A report to outline whether an action for damages would be valid and where the liability would lie (manufacturer, distributor, vendor)
Negotiation with the legal representatives of the party that has allegedly suffered damage or loss as a result of a defective product
Representation in any legal proceedings or alternative dispute resolution processes

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Professional Liability Claims

Who is this Service for?

In general a claim may arise where loss, damage or injury has been suffered as a result of an action – or failure to act – by a professional providing a service to the person who has suffered the loss, damage or injury.

What does this service consist of?

Initial assessment by a specialist lawyer of the circumstances of the case to determine if an action for damages may be taken
Undertake negotiations with the negligent party and/or their legal representatives
Agree an amicable resolution with the payment of damages or initiate legal proceedings

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Miscellaneous Services

Car Registration

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Serve Papers

Who is this service for?

Serving court papers on an individual abroad can be a problem since in many countries local legal professionals will rely on their own country's procedures. It most likely is not something that they will have experience of carrying-out, nor would they even consider it to be within their area of expertise.

At Advocate Abroad you can find a local professional to carry-out this procedure, according to the stipulations of the judicial system in your home country

What does this service consist of?

Discussion with a local expert to explain the requirements of the papers serving
Agreement on costs and timeframe
The local expert carries-out the serving of the court papers to the individual according to the manner prescribed by the judicial system of your home country

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Verify Identity

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Probate Law

Contested Will

Who is this Service for?

Contesting a Will can be fraught with difficulty - not to mention emotion - given that an individual may likely be asserting a right to inherit against another family member. The ability to contest a Will depends very much on the circumstances of the case and the applicable law.

This becomes more complex once again when considered in an international context. There may be conflicting jurisprudence as to which laws apply, nevermind what those laws actually state. Often the grounds for varying a Will would relate to undue influence on the intestator by a beneficiary named in the Will though in European jurisdictions, a child of the deceased may have a right to a portion of the estate in a system known as forced heirs, and any failure to inherit the minimum portion assigned by law, could give rise to a right to contest the Will.

What does this service consist of?

Initial consultation with a specialist lawyer to determine your rights under national and/or international law to contest a Will
Communication with other interested parties and relevant authorities on your behalf to have the terms of the Will changed
Representation in legal proceedings where required to ensure a variation of the terms of the Will and the registration of rightful interests in the estate

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Inheritance

Who is this Service for?

For those who need to arrange for an estate abroad to be transferred to beneficiaries under a Will or via intestacy

What does this service consist of?

Assistance obtaining a legalised copy of the death certificate.
Arrange a legal copy of any existing will.
Verification of the existence of any life insurance policies.
Power of Attorney to avoid excessive travel costs
Inheritance Acceptance Deed drawn-up with the public notary.
Payment of Inheritance Tax at the office.
New titles in the inherited assets are inscribed in the relevant registry
Simultaneous sale or disposal of assets if required (please request quotation).

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Will Drafting Service

Who is this Service for?

For anyone who wishes to control the manner in which their estate is distributed under their own laws rather than the laws of the State where their assets are located.

What does this service consist of?

Obtain the details of the assets comprising the estate and instructions on how the estate should be distributed
The Will is drafted in both English and local language to ensure conformity with clients’ intentions
The Will is drawn-up in the office of a conveniently located public notary.
Attendance at the signing of the Will
Handover of an official copy of the Last Will and Testament

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Property Law

Commercial Lettings

Who is this Service for?

Many of our clients need to establish premises in order to do business – this can by either a store, for retail operations or an office for other types of business. In either case we can help you to organise the relevant real estate professionals as well as the legal aspects of such operations including lease review.

What does this service consist of?

Information on appropriate locations for business location locally
Assistance to enlist appropriate real estate agencies.
Attendance with clients to viewings of premises
Review of the Tenancy Agreement and signature.
Help with utility companies.
Assistance with Temporary or Permanent Residence application, where required
Full Accounting, Tax & HR Service available

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Eviction Proceedings

Who is this Service for?

If you own a property abroad that you rent long-term to a tenant who has breached the terms of the lease either through failing to pay the specified rent, within the specified timeframe, or by breach of some other term of the lease, you may be entitled to initiate legal proceedings to recover vacant possession of the property.

What does this service consist of?

Primary focus is placed on efforts to get a satisfactory solution without resorting to judicial proceedings
Initial Contact by telephone/email/formal legal letter with tenants/occupiers to attempt to arrange fast and orderly exit from the property
If unsuccessful, initiate judicial proceedings to obtain vacant possession of property
Option to also pursue tenant for outstanding rent and any other unpaid bills (note in some jurisdictions this carries additional legal costs with a potentially low success rate due to the tenant’s circumstances, so better to offer as an option to keep costs down).

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Forced Property Sale

Who is this Service for?

A common problem faced by separating couples is, what to do with the foreign holiday home. Sometimes the couple decide to put the property in the name of one, while the other takes an equivalent property elsewhere. On other occasions, agreement is not possible, and one co-owner wishes to divest themselves of an asset that they maybe they no longer use. However, without the agreement of their co-owner, this is complex. A forced sale is possible, but expensive.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with an English-speaking lawyer specialising in property law to determine the co-owners specific situation and advice on the options available
Attempt negotiation with the other co-owner to try to reach an agreement to sell the property, it being in everyone’s financial interest
Upon failure to reach agreement, legal proceedings can be initiated to obtain a Court Order to force a sale of the property at public auction
A public auction is to be avoided as a very low bid can potentially take the property – potentially by the other co-owner - which is why we recommend that your lawyer attends the auction on your behalf to monitor the auction.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Landlord-Tenant Dispute

Who is this Service for?

Given the central importance of maintaining a roof over one’s head, it is hardly surprising that it gives rise to one of the most common reasons for resorting to legal advice. While it can surely be claimed that tenants are typically at a disadvantage in the negotiations, at times landlords suffer and are left out of pocket due to activities of their tenants.

What does this service consist of?

Initial assessment by an English-speaking lawyer specialised in property law
Review of any lease agreement
Proposals on best, low-cost course of action to achieve the most advantageous result
Formal communications with the other party in an effort to reach a solution
Ultimate resort to legal proceedings if no other resolution possible.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Lease Review

Who is this Service for?

This is a service that is aimed at both tenants and landlords, since both parties can benefit tremendously from a review of the contract that will regulate their relationship and any disputes for a reasonable period of time. For the landlord it can be an important source of income and for the tenant, it is the very roof over their head.

What does this service consist of?

Initial discussion with an English-speaking lawyer specialised in property law to understand the nature of the planned lease
Drafting of the agreement in English & Spanish
Follow-up questions relating to the agreement and assistance with signing of the agreement.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Mortgage Disputes

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Property Purchase

Who is this Service for?

Buying property abroad is a very popular activity but can be fraught with dangers. Given that the purchase of a property is one of the most important investments that most people will make in their lifetime, it is crucial to be advised by an independent expert.

What does this service consist of?

Review of the purchase contract.
Management of negotiations and counter-offers.
Verification that the seller is able to pass good title.
Registry search to ensure property free of any charges or other mortgages.
Ensure outstanding taxes on the property are up-to-date before transfer.
Make sure that all items included in the sale (fixtures and fittings etc.).
Attendance and assistance when signing the deeds of the property.
Management of negotiations and counter-offers
In depth information about schools, sports clubs, shops, cultural organisations, etc.
Payment of stamp duty.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Property Sale

Who is this service for?

Selling property abroad may initially appear to be a safe process, however it is important to ensure that you obtain the full proceeds you are due and that you are not ignoring any continuing liabilities that could cause problems in the future

What does this service consist of?

Drafting of a pre-purchase contract to Protect the Sale
Review of the title deeds to ensure that all documentation is in order
Communication with the legal representatives of the buyer
Attendance at the office of the notary for the signing
Liaison with the Notary to ensure all necessary information is conveyed
Ensure payment of purchase monies to your nominated account
Manage the payment and reclaim of any taxes upon a successful sale

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Property Title Transfer

Who is this Service for?

For those who wish to terminate a co-ownership – either as a result of the termination of a personal relationship or the end of a commercial buy-to-let business partnership, the ownership of a property must be dealt with carefully to ensure that no inadvertent costs are incurred. Usually if the reason for the need to transfer the title of a property is a result of a divorce, then following the appropriate procedure, this can be achieved without attracting taxation and other costs. This may not be the case where an unmarried couple separate, or in the case of the termination of a commercial partnership

What does this service consist of?

Initial analysis of the specific circumstances of the ownership and the relationship between the co-owners
Arrange any documentation required, including foreign divorce agreements
Prepare the property deeds for the transfer of the title
Attend the transfer of the title in the public notary, on behalf of or together with the co-owners
Ensure any taxes or charges are paid and the new title is registered with the land registry.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Rental Deposit Return

Who is this Service for?

Unfortunately an all too common occurrence in Mediterranean countries is for unscrupulous landlords to refuse to return a deposit paid by a tenant in good faith, for some spurious reason relating to supposed damages caused to the property during the tenancy.

What does this service consist of?

Analysis of the circumstances of the non-repayment of the deposit money
Review of the lease agreement
Communication with the landlord to attempt to persuade them to return the deposit
If not possible to convince the landlord to return the deposit, the only remaining remedy is to initiate legal proceedings against the landlord

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Residential Lettings

Who is this Service for?

Renting a property abroad can be rather more complex than the same operation in your home country since the local laws will be different and, often, as a result of language difficulties, it becomes necessary to rely on strangers who may – or may not – have your best interests at heart. A lease is a contract that creates long term obligations and so should be reviewed by an expert before considering entering into them.

What does this service consist of?

Providing assistance to either landlord or tenant
Information on appropriate locations for residential locations locally
Assistance to enlist appropriate real estate agencies.
Review of the Tenancy Agreement and signature.
Assist with changeover of utility companies

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Timeshare

Who is this Service for?

All too often, timeshare companies fail to comply with the national regulations regarding the information they must provide clients nor include the terms and conditions in the contract for the purchase of the timeshare that are required by law. Clients are often entitled to remedies under the law including termination of the agreement and/or a return of a substantial amount of money.

What does this service consist of?

Initial assessment by an English-speaking lawyer specialised in the field of property law to understand what claim, if any, may be made against the timeshare company
Discussion to explain the various remedies that may be open to you and the relative benefits of each one
Contact and negotiation with the Timeshare company on your behalf
Agreement and conclusion, or if not possible, initiation of legal proceedings against the Timeshare company

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Transport & Maritime Law

Airline Compensation Claims

Who is this Service for?

You are covered by EU Passenger rights – and subsequently have a right to receive compensation - if your flight is internal to the EU, lands in the EU and is an EU airline, or departs the EU on either an EU or non-EU airline. Compensation is available for cancelled or delayed flights (over 3 hours), denied boarding, over-booking and lost luggage.

What does this service consist of?

An experienced lawyer English-speaking lawyer, specialising in such claims will take details of your complaint and advise on compensation
The lawyer will obtain all of the relevant information and documentation to submit the claim, negotiating with the airline
If the airline fails to make an appropriate offer, legal proceedings will be initiated.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Maritime Law

Who is this Service for?

Our firm offers a full range of legal services to ship owners, charterers, ship managers and ship financing institutions.

What does this service consist of?

Advice and assistance with the sale and purchase of vessels
Registration
Certificate Renewals
Registration of Mortgages
Advice on advantages of double tax treaties
Taxation of vessels under the tonnage tax system (TTS) for ship owners
Tax Audits regarding VAT and Immatriculation Tax

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Seizure of Goods

Who is this Service for?

Companies transporting goods across Europe can find themselves in difficulties if their lorry is stopped and impounded for an alleged infraction. This can occur simply when crossing a bridge over the weight limit or some other infraction. Of course, speed is of the essence in order to get the goods back on the road and delivered as soon as possible.

What does this service consist of?

An experienced lawyer English-speaking lawyer, will speak to the local transport Police on your behalf to understand the infraction and the options for getting the transport back on the road
The lawyer will visit the police station to arrange for the release of the driver and transport
Representation of the company and/or driver before the local courts.

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Visas & Immigration Law

Immigration

Who is this Service for?

Those who have chosen to settle in a foreign country must go through a series of legal procedures beginning with application for a Visa (in non-EU citizen) through to arranging local ID and registration for various services (for all citizens). A lot of time and money can be wasted on not knowing what you are supposed to do, and relying on information about processes that may no longer be valid, since immigration is quite notorious for changing rules and procedures. Having a local expert who speaks the language and has great experience of dealing with the immigration authorities will greatly reduce the stress and hassle involved

What does this service consist of?

Provision of up-to-date advice and support with making the Visa application
Managing all local procedures required to be carried-out by those settling in a country following the formal immigration process, including:
- Arranging ID cards/numbers for EU Citizens
- Community Family Card for non-EU family members,
- Registration with local authorities and health services
Referral to other services provided by Advocate Abroad such as legal support with residential and commercial lettings, estate agent partners to assist with location of suitable places to live and do business

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Immigration Service

Who is this Service for?

The Golden Visa programme is a popular way for wealthy individuals to obtain residency rights in Western Europe. However, applications fail because they are unable to provide the detailed information that the local authorities demand to receive before granting approval.

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with lawyers highly experienced in making successful applications for a Golden Visa
A business plan or application for visa by property purchase is prepared, and all other documents required for a successful application are assembled under the guidance of your lawyer
Your lawyer makes the application to the appropriate governmental bodies, on your behalf, in the correct time-frame
You will be informed of the success of the application

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Immigration-Business

Who is this Service for?

Business opportunities often require travel to foreign countries, and so it can become necessary to request a Visa to visit a country, in order to carry-out a business. A visa may be obtained to visit various Schengen countries, though should be applied for in the principal destination

What does this service consist of?

An initial discussion with lawyers highly experienced in making successful applications for a Visa based on investment
A business plan is prepared, and all other documents required for a successful application are assembled under the guidance of your lawyer
Your lawyer makes the application to the appropriate governmental bodies, on your behalf, in the correct time-frame
You will be informed of the success of the application
Referral to other services provided by Advocate Abroad such as legal support with residential and commercial lettings, estate agent partners to assist with location of suitable places to live and do business

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Residency Certificate in Spain

Who is this service for?

This service is for anyone who is a citizen of the EU who is planning to move to another EU country for a period of longer than 3 months. Local legislation requires that anyone who relocates to another EU country must go through local procedures to become locally and legally resident. The applicant should normally:

Be employed by a company; or
Be self-employed; or
Have sufficient economic resources to live without working, or
Be a student enrolled in a local institution of study. or
Be related to a person who fulfils any of the above criteria

What does this service consist of?

Advice and assistance to ensure the applicant has the required documentation and information (according to the basis upon which the application is made - see options above)
Complete the application request on your behalf
Accompany the applicant or appear on behalf of the appplicant before the relevant government offices to process the application
Arrange for payment of administrative fee
Obtain the Certificate of Residency on your behalf

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

Visa Denial Appeals

Who is this Service for?

It is quite common for a Visa application to be turned down by a Country’s Consulate office. If this occurs, it will be necessary to appeal this outcome within a set time-frame – often 30 days – through the appropriate Courts in the capital of the country that has denied the Visa application. Such appeals should be made by experienced immigration lawyers to ensure the best possibility of success.

What does this service consist of?

Provision of up-to-date advice and support with making the Visa appeal
Assistance with assembling all required documentation and information to make an appeal
Representation in the local Court seized of this matter
You will be informed of the success of the appeal

Code of Reasonable Fees

Our clients can expect to receive a quotation that is at or below the recommended guideline prices by our local Professional Body.

Free Support Services Included

When combined with the free and innovative Advocate Abroad support services you can be sure that you are obtaining completely transparent legal services from registered and regulated English-speaking lawyers abroad.These support services include:

Verification of the regulatory status of your lawyer.
Fees as recommended by the Local Professional Body
Fees specified in advance and legally guaranteed.
Service levels agreed in advance and guaranteed.
All professionals must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Professionals' proficiency in English monitored.
Continuous quality controls and reviews.

English-Speaking Lawyers in Italy

Our services

Administrative Law

Administrative Law: General

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Arrest Warrant Check

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Criminal Record Check

Who is this service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Enforcement Foreign Judgment

Who is this service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Obtain Certificate

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Police Clearance Certificate

Who is this service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Power of Attorney

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Tax Decision Appeals

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Urban Planning Law

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Consumer Protection

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Business Services

Business Licence Application

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Business Purchase

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Business Set-Up

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Limited Company Set-up Service

Who is this Service for?

What does this service consist of?

Code of Reasonable Fees

Free Support Services Included

Self-employed Set-Up Service

Self-Employed Set-Up & Tax Service in Portugal

Regulated Experts

Office Locations Across Portugal

Service Features

Service Fees