English-Speaking Lawyers In Portugal: Explained
Navigating legal waters in a new country can be daunting, especially if you’re not fluent in the local language.
In Portugal, a country known for its welcoming attitude towards expats and its complex legal system, finding an English-speaking lawyer is akin to discovering a lighthouse in a stormy sea.
This guide aims to illuminate the process, offering peace of mind to English-speaking expats and visitors who find themselves in need of legal assistance.
Let’s dive in!
What To Consider When Choosing A Portuguese Lawyer?
It is important to select the best Portuguese lawyer (Advogados). It is strongly advised that you use an independent Portuguese lawyer with experience guiding international clients on property purchases in Portugal.
Your Portuguese attorney should:
- Be English-speaking: Unless you are fluent in Portuguese, you will require the services of an English-speaking lawyer.
You should be satisfied that they will fully comprehend any questions you have about the purchase and will be able to thoroughly answer these questions in a way that you understand.
- Be independent: This means they have no connection to the estate agent, seller, or developer. As a result, they will operate only in your best interests, not for the benefit of the seller or selling agent.
You should hire your own legal rather than relying on a suggestion from an estate agent or an in-house counsel.
- Be registered: You should make certain that your Portuguese lawyer is officially registered with the local bar association (Ordem dos Advogados).
Your lawyer will be able to give you their registration information so that you may verify it.
- Be insured: You should ensure that they have appropriate professional indemnity insurance to cover you in the event that their advice causes complications.
How Do One Choose An Appropriate Lawyer?
Here are some points to consider:
- Level of Comfort – Do you feel at ease interacting with the lawyer? Is the lawyer understanding and interested in resolving your issue?
- Credentials – For how long has the lawyer been in practice? Has the attorney handled any other cases similar to this one?
- Cost – Are the lawyer’s costs structured on an hourly or flat fee basis? Can the lawyer provide an estimate of the cost of your case? You can then decide whether or not you like the lawyer and whether or not you want to pursue your case further.
- City – Is the lawyer’s office close to you? Is it practical? Do they offer services over the phone or online? Virtual legal services are growing more popular.
Judicare
Judicare has been working with Portugal and Portuguese law for many years and is therefore well knowledgeable in how the legal system operates, particularly with regard to difficulties that British citizens, for example, may require assistance with.
It has a proven track record of successfully aiding customers with legal matters.
The English-speaking Portuguese lawyers can help you with a wide range of legal matters involving Portuguese law. Among these include, but are not limited to:
- Buying property in Portugal
- Property for sale in Portugal
- Inheriting property in Portugal
- Making a Will in Portugal
- Recovering off-plan property investments
- Debt recovery in Portugal
- Timeshares in Portugal
- Setting up a small business in Portugal
- Finding a mortgage broker for Portuguese property
- Portuguese visa applications
How Does Judicare Help In Visa Applications?
Judicare assists with various visa applications for those looking to live and work in Portugal.
A brief overview of the Portuguese legal system: The legal system in Portugal is codified and is based on principles comparable to those found in Spain, Italy, and France.
In fact, Portuguese law is founded on the Roman and French legal systems, but it also draws on German law. Because Portugal is a member of the EU, EU legislation has a strong influence.
The Portuguese legal system consists of a constitution and a collection of codified laws such as the Civil Code, Penal Code, Commercial Code, and so on.
The Portuguese legal system has influenced other countries having a long history with Portugal, such as Brazil and Cape Verde.
- “Advogados” is the Portuguese word for lawyers.
- In Portugal, the majority of lawyers are sole practitioners who work as a team.
- Advogados must be members of the Ordem dos Advogados, the Portuguese Bar Association.
- After passing your degree and tests, you are qualified as an Advogado in Portugal. In the United Kingdom, after completing your degree and a postgraduate exam, you must train as a lawyer at a legal firm for two years before becoming fully qualified.
Why Should You Hire Judicare’s Portuguese Lawyers?
Lawyers in Portugal who speak English: The Judicare team of Portuguese lawyers is bilingual in English and Portuguese.
As a result, they can ensure that no detail is overlooked in any contracts, other crucial documents, or talks, while also advising you in clear English and without superfluous legal language.
Solicitors are regulated in the United Kingdom: The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) handles them as a UK-based company of solicitors. As a result, you can be confident that they adhere to the highest legal and professional standards.
- The lawyers have a complete understanding and knowledge of Portuguese law and UK law
- AIPP membership
- Expertise with extensive experience
- Legal counsel that is truly independent
Lemos Dekker
When dealing with legal issues in another country, you would like to be aided in your native language. Lemos Dekker can provide assistance in English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Lemos Dekker Lawyers focuses on European and international civil law. They are particularly useful in general civil law, family law, inheritance law, and estate duties. You can also contact them for tenancy, real estate, and tax law issues.
International Law: When it comes to family matters, real estate, inheritance, or taxes, living and working abroad involves dealing with international or European law.
International law specifies which legal system in which country applies and which courts have jurisdiction over the matter. International law also governs how various countries recognize judicial decisions.
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My Lawyer Abroad
My Lawyer Abroad is a worldwide network of independent lawyers in many countries who serve comparable industries, have the same standards and can provide multi-country or cross-border services to international clients.
The network’s members have banded together to provide professional services of the highest caliber.
International markets, multiculturalism, multinational corporations, cross-national interests, migration, international marriages/divorces, international taxation, and so on are all part of a rising reality that lawyers all over the world must adapt to.
Being an international lawyer is much more challenging than being a lawyer in the first place. International advising is particularly challenging because of the abilities necessary, knowledge, and different languages.
They can aid you in locating an English-speaking lawyer to assist you with your legal difficulties in various locations of the country.
The Network provides legal services throughout Portugal, and we have qualified professionals in various regions such as:
English-speaking lawyers in Lisbon and Porto, with plans to expand to Braga, Amadora, Coimbra, Monsanto, and Loures in the near future.
Their Lawyers in Portugal network includes over 30 lawyers and other associated experts and offers a wide range of legal services, including:
- Permits to Work and Reside in Portugal
- Inheritance Services in Portugal
- Real Estate Purchases and Sales in Portugal
- Commercial and Residential Lettings in Portugal
- International Trade and Business
- Debt Collection and Recovery
- Business establishment, assistance, and investment in Portugal
- Contract Drafting and Dispute Resolution
- Corporate Governance
- International Litigation
- Employment Law in Portugal
How Much Does A Lawyer In Portugal Cost?
On average, most lawyers’ basic fees for a property purchase are between 1-2% of the purchase price. However, there is frequently a minimum payment of (€1,000-1,500). This can vary based on the firm’s experience, the property you wish to acquire, and the location in which it is located.
If you need a Power of Attorney or assistance obtaining a Fiscal number, the cost will be significantly more.
It is essential to consider the purchase taxes, land registry costs, and notary expenses, which will be in addition to the lawyers’ fees. It is often recommended to add 10-12% to the purchase price to account for these extra charges.
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Conclusion:
With the right English-speaking lawyer by your side in Portugal, the legalities that once seemed as intricate as Portuguese tile patterns can become clear and manageable.
Whether you’re dealing with property transactions, navigating immigration rules, or require legal counsel for business matters, the assurance of having a legal professional who speaks your language is invaluable.
This guide has aimed to bridge the gap between you and the legal support you need in Portugal. Here’s to smooth sailing through your legal endeavors with confidence and clarity.
Boa sorte (Good luck)!
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