lawyer fees
I have been given a name of a solicitor in Sofia and the charge is 500 Euros to act on my behalf to buy a property in Bansko. Is that the going rate?

fees
Sounds reasonable but you would be wise to do a search on here and get names of the recommended ones from those who have completed. Hope this helps. Bryan Graham

Hi James_Bansko, the fee is not the major issue - you need to choose a 'quality' lawyer - someone who will ensure the purchase goes as smoothly as possible, while keeping you informed on what's going on, and provides advice when faced with difficult situations, etc. There are many lawyers but trying to find a 'good' one is the thing! Even if you choose someone that's recommended, you need to check them out thoroughly. We chose a lawyer who was recommended on this forum and they've turned out to be a poor choice. Finally, some recommendations are not genuine - they're posted by people who are trying to promote their own business. In hindsight, I also think that some people recommend a lawyer in good faith, but in reality, the lawyer has very little to do anyway - ie. the purchase runs so smoothly that very little input is required by the lawyer. Difficult purchases will test a lawyer's competencies - that's the real test! There's lots to consider when choosing a lawyer, so get informed and then choose wisely!

Well said, but difficult to achieve, Corolla. I would agree with you that the best way to go ahead would be to check out peoples experiences on this forum. One guy I would vote for any time is the lawyer Emil Trifonov. He is one of the few who care about the wellbeing of their clients. But I don't even have a clue what he charges. At the end of the day you are on your own. And how can you properly evaluate your potential lawyer from abroad?

http://www.trifonov.info/en/index.html Here is the web address. I'am also unsure of his chargers.. You may get a slight discount if you bring him a nice tie over... as there is no tie rack in bg.. so has to make do with that yellow one still. :D

Thanks for your replies - very helpful. thanks

James, I have just completed and was charged the same rate as you have been quoted. The Lawyer I had was excellent and could certainly teach the UK legal game a few lessons in providing a good service for your money. I know though for a fact she will not be picking up any new business in Bansko for sure (where my apt is) as she told me herself only yesterday. So, although I can't help with a name, I can confirm that you can get a good job done for EUR500. Maybe I was lucky, but it can be done. Rgds Steve

Hi Frank, although I've shown some restraint re offering the legal services of lawyers I'd like to make one clarification and add one remark not related to your post , but maybe useful . 1. I admire the input of Emil Trifonov to this forum and went through his website. Nice. However, one must know that the cradle of the Bulgarian legal education is not the Plovdiv University - its the Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". Comparing a lawyer from both is something like comparing Cambridge law graduate with a Northampton law graduate. I know that a Northampton law graduate may become one day a PM. Many say "quality matters". 2. Some lawyers in Bulgaria market themselves as "law firms" not having the right to do this. A "law firm" or a partnership MUST have at least 2 qualified lawyers . My remarks are just for the record.