FDP Introduces the “Legal Costs Amendment Act 2025”
Berlin, December 19, 2024: The Free Democratic Party (FDP) has submitted the “Legal Costs Amendment Act 2025” to the Bundestag. The bill aims to modernize and simplify the German Legal Costs Act (RVG) and reduce the financial burden on litigants.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Legal Costs Amendment Act 2025 includes several key provisions:
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Introduction of a flat-rate fee system for certain cases: For simple and routine cases, such as divorces or traffic accidents, a flat-rate fee would be introduced. This would provide greater predictability and transparency for litigants.
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Reduction of court filing fees: Court filing fees would be reduced to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access the courts.
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Simplification of fee schedules: The complex and confusing fee schedules in the current RVG would be simplified, making it easier for lawyers and litigants to calculate fees.
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Expansion of legal aid eligibility: The bill would expand eligibility for legal aid to include individuals and families with lower incomes.
FDP’s Rationale
The FDP believes that the Legal Costs Amendment Act 2025 is necessary to make the German legal system more accessible and affordable.
“We want to make it easier for people to enforce their rights and defend themselves in court,” said FDP legal policy spokesman Stephan Thomae. “The current legal costs system is too complex and expensive. Our bill will simplify and reduce the financial burden on litigants.”
Criticism from the Opposition
The opposition parties have criticized the bill, arguing that it could lead to a reduction in the quality of legal services.
“The flat-rate fee system would create incentives for lawyers to cut corners and reduce the level of service they provide,” said Social Democratic Party (SPD) legal expert Johannes Fechner. “It could also lead to a decrease in competition among lawyers.”
Next Steps
The Legal Costs Amendment Act 2025 will now be debated in the Bundestag. If passed, it is expected to come into force in 2025.
FDP legt “Kostenrechtsänderungsgesetz 2025” vor
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