Costs

Who pays?

Hass-Hetze is free. The law firm bills its legal work itself, under the German Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) or under an agreement with the client. Here is who can cover the costs – in general terms, with no promise for an individual case.

For affected people

Reporting and forwarding cost you nothing. If you instruct a law firm, its work costs money. Ask about the costs before you give a mandate. These options can cover the costs in full or in part:

First consultation: Unless you and the firm agree otherwise, a first consultation costs private individuals at most 190 euros, plus expenses and VAT (Section 34 RVG). Ask beforehand what the consultation will cost.
Legal expenses insurance: If you have one – or are covered through your parents or partner – it can pay costs. Whether it pays for your case depends on the policy. The law firm can ask the insurer for you.
Legal advice aid (Beratungshilfe): If you have little money, for example as a trainee, a pupil or on citizen's income (Bürgergeld), you can apply for Beratungshilfe at the local court (Amtsgericht) where you live. You then pay the law firm at most 15 euros, sometimes not even that. It covers advice and representation outside court proceedings; in criminal matters, advice only. In Hamburg and Bremen, public legal advice (öffentliche Rechtsberatung) takes the place of Beratungshilfe; in Berlin you can choose between the two (Section 12 BerHG).
Legal aid for court proceedings (Prozesskostenhilfe): Only for court proceedings. The court checks your income and whether the claim or application has a prospect of success.
The other side: If the person violated your rights, they may have to reimburse your lawyer's fees. Don't count on it: if they are unknown or cannot pay, you often won't get the money.
WEISSER RING: The local branches of WEISSER RING can issue an aid voucher (Hilfescheck) for a first consultation with a lawyer. There is no entitlement to it; ask the branch near you.
HateAid: In suitable cases HateAid can cover the costs of a lawyer and of court proceedings. HateAid checks each case individually and cannot support every case. Ask them directly.

If you are under 18, your parents usually decide on a law firm and the costs. Don't sign anything before you know what it costs.

For law firms

Hass-Hetze pays nothing for mandates and receives nothing for them (Section 49b (3) BRAO). You agree your fees with the client alone. To help you plan realistically:

Many cases are small: Often the matter is a single statement with a modest value in dispute. If the person acting is anonymous, disclosure proceedings under Section 21 TDDDG often come before a cease-and-desist letter; the applicant bears the court costs of those (Section 21 (3) TDDDG).
Reimbursement is uncertain: A claim against the other side for reimbursement of legal fees only helps if they are identified and can pay. Don't plan your fees around reimbursement alone.
Settle costs early: Ask about legal expenses insurance; the portal has a template for the coverage request. With a low income, Beratungshilfe and Prozesskostenhilfe may be options. If you bill by value in dispute, point this out before taking on the matter (Section 49b (5) BRAO). Under the cooperation terms, you inform the person affected about the expected costs and possible sources of funding before a mandate is given.
Criminal proceedings: A counsel at the state's expense is only available for certain offences listed in Section 397a StPO. For insult or threats, the client usually bears the cost of representation.
Details in the preview: If the affected person stated whether they have legal expenses insurance or little money, you already see it in the preview. These are their own statements, unchecked.

During the pilot phase participation is free. A fee can only be introduced through a new version of the cooperation terms, which you have to agree to.

As of October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Whether and to what extent costs are covered is decided case by case by the insurer, the court or the organisation concerned.