There is no official fee scale, and that is legal
The first surprise: there is no scale of fees. Bar associations do not publish rates that must be followed —competition law prevents it— and the criteria they do publish are for assessing costs in litigation, not for pricing an engagement.
So each firm sets its own, which is why two quotes for the same thing can look quite different. What anyone can demand, and should always demand, is the engagement letter (hoja de encargo): in writing, what is included, what is not and how you will be charged.
The four ways of charging
Why the cheapest is sometimes the most expensive
Someone searching for a «cheap lawyer» is usually after something else: knowing how much it will cost and avoiding surprises. Those are two different things.
A low quote is usually low because it covers less. The difference between one price and another is rarely in the hourly rate: it is in whether it includes the prior review, attending the notary, appeals or just the first filing, and what happens if the matter gets complicated.
The way to compare is not to look at the bottom-line figure. It is to ask both to state, in writing, exactly the same thing: what is included, what is left out and when you are charged.
Further reading: how much a lawyer can save you when buying a flat and how much a lawyer charges for a rental contract.
Questions about fees
Is the first consultation charged?
It depends on the firm, and it is one of the things to ask before you go, not as you leave.
What is an advance on costs (provisión de fondos)?
Money paid in advance on account of the engagement and expenses. It is not fees earned: it is settled at the end and must be accounted for.
Do the fees include expenses?
Normally not. Notary, registry, official fees, court representative (procurador) and experts are extra, and should be estimated in the engagement letter.
If I win, does the other side pay?
A costs order does not always cover everything you have paid: costs are assessed on their own criteria. It is worth knowing before you start.
How do you charge?
According to the engagement, and always in writing before starting. For work that can be defined, a fixed price.