1. Does the software know the Belgian VAT rules for lawyers?
Lawyers have been subject to VAT since 2014. Ask whether the software handles reverse charge (medecontractant), intra-Community services, exemptions and pro deo, with the mandatory wording on the invoice and a VAT breakdown per rate.
2. How does it handle the 2026 e-invoicing obligation?
Invoices to businesses must be structured and sent via Peppol by default. Ask whether the software creates UBL, whether it sends via Peppol itself, or whether you need a separate access point. See our Peppol guide.
3. Is there an automatic conflict-of-interest check?
A good check works for every new party, shows the conflicting matter and records a deliberate override.
4. How quickly can I record time?
Timers, rounding to 6 minutes, and an overview of the hours not yet recorded determine how much work ends up on the invoice.
5. Can I search scanned documents?
Without OCR, scans cannot be searched. Ask which languages are recognised (in Belgium, at least Dutch and French).
6. Where is the data stored and who can access it?
Ask where the servers and backups are located, about isolation between firms, an audit trail, backups and whether those backups are actually tested. Ask for the data processing agreement (GDPR).
7. What does it really cost?
Ask about the price per user, set-up fees, training costs, charges per matter or for storage, and what happens when you add or remove users.
8. How long am I tied in?
Cancellable monthly or a multi-year contract? Can you take your data with you?
9. Can I try it first, without a payment card?
A real trial with your own matters tells you more than a demo.
10. Does it work on any device, without installation?
Web applications work at the office, at home and in court, without servers or updates on your computers.
How does Advoca score on these questions?
| Question | Advoca |
|---|---|
| VAT regimes | Standard 21%, reverse charge, intra-Community, exemption under Art. 44, pro deo, with wording and breakdown |
| Peppol | UBL file per invoice; sending via an access point of your choice (not yet directly) |
| Conflict check | Automatic for every party, with matter ID and audit trail |
| Time recording | Time entries, timers in 6-minute units, day overview with gap analysis, review |
| OCR | Dutch, French and English, full-text search |
| Data | Isolation per firm at database level, audit trail, immutable backups in the EU with automatic restore testing |
| Price | €69 / €99 / €119 per user per month, no set-up fee, unlimited matters and documents |
| Contract | Cancellable monthly |
| Trial | 30 days free, without a payment card |
| Devices | Web application, no installation |
| Country | Law firms in Belgium; France, the United Kingdom, Poland and Germany in preparation |
Updated on 2026-10-22