Legal Definitions - sans frais

Sans frais is a legal phrase originating from Law French that translates to without expense or at no cost. When something is described as "sans frais," it means that a particular action, service, or transaction will not incur any charges or financial burden for the party involved.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of "sans frais":

• Legal Notices and Documents:

  Imagine a court sends an official notice to all parties involved in a lawsuit, informing them of an upcoming hearing date. The court often issues such notices sans frais to the recipients.

  This means that the parties receiving the notice are not charged for the administrative costs associated with its preparation, printing, or mailing. The expense of delivering this essential information is borne by the court system itself, ensuring that all parties are informed without incurring additional personal costs for receiving official communications.

• Professional Consultations:

  A law firm might offer an initial 30-minute consultation to potential clients who are considering filing for bankruptcy. This introductory meeting is advertised as being provided sans frais.

  In this context, "sans frais" signifies that the prospective client will not be charged a fee for that specific initial discussion. It allows them to explain their financial situation and receive preliminary advice from an attorney without an immediate financial commitment, helping them decide whether to proceed with legal representation.

• Contractual Obligations and Repairs:

  Consider a commercial lease agreement where a landlord agrees to replace a malfunctioning elevator in the building. The lease specifies that this repair will be carried out sans frais to the tenants.

  This clause ensures that the tenants will not be responsible for any costs associated with the elevator replacement, including parts, labor, or installation fees. The landlord is obligated to cover all these expenses, preventing the tenants from incurring an unexpected financial burden for a necessary building maintenance item.