Lawyer, app, yourself — or FIAON?
Four routes lead to a clean report, and none is always the right one. Here cost, duration and limits stand side by side — including the cases in which you do not need us.
Four routes side by side
Doing it yourself with the free tools costs nothing but time; a score app shows but does not act; a lawyer is irreplaceable in court and for damages; FIAON obtains, explains, sends, follows up and prepares account and card for a fixed price over twelve instalments. No route deletes justified, lawfully reported entries before the deadline.
Three questions, one route
Situation, time and goal decide: a clear single entry fits doing it yourself; a refused deletion or a claim for damages fits a lawyer; several entries or an account as the goal fit FIAON. Two of the four answers lead away from FIAON.
Frequently asked questions
When is a lawyer the better route?
When the credit bureau does not delete a clearly unlawful report despite a deletion request, when damages under Art. 82 GDPR are at stake or when a lawsuit is already under way. Then you need someone who may appear in court. FIAON is not legal advice — and tells you when that point is reached.
What does a lawyer cost for a SCHUFA entry?
A lawyer's letter under the German fee schedule (RVG) typically costs €150 to €300 depending on the amount at stake; initial consultations are often offered at a flat rate of up to €190. With several entries and follow-up that adds up quickly. Legal expenses insurance sometimes covers data protection disputes — ask beforehand.
Is a free score app enough?
For looking, yes: score, entries, alerts. For acting, no: no app writes the deletion request, tracks the deadline or negotiates instalments. Use the app for insight — and the free FIAON tools or a plan for action.
Can I really do all of this myself?
Yes. The data copy is free, the law is public, and the 20 FIAON tools write the letters. What you need to bring: time (around three hours per entry), discipline in following up and the willingness to keep an eye on deadlines yourself.
What is the difference between FIAON and a lawyer?
FIAON is follow-up and path: obtain the report, classify every entry, send letters reviewed by lawyers, chase replies, instalment offers, prepare account and card — for a fixed price over twelve instalments. A lawyer represents you legally in the individual case and may sue. The two are not mutually exclusive.