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Finding Legal Help in the Netherlands
Legal questions can come up when you live, work, study, buy a home, start a family, separate, run a business, or arrange documents in the Netherlands. The right type of legal support depends on your situation. This page gives a general overview of where to start when looking for legal help in the Netherlands, including lawyers, notaries, mediators, legal aid, legal insurance, and complaints about regulated professionals.
IWCN provides general information and can help you find relevant official sources or service providers. For personal legal advice, always contact a qualified legal professional.
What you can find on this page:
Photographed by Inaki del Olmo for Unsplash
When to contact a lawyer
A lawyer (known in Dutch as an advocaat) can give legal advice, represent you in legal disputes, and support you during court proceedings. You may need a lawyer for issues involving employment, housing, family law, immigration, contracts, business matters, liability, or disputes that may go to court.
In some legal procedures, a lawyer is required. In other situations, you may be able to get advice first from a legal aid organisation, legal insurance provider, union, municipality, or specialised advice centre.
If you are looking for a lawyer, check whether they are registered in the Netherlands and whether they have experience with your type of legal issue.
When to contact a notary
A notary (known in Dutch as a notaris) is a legal professional who prepares and confirms certain official documents and legal acts. A Dutch notary is different from a notary public in some other countries. You may need a notary for matters such as buying a house, transferring property, making a will, arranging a cohabitation agreement, setting up a company, or preparing certain family or inheritance documents.
A notary is expected to act independently and consider the interests of all parties involved. If you are unsure whether you need a notary or a lawyer, ask the professional directly before making an appointment.
When mediation may be useful
Mediation can help when people want to resolve a disagreement with the support of a neutral mediator. It is often used in family matters, workplace issues, neighbour disputes, business disagreements, or other conflicts where both sides are willing to talk.
A mediator does not take sides and does not make a court decision. Instead, they guide the conversation and help the people involved look for a solution together.
Mediation is not suitable for every situation. If there is urgency, safety risk, strong power imbalance, or a legal deadline, it is important to get legal advice first.
Legal aid and legal insurance
If you have a low income, you may be able to get free or subsidised legal help. Juridisch Loket provides free legal advice for people with low income, and can explain possible next steps. You can also check the Dutch government’s website for official information about justice, security, legal procedures, identification documents, and other legal topics that may affect individuals.
Some people also have legal expenses insurance (known in Dutch as rechtsbijstandverzekering). This insurance may cover legal advice or representation, depending on the policy and the type of issue. Check your insurance conditions before contacting a lawyer yourself, as some insurers have specific procedures.
If you are employed, a trade union may also be able to help with employment-related legal questions.
For housing disputes, there may be specific organisations or procedures, such as the Huurcommissie for some rental issues.
If your legal question is related to running a business, check business.gov.nl for official information about legal proceedings, business disputes, court fees, and subsidised legal assistance for entrepreneurs.
Complaints about regulated professionals
If you have a serious complaint about a regulated professional, there may be a formal complaints procedure or disciplinary committee. This can apply to certain professions, such as lawyers, notaries, healthcare professionals, accountants, or bailiffs.
A disciplinary committee (tuchtrechtspraak) looks at whether the professional followed the rules of their profession. Therefore, keep in mind that it might not always solve your personal dispute or award any compensation. Before starting a complaint, check which procedure applies and whether another route, such as a complaints officer, professional body, lawyer, or mediator, is more suitable.
For more information about courts and disciplinary proceedings, check rechtspraak.nl. This website explains how Dutch courts work and provides information about disciplinary procedures for certain regulated professions.
FAQ about Finding Legal Help in the Netherlands
What is the difference between a lawyer and a notary in the Netherlands?
A lawyer, or advocaat, usually gives legal advice, helps with disputes, and may represent you in court. A notary, or notaris, prepares and confirms certain official legal documents, such as property transfers, wills, cohabitation agreements, and some business documents.
Where can I find a lawyer in the Netherlands?
You can search for a registered lawyer through the Dutch Bar Association (Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten). You can also ask a legal aid organisation, legal insurance provider, trade union, or one of our trusted service providers to start.
What can I do if I have a complaint about a professional?
Start by checking the complaints procedure for that profession or organisation. Some regulated professionals, such as lawyers, notaries, healthcare professionals, accountants, or bailiffs, may fall under disciplinary rules. A disciplinary committee checks whether the professional followed the rules of their profession.
When should I use mediation?
Mediation can be useful when both sides are willing to talk and want to find a solution together. It is often used for family, workplace, neighbour, or business conflicts. If there is urgency, safety risk, or a legal deadline, get legal advice first.
Can I get free legal advice in the Netherlands?
You may be able to get free legal advice from Juridisch Loket if you have a low income. Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for subsidised legal assistance.
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