Litigation Law

Not every dispute can be resolved through mutual agreement. Sometimes, court intervention is necessary. In such cases, it is important to be represented by a lawyer with extensive experience in litigation. Litigation is a profession in itself. For nearly 25 years, I have been assisting individuals and businesses in civil proceedings before District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and arbitration institutes, and I would be pleased to assist you as well.

Civil proceedings: received a writ of summons? What now?

It can happen to anyone — whether you are an entrepreneur or a private individual. A bailiff rings your doorbell to deliver a writ of summons, or if you’re not home or at your business, you may find one in your mailbox. The civil summons procedure officially begins with the delivery or deposit of this writ.

The writ of summons calls you to appear on a specific date before a court or a court of appeal. The date on which you are summoned to appear is stated in the document. If you receive a summons, whether as a private individual or as a business owner, it is important to contact a litigation lawyer as soon as possible — and always before the court date mentioned.

Engaging a litigation lawyer

A litigation lawyer can explain in plain language what the writ of summons contains, discuss your chances in court, explain how the procedure works, what costs to expect, and represent you throughout the proceedings. If you have received a summons or are considering starting civil proceedings yourself, feel free to contact me for a free introductory meeting.

Preliminary relief proceedings or full civil proceedings

In Dutch civil law, we distinguish between regular proceedings (also called full proceedings) and preliminary relief proceedings. Sometimes full proceedings take too long and urgency is required. In such cases, preliminary relief proceedings may offer a solution — for example, in eviction matters involving residential or commercial property, or in situations where an employer has withheld an employee’s wages on which they depend for their livelihood.

Preliminary relief proceedings differ somewhat from regular procedures. They also begin with a writ of summons, but the hearing takes place on short notice and the judgment follows quickly.

Different requirements apply to preliminary relief proceedings than to full proceedings. For example, the party initiating a preliminary relief procedure — the claimant — must demonstrate that the matter is urgent. If you have received a preliminary relief summons or are considering starting such proceedings, contact me as soon as possible so we can assess whether I can be of assistance.

Clear about litigation costs

I offer a free and non-binding introductory meeting. For more information, see the free introductory consultation page on this website. During this meeting, I will also discuss the expected costs of litigation.

This gives you the clarity needed to make an informed decision — whether to initiate proceedings, defend yourself in court, or attempt to resolve the issue through negotiation. I can assist you with any of these options.