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Arrest or interrogation: what you should and should not say – Your rights and pitfalls
When someone is arrested or summoned for a police interrogation, they often feel overwhelmed and uncertain. The questions running through their minds are understandable: what should I say, what should I keep quiet about, and what are my rights? This uncertainty can lead to mistakes that can have serious consequences for the court case later
A photo of you on the internet without permission? Here’s how to deal with it
Finding a photo of yourself on the internet without permission can be a shock. Whether it’s an image on social media, a website or a news article, no one wants their privacy violated by the unauthorised use of personal images. In the United Kingdom, everyone has strong rights when photos are used without permission. The
Your ex has a new partner – what about your maintenance payments?! Everything you need to know
When an ex-partner starts a new relationship, questions often arise about the consequences for maintenance obligations. This situation can have a major financial impact on both parties. Spousal maintenance usually stops when the ex-partner marries, enters into a registered partnership or starts living with a new partner on a long-term basis. Different rules apply to
Can Your Employer Read Your WhatsApp Messages?
Can my employer read my WhatsApp messages? It’s a question that comes up a lot, and in almost all cases under Dutch and EU law, the answer is a firm no. Your employer cannot legally read your private WhatsApp messages, even if they are on a company-provided phone. Your fundamental right to privacy doesn't stop
Your Guide to Dutch Visas: Navigating Your Move to the Netherlands
The Netherlands, with its picturesque canals, vibrant cities, and innovative spirit, is a top destination for travelers, students, and professionals from around the globe. Whether you’re planning a short visit to see the tulip fields or intending to build a new life here, understanding the visa system is your first crucial step. This guide will
The WHOA Scheme Explained: Dutch Restructuring
Financial distress can be a daunting challenge for any company. Navigating the complexities of debt and creditor negotiations often feels like an uphill battle. Fortunately, for businesses in the Netherlands, a powerful tool exists to facilitate recovery and prevent bankruptcy: the WHOA scheme. This legislation provides a flexible and effective framework for companies to restructure
Essential Clauses in Commercial Contracts
Entering the Dutch market is an exciting venture full of opportunity. However, a poorly understood commercial contract can quickly turn that opportunity into a costly liability. Whether you are a foreign company expanding into the Netherlands or a local business, the fine print in your agreements can make or break your success. It’s not enough
The Hidden Risks of SaaS Contracts: Who Owns Your Data?
Here’s a hard truth about many SaaS contracts: you might not actually own your data, even if you’re the one who created it. It’s a shocking thought. While you almost certainly retain rights to the raw information you put in, many standard agreements give the vendor surprisingly broad licences to use, aggregate, and even make
How to Register Company Name in the Netherlands: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to register company name in the Netherlands with our easy step-by-step guide. Ensure your business name is unique and compliant.
Understanding Acquittal: What It Means and Why It Matters
Explore acquittal to understand its significance, how it works in law, and its implications for both individuals and businesses in the Netherlands.
Contractor Delivers Poor Work: What Are Your Rights? | Guide
When you hire a contractor, you expect a certain standard of quality. So, what happens when the work delivered is subpar? Under Dutch law, your primary right is to demand that the contractor fixes the shoddy work on their own dime. This is legally known as the right to rectification. Before you can take any
Crafting a Clear and Effective Legal Disclaimer
Think of a disclaimer as a legal signpost. It’s a formal statement you put up to clearly mark the boundaries of your legal responsibilities, essentially limiting your liability. It’s your proactive shield, spelling out your rights and obligations to protect your business from potential legal headaches down the line. Why a Disclaimer Is Your Digital
What Is a Limited Partnership? Your Essential Guide
A limited partnership is a business structure that brings together two different kinds of partners: at least one general partner who runs the show and has unlimited liability, and one or more limited partners who put up the capital but whose liability is capped at their investment. This setup is perfect for attracting investors who
Understanding Why Incorporate in Netherlands for Your Business
Explore why incorporate in Netherlands is crucial for businesses seeking to thrive. Gain a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and workings.
What Is a Sole Proprietorship? Guide to Starting Your Business
So, what exactly is a sole proprietorship? In the simplest terms, it’s the most direct route to starting a business. It’s just you. You and your company are legally treated as one and the same, cutting out the complex paperwork that often comes with other business structures. This simplicity makes it an incredibly popular choice
Retroactive Alimony in the Netherlands Explained: Legal Implications and Guidelines
Retroactive alimony in the Netherlands? Generally, it’s off the table. Alimony payments usually start only from the date of the court’s decision, not before. This means you can’t claim support for any period before the court ruling, which can feel frustrating if you’ve been waiting a while. Still, judges sometimes make exceptions in special situations.
Understanding General Data Protection Law in the Netherlands
Explore the general data protection law in the Netherlands for a clear understanding of its importance and implications for individuals and businesses.
AI in practice: Who is liable for errors made by artificial intelligence?
1. Introduction: What is AI liability and why is it important? When artificial intelligence makes mistakes, various parties may be liable: AI developers, users, manufacturers or service providers. In this guide, you will learn who is liable when, which laws apply and how you can limit liability risks. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a greater role
Drafting General Terms and Conditions: Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs
1. Introduction: What is Drafting Terms and Conditions and Why is it Crucial? Drafting general terms and conditions is an essential step for any entrepreneur who wants to protect their business from legal risks.General terms and conditions are the standard agreements and rules for a company and its customers, which set out the mutual rights
Coffeeshop Regulations in the Netherlands: What to Know
In the Netherlands, a coffeeshop is a licensed venue where adults can buy and often consume cannabis under a national toleration policy (gedoogbeleid). Cannabis remains illegal under the Opium Act, but authorities generally do not prosecute small-scale sales and possession when strict rules are followed. That means age checks (18+), ID verification, limits on amounts,
What Is a General Partnership in the Netherlands
If you're looking to team up with one or more partners to start a business in the Netherlands, you've likely come across the Vennootschap onder Firma (VOF), or general partnership. This is a common business structure where you and your partners join forces, operating under a shared company name. Each partner brings something to the
Understanding Dutch Data Privacy Laws: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore Dutch data privacy laws to understand their importance, applications, and key concepts for individuals and businesses in the Netherlands.
What is a Partnership? Your Guide to Dutch Business Structures
Under Dutch law, a partnership is what gives a collaborative venture its formal business structure. It’s essentially a legal agreement where two or more people decide to pool their skills, money, or other resources to run a business together, all with the shared goal of turning a profit. You can think of it as the
Cannabis Cultivation & Criminal Law: What You Need to Know
Cannabis cultivation and criminal law, in simple terms, is about what counts as “growing” cannabis and when that activity becomes a criminal offense in the Netherlands. Cultivation covers the whole process: germinating seeds, tending plants, using grow equipment, and harvesting. While the Netherlands tolerates limited possession and regulated sales by licensed coffee shops under strict
Settlement Agreement: Complete Guide for Employees
1. Introduction: What is a Settlement Agreement and Why is it Important A settlement agreement is a crucial agreement between employer and employee that regulates dismissal by mutual consent. You are not obliged to sign a settlement agreement; this only happens by mutual consent. In this guide, you will learn what a settlement agreement entails,
Legal Demerger: A Complete Guide to Corporate Restructuring
1. Introduction: What is Legal Demerger and Why is it Important Legal division is a strategic restructuring tool that allows Dutch legal entities to divide their assets under a general title. In this guide, you will learn what legal division entails, the two main forms, and how to apply it effectively. In short, a legal
Understanding Tripartite Agreements: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore tripartite agreements and gain comprehensive understanding of their significance, functions, and implications in the Netherlands.
Cooperative Meaning: Everything you need to know about this special legal form
1. Introduction: What is a cooperative and why is it important? A cooperative is a democratic organisation of members who jointly own and manage a business. The cooperative is a special form of collaboration and legal entity because it is distinguished by its unique legal structure and the fact that members make decisions and reap
Dutch Employment Termination Payment Explained
When an employment contract ends, the financial side of things can be a major source of stress. In the Netherlands, there's a specific safety net in place called the transitievergoeding, or transition payment. It’s a legally required severance payment designed to help employees bridge the gap between their old job and their next one. What
Commercial Contract Solicitor: Netherlands Services & Fees
A commercial contract solicitor is the lawyer you trust to turn a business deal into a clear, enforceable agreement. They draft, review, and negotiate contracts, spot risks, and align terms with your commercial goals. In the Netherlands you’ll often hear “advocaat” or “commercial contract lawyer” — the job is the same: protect your position in