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When another country seeks to prosecute an individual located in the Netherlands, the Dutch legal system engages one of two distinct procedures. This is not a mere technicality; the path taken profoundly impacts the individual’s rights, the speed of the process, and the available grounds to contest the transfer. Understanding this fundamental distinction is the […]

When a reintegration process goes wrong under Dutch law, one question comes up immediately: who foots the bill? In almost every case, the primary financial and legal risk lands squarely on the employer’s shoulders. Getting this wrong can lead to a hefty wage sanction from the UWV, forcing you to pay an employee’s salary for a third

A Comprehensive Guide to the Evidentiary Value of Induction Loops and Your Legal Remedies as a Suspect If you have been involved in a serious traffic accident or charged with a significant traffic offence in the Netherlands, you may have encountered the term lussenonderzoek (loop research). For many suspects and even some legal professionals, this

The principle seems straightforward: in all actions concerning children, their best interests shall be a primary consideration. Yet, for legal professionals in the Netherlands, the practical application of Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is anything but simple. It acts as a fundamental benchmark in family law, migration

When parents divorce or separate, the question of visitation arrangements is often one of the most emotionally charged topics. Parents have their own wishes and ideas, but what is the role of the child itself? From what age does a child’s opinion count? And can a child refuse visitation or even enforce it? In this

The outcome of a criminal trial is rarely decided solely in the courtroom. Often, the verdict is shaped months earlier, in the silence of an interrogation room, the technical analysis of a forensic lab, or the meticulous drafting of investigative requests by a defense lawyer. At the heart of this process lies a specific legal

Imagine a scenario where your reputation, career, and personal relationships are dismantled overnight by a single lie. For the vast majority of people, the legal system is a shield designed to protect them from harm. However, for a small but significant number of individuals, that same system is weaponised against them. This is the realm

The success of the renewable energy transition in the Netherlands has created a paradox: the rapid deployment of solar parks and wind farms has outpaced the expansion of the physical infrastructure required to transport that energy. This has resulted in widespread “netcongestie” (grid congestion), creating significant waiting lists (wachtrij) for grid connections and leading to

Mergers, acquisitions, and internal restructurings are commonplace in the corporate world. For employees, however, a “transfer of undertaking” (overgang van onderneming) often brings uncertainty. Will my role change? Do I have to move to a new location? And most importantly: Do I have to go? Under Dutch law, the starting point is clear: employees transfer

In the realm of Dutch criminal law, few definitions carry as much weight regarding sentencing and legal consequences as “zwaar lichamelijk letsel” or serious bodily injury. The distinction between simple assault (mishandeling) and severe assault (zware mishandeling) often hinges entirely on how the court qualifies the resulting injury. This qualification is not merely a matter

When you’re buying or merging with a company in the Netherlands, legal due diligence isn’t just a formality. It’s your main defence against hidden risks that could turn a promising deal into a costly mistake. Many buyers focus heavily on financial numbers but miss critical legal issues that can damage the transaction later. A thorough

Non-compete clauses in the Netherlands have undergone major legal changes that directly affect your ability to switch jobs or start your own business. If you signed an employment contract before 2025, you might be working under different rules than someone hired this year. Understanding what remains legally reasonable in 2026 is essential whether you’re an

Your landlord wants to renovate your flat and raise the rent to cover the costs. You might be wondering if this is even legal and what you can do about it. Dutch rental law does allow landlords to pass renovation costs to tenants, but only under specific conditions and with proper procedures. Landlords can legally

Buying a newly built home in the Netherlands should be an exciting step. Discovering defects after you move in can quickly turn that excitement into frustration. In the Netherlands, the building contractor rather than the seller is accountable for defects in newly built homes until delivery of the property, and different warranty rules apply compared

When international families face separation or divorce in the Netherlands, determining which court handles matters involving Dutch children can feel overwhelming. The Dutch court that has jurisdiction over your children depends primarily on where the children habitually reside at the time you file your case with the court. This principle applies whether you are dealing

Getting married in the Netherlands comes with important financial rules that many couples overlook. Without a prenuptial agreement, Dutch law automatically places all property—including what you owned before marriage—into a community of property, meaning both spouses own everything together. This default system can create significant complications if your marriage ends in divorce. A prenuptial agreement

In the Netherlands, couples who want to live together have several legal options to choose from. You can get married, enter into a registered partnership, sign a cohabitation agreement, or simply live together without any formal arrangement. Each option comes with different rights, responsibilities, and legal protections. The main difference between marriage and a cohabitation

A non-competition clause stops you from working for a competitor or starting a similar business after you leave your job. Your employer includes this clause in your employment contract to protect their business secrets, client relationships, and competitive position. You agree not to compete with them for a set period within a specific geographic area.

Imagine this scenario: You have been working for the same company for three years. You know the job inside out, you get along with your colleagues, and you are an integral part of the team. Yet, while your colleague at the next desk has a permanent contract, a pension plan, and protection against dismissal, you

It happens in a flash—literally. You are driving along the A2 or navigating the ring road in Eindhoven, perhaps slightly distracted or in a rush, when you notice the tell-tale flash of a speed camera. A few weeks later, an envelope from the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) lands on your doormat. For many drivers,