Rechtbank / kantonrechter letter explained in English
Court. A court. The kantonrechter handles rent, work and smaller money claims. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
Letters you may get
- Dagvaarding — you are summoned to court, usually through a bailiff
- Oproeping — an invitation to a court hearing (zitting)
- Vonnis or uitspraak — the court’s decision
What to do
- At the kantonrechter you don’t need a lawyer. You can react yourself, in writing or at the hearing.
- Get free legal advice quickly, for example at the Juridisch Loket.
- Find the deadline. Look for “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”). See the template.
Words you may see
- dagvaarding
- Court summons. Someone has started a court case against you. It says when the case starts.
- Juridisch Loket
- Free legal advice service for people with a low or middle income.
Questions
What is the Rechtbank / kantonrechter?
Court. A court. The kantonrechter handles rent, work and smaller money claims. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Rechtbank / kantonrechter?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen” — they mark the deadline. In the Netherlands, the time to object usually starts the day after the date on the letter (dagtekening), not the day it arrives. So count from the date on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”).
Can I read a Rechtbank / kantonrechter letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Dutch. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the Netherlands
Belastingdienst · Dienst Toeslagen (Belastingdienst/Toeslagen) · CJIB (Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau) · Gemeente · Waterschap / hoogheemraadschap · UWV · IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) · SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank)