Legal aid in the Netherlands
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In most cases you do not need a lawyer in the Netherlands. Going to court is usually the last solution to a legal problem.
Het Juridisch Loket
If you have any legal questions or need legal support, you can contact 'Het Juridisch Loket'. They provide free legal advice and can refer you to a lawyer or mediator if necessary. 'Het Juridisch Loket' provides free basic legal advice on:
Residence law
Work
Dismissal
Entitlement to benefits
Immigration law
Housing
You can get legal advice during the walk-in consultation hour, or by phone (0800-8020, this is free) or by email, and possibly an appointment. Advice is available in both Dutch and English.
A pro bono lawyer
A pro bono lawyer is a lawyer who assists you but is paid (in part) by the Dutch government. A pro bono lawyer has had the same training as any other lawyer and is therefore just as good. You are not always entitled to a pro bono lawyer. It depends on your income and assets and is assessed by the Legal Aid Board. If you are entitled to a pro bono lawyer, you get what is called a supplement. You pay a small contribution and the rest is paid by the government. The amount of your personal contribution depends on your case.
An asylum lawyer or migration law attorney
If you are looking for a lawyer in the field of migration and/or asylum law, check out:
Specialistenvereniging migratierecht advocaten
The Vereniging Asieladvocaten & -Juristen Nederland
Legal aid for children
Below is information about organisations that ensure that children's rights are respected:
Defence for children stands up for the rights of all children both in the Netherlands and abroad. Through their Children's Rights Helpline, they provide legal support to children whose rights are at risk of being violated.
The Children's Ombudsman monitors whether children's rights are respected by the government and other organisations in the Netherlands. You can file a complaint if you have a problem with the government, your school or an organisation in childcare, youth aid or healthcare.
Defence for children
The kinderombudsman