Liability law
It’s got to be somebody’s fault
Liability matters can arise suddenly and often involve personal injury, damage, insurance or breach of contract. For internationals, it can be difficult to understand who is responsible, what compensation may be available and how Dutch law applies to your situation.
Our experts are here to help you assess your situation, understand your rights and responsibilities and decide on the best next step.
What we can help you with
- Personal injury claims
- Breach of contract
- Work-related accidents
- Unlawful acts
- Group claims
- Directors’ liability
- Liability and insurance disputes
- Assessing whether to litigate or settle
Common situations
- You have suffered an injury in a traffic accident or at work
- You believe another party is responsible for damage or loss
- You are dealing with a dispute about liability insurance
- You need to know whether a breach of contract caused financial damage
- You are facing a claim and want to understand your position
- You are unsure whether to settle or start proceedings
- You are dealing with a group claim or a liability issue as a director
What internationals should know
Liability matters can involve Dutch law, insurance rules, evidence requirements and strict deadlines. If you are living or working in the Netherlands, it is important to understand where responsibility lies and how to protect your position.
Why Legal Expat Desk?
We advise, negotiate, mediate and litigate on liability and personal injury matters.
Our team helps you assess liability, identify who may be responsible and decide on the best next step for your situation. We can assist you in English, Dutch and Turkish.
Our team is here to help you
Need advice on a liability matter in the Netherlands? Our team is here to help you assess your situation and take the next step.
Liability lawyers
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FAQ’s
Yes, you can get divorced in the Netherlands even if you live abroad. Dutch courts have jurisdiction if you or your spouse are Dutch citizens, live in the Netherlands, or have a strong connection to the country. A Dutch lawyer will handle the process, and in most cases, you won’t need to be physically present. Make sure your marriage is properly registered and provide any necessary documents, such as a legalized marriage certificate.
To get divorced in the Netherlands, you need a Dutch lawyer to file a petition with the court. The court will review your case and issue a divorce decree, which must then be registered with the municipality where your marriage was recorded to finalize the divorce.
If you were disinherited, you may still be entitled to a statutory portion of the inheritance, known as the “legitime portie” in the Netherlands. This is a fixed share of the estate that children can claim, even if they were excluded from the will. The claim must be made within 5 years of the death of the deceased.
As an heir in the Netherlands, you can choose to accept the inheritance fully, accept it under the benefit of inventory (to avoid personal liability for debts), or reject it entirely. You must make this decision within three months of the inheritance becoming available.
A non-competition clause in your employment agreement usually remains valid even after the contract ends, unless it is deemed unreasonable or unfair. The enforceability depends on factors like the duration, scope, and your role. If in doubt, seek legal advice.
