When do you receive a court judgment in the Netherlands?

After your court hearing has taken place, the big question becomes: when will I get the decision? While many expats hope for a quick answer, the reality is that the timing depends on the type of procedure and the workload of the court. Here’s what to expect. 

Timing depends on the type of procedure 

• Fast-track procedure (kort geding): The judge usually gives a decision within two weeks. 

• Regular cases: In most civil or family law matters, the court aims to issue a judgment within four weeks. 

These timelines are targets, not guarantees. Courts often manage to stick to them, especially in lower courts, but delays can still happen – and there is nothing parties can do to speed it up.

The court of appeal, for example, is known to take several months to decide on a case. 

You’ll be told the expected date 

At the end of the hearing, the judge usually informs all parties of the intended judgment date. This gives you a rough idea of when to expect a decision – though it is important to keep in mind that the date may change without notice. 

How do you receive the judgment? 

In the past, courts always sent decisions by post, meaning it could take a few extra days before a party actually received the letter. 

Today, more and more court procedures are handled digitally. This allows the court to upload the judgment to a secure online system, where lawyers can download it immediately and email it to their clients. 

However: 

• This digital system is not available for all types of cases or areas of law. 

• If you do not have a lawyer, the court will still send the judgment by post, so expect a delay.

How lawyers track judgment dates 

Within the court’s internal system, lawyers can see the scheduled judgment date for their case. If the court updates or changes that date, it will show up in the system. 

Unfortunately, these updates are not always made immediately. For example, the court may initially schedule a decision for Thursday. If the lawyer sees nothing by then and checks the system the following Tuesday, it may only then show that the date has been moved. That uncertainty can be frustrating – and there’s often no way to tell whether a judgment is on its way by post or if it’s simply delayed. 

Courts are doing their best – but delays are real 

Dutch courts are working hard to modernise their systems and issue decisions on time. But the workload is enormous, and there is a shortage of judges. At the same time, more and more people in Dutch society turn to the courts to resolve conflicts. 

This combination results in: 

• Waiting times for court hearings, and 

• Delays in receiving judgments.

Some cases are prioritised 

When it comes to scheduling court hearings, the court sets priorities based on objective urgency. For example: 

• A case involving an abducted child will be prioritised over 

• A case about an unpaid invoice. 

This is done to ensure that the most time-sensitive matters are addressed first – even if it means others must wait a little longer. 

Conclusion 

When you’ll receive your court decision in the Netherlands depends on the type of case, the court’s workload, and whether or not you have a lawyer. While most rulings are issued within 2 to 4 weeks, delays are possible – and common. If your case is handled digitally, your lawyer can often access the decision as soon as it’s ready. If not, expect to wait for a letter by post. Either way, it helps to be patient. The courts do their best, but like many public services, they are under pressure. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legally binding. Although we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know by contacting us via the contact form located at the bottom of the page.

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