Lawyers decide how much their services cost. This means that different lawyers can charge very different fees. In your first meeting with your lawyer, ask for an estimate of the costs and ask what expenses system he or she uses.

The number of mediation meetings you need depends on how soon you and the other people who are involved in the conflict can agree on a solution. Different mediators charge different hourly rates. Some mediators charge a fee to start the process.

Bailiffs charge fixed fees for a summons, a seizure and other legal duties (‘official acts’ or ambtshandelingen). There is a law that says how much these things must cost.

Experts are paid for what they do. Their expenses can also include the cost of their travel to the hearing. The person who calls in the expert pays these costs.

In criminal cases and cases about immigration detention, the court calls in an interpreter and the court pays that interpreter. In all other cases, the people who are involved in the case must arrange for an interpreter if they need one. They must also pay the interpreter.

Witnesses get paid for the time they spend on the case, their travel expenses and any other costs they have to pay so that they can contribute to the case. The person who calls the witness pays these costs.

If you win your case, the administrative body usually has to repay your legal costs. This is called a cost order (proceskostenveroordeling). This cost order includes a fixed (forfaitair) amount of money for the lawyer’s costs. The administrative body will also repay the court fees that you have paid.