Appeal

An appeal is when a judge with a higher rank looks at a case that has already been decided by another judge. If you do not agree with a ruling, a settlement or a decision in your case, you can usually take the case to a court of appeal or a special tribunal. ​Last updated: 7-9-2022

Appeal in a civil case

If you do not agree with a decision (a settlement or a ruling) that was made by a subdistrict court or a civil court, you can usually take the case to the court of appeal.

Appeal in a civil case

Civil cases deal with matters like employment law, tenancy law, legal rights between neighbours, insurance and contracts.

More information about appealing in a civil case (in Dutch)

Appeal in a family case

Family cases are civil cases that specifically deal with family matters, for example divorce, maintenance payments, contact between parents and children, placing children in care and placing children under supervision.

More information about appealing in a family case (in Dutch)

Appeal in a criminal case

If you do not agree with the judge’s decision (ruling) in your criminal case, you can take the case to the court of appeal.

Appeal in an administrative law case

The decision about which court will deal with the appeal depends on the kind of case:

Tax law

If you do not agree with the decision in your tax law case, the court of appeal will deal with your appeal.

More information about appealing in a tax law case (in Dutch)

Social security and public officials

If you do not agree with the decision in your case about study grants, social security law or public service law, the Central Appeals Tribunal (CRvB) will deal with your appeal.

More information about appealing to the CRvB (in Dutch)

Economic administrative law and disciplinary proceedings

If you do not agree with the decision in your case about the Competitive Trading Act, the Postal Act, the Commodities Act, the Telecommunications Act or financial supervision laws, the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb) will deal with your appeal. The CBb also deals with disciplinary proceedings for auditors and appeals about the Fertilisers Act.

More information about appealing to the CBb (in Dutch)

Other cases, including immigration law

If you do not agree with the decision in another administrative law case, for example an immigration case, the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State will deal with your appeal.

More information about appealing to the Council of State (in Dutch) (raadvanstate.nl)

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