Our company makes every effort to provide you with the best possible service. Nevertheless, it may happen that you are dissatisfied with a certain aspect of our services. If you are dissatisfied with the quality of our services or with the invoice, we request that you first submit your objections to your own lawyer. If this does not lead to a result, you can turn to our complaints officer, Ms. Margreet Ruijgrok.
Internal complaints procedure
We will try to find a solution for the problem as quickly as possible in consultation with you. We will always confirm this solution to you in writing. You can find the internal complaints procedure of our office here.
External complaint handling
In the unlikely event that our consultation does not lead to a satisfactory result for you, you can submit a complaint to the Disputes Committee for the Legal Profession (www.degeschillencommissie.nl). This is only possible after you have first submitted your objections to our office. This option is also open to you if our office has not responded to your complaint in writing within four weeks of submitting your objection.
Disputes Committee for the Legal Profession
Our office is affiliated with the Disputes Committee for the Legal Profession, hereinafter referred to as the Disputes Committee. This Disputes Committee has existed since June 1, 1999 and falls under the Foundation Disputes Committee for Consumer Affairs (SGC) and that for Profession and Business (SGB) in The Hague.
Method of handling your complaint
The Disputes Committee handles the case in accordance with the Disputes Committee Regulations for the Legal Profession that applies at the time of submission of the complaint to the Disputes Committee. You can submit your complaint digitally via www.degeschillencommissie.nl. You can submit your complaint to the Disputes Committee for the Legal Profession up to 12 months after the date of the written response from our office.
When is the Disputes Committee competent?
The Disputes Committee is authorized to judge about complaints regarding the quality of the lawyer’s services and the amount of the invoice. It is also possible that you feel that you are entitled to compensation. The Disputes Committee is also authorized to judge claims for damages up to a maximum amount of € 10,000. Higher damage claims can only be submitted to the Disputes Committee if you explicitly limit the amount of the claim to a maximum of € 10,000 and you expressly waive the excess in writing. Our office can itself submit unpaid invoices to the Disputes Committee for collection.
Costs for handling your complaint
There are costs associated with the handling of your complaint. These are on average between € 52.50 and € 102.50. The amount depends on the content of your complaint. If the Disputes Committee comes to the conclusion that your complaint was valid, the amount will be returned to you.
Ruling by the Disputes Committee
The Disputes Committee makes a decision in the form of an arbitral verdict or a binding advice. No appeal is possible against the decision of the Disputes Committee.
Disputes Committee for the Legal Profession:
Box 90600
2509 LP The Hague
Tel: 070-310 53 10 (9am - 5pm)
www.degeschillencommissie.nl