Disputes or legal problems can happen to anyone. Life events, such as breaking up a relationship, losing a job, or a conflict with an employer, as well as everyday activities, such as making purchases, often have a legal aspect. Usually, dealing with that legal dimension does not pose problems. However, when there is indeed a legal problem or dispute, it is not possible for everyone to find a good solution. Minister Weerwind wants to change that.

Minister Weerwind:

“Everyone should be able to resolve a legal problem or dispute in an accessible, sustainable, and appropriate manner. And it involves so much more than going to court. An appropriate solution can also be found with the help of a mediator, by setting up a payment arrangement, or by presenting the dispute to a dispute resolution committee. That is why I am taking measures to strengthen not only the path to court but also the use of these options.”

To strengthen access to justice, Minister Weerwind is taking additional measures on top of ongoing initiatives. These measures focus on improving the availability of information, making (legal) advice and support more accessible, and lowering the threshold to obtain a decision from a neutral body, such as a judge.

Information about solutions for common legal problems and disputes must be accessible, understandable, and objective. For this reason, the website of the Government of the Netherlands will be adjusted. To stimulate the use of mediation, from March 1st, mediation will be free for the first two and a half hours if referred from the judiciary. This startup contribution will apply for two years and, if it works well, will be made permanent. Additionally, Minister Weerwind wants to increase the use of restorative justice so that victims and suspects or offenders can discuss and remedy the consequences of a (potential) criminal offense more often. For this, Minister Weerwind is investing an additional 1.2 million euros.

Another measure taken by Minister Weerwind is the reduction of court fees. These are costs that everyone pays who wants to bring a case before the court. These rates will be reduced by approximately 13.5 percent compared to the price level for most cases. Citizens and businesses can also present their disputes to a dispute resolution committee. This is an accessible way to resolve disputes. The Foundation for Dispute Committees for Consumer Affairs plays an important role in this. The subsidy to this organization will be structurally increased by 260,000 euros.

Minister Weerwind has consulted various parties, such as the Judiciary, representatives of the legal professions, and interest organizations, to identify bottlenecks and map out which measures are possible, in addition to existing initiatives to strengthen access to justice. Additionally, a survey has been conducted among citizens and entrepreneurs who have faced legal problems. Minister Weerwind indicates that the announced measures are a first step. There will be ongoing collaboration with parties to see if it is possible to further strengthen access to justice.