Introduction
Not everyone can afford a lawyer, especially when it comes to a long-term legal dispute. Fortunately, the Netherlands has a system for subsidized legal aid: the “toevoeging.” If you meet certain income and asset requirements, you are entitled to a court-appointed attorney. In this blog, you’ll learn when you qualify, how much you’ll have to pay yourself, and what this means for your legal options.
What is a court-appointed attorney?
A public defender is an attorney who is largely paid by the government. The Legal Aid Board determines whether someone is eligible for this service. The system is designed to make legal aid accessible to people with low or moderate incomes, so that they are not denied legal assistance for financial reasons.
When are you eligible for legal aid?
To be eligible for a court-appointed attorney, certain income and asset limits apply. These limits are set annually. When assessing your application, the Legal Aid Board typically considers your income and assets from two years ago. In 2025, the eligibility criteria will be based on income from the 2023 tax year.
The terms and conditions are as follows:
- Single people: income less than €33,200
- Couples living together or people with children living at home: combined income less than €46,900
- Assets: up to €31,747 in Box 3 (excluding the tax-exempt allowance)
Will your income in 2025 be lower than in 2023? If so, you can submit a request to have your current (lower) income taken into account in the assessment. This may be relevant, for example, if you recently became unemployed.
How much do you pay out of pocket when you’re assigned a public defender?
If you are eligible, you will not pay the full legal fees, but rather a copayment. This copayment ranges from €165 to €891, depending on your income. The government covers the rest of the costs.
In some cases, you may also be eligible for an additional reduction in your copayment, for example, if you were referred through the Legal Help Desk. This lowers the barrier to accessing legal assistance even further.
What does this mean for you?
A legal aid attorney can provide a solution in a wide range of situations: from employment law disputes to rental conflicts or family law proceedings. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you don’t have to worry about high costs. This ensures that legal assistance remains accessible to people with limited financial means.
Please note: Legal aid is not granted in all cases. For example, in cases involving a clear financial interest (such as simple debt collection cases), legal aid is often not available. A lawyer can assess this for you.
Conclusion
A public defender makes legal assistance accessible to everyone. Do your income and assets meet the eligibility requirements? If so, you’re entitled to substantial assistance with the costs of legal representation. Seek advice from a lawyer in a timely manner to determine whether you qualify and what steps you need to take. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options.
This blog was written by Stijn Blom, Esq., an employment law attorney at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists employers and employees on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight agreements and policies—with his practical and personalized approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to learn more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to assist you if you have any questions about court-appointed attorneys. Please feel free to contact us .
April 2025