Introduction
Not everyone can afford a lawyer, especially when there is a long-term legal conflict. Fortunately, in the Netherlands there is a system for subsidized legal aid: the addition. If you meet certain income and asset requirements, you are entitled to an addition lawyer. In this blog you can read when you qualify for this, how much you pay yourself and what this means for your legal options.
What is an adjunct attorney?
An input lawyer is a lawyer who is largely paid by the government. The Legal Aid Board assesses a person's eligibility. The system is designed to make legal aid accessible to people with low and moderate incomes, so that they are not excluded from legal help for financial reasons.
When do you qualify for an addition?
In order to use an add-on lawyer, income and asset limits apply. These are set annually. To assess your application, the Legal Aid Board looks at your income and assets from two years ago by default. In 2025, the standards are tested against income the 2023 tax year.
The terms are as follows:
- Singles: income lower than €33,200
- Cohabitants or people with children living with them: joint income lower than €46,900
- Capital: maximum of €31,747 in box 3 (excluding tax-free capital)
Is your income lower in 2025 than it was in 2023? Then you can request that your current (lower) income be taken into account in the assessment. This may be relevant, for example, if you have recently become unemployed.
How much do you pay yourself on an addition?
If you qualify, you will not pay full attorney fees, but a co-payment. This contribution is between €165 and €891, depending on the amount of your income. The rest of the costs are covered by the government.
In some cases, you may also be eligible for an additional reduction in the co-payment, for example, if you have been referred through the Legal Help Desk. This further lowers the threshold for accessing legal help.
What does this mean to you?
An add-on lawyer can provide a solution in many situations: from employment disputes to rent disputes or family law proceedings. When you meet the conditions, you do not have to fear high costs. Thus, legal help remains accessible even to people with limited financial resources.
Please note that an addition is not provided in all proceedings. For example, in cases with a clear financial interest (such as simple collection cases), an addition is often not possible. A lawyer can assess this for you.
Conclusion
An add-on lawyer makes legal assistance accessible to everyone. Do your income and assets meet the conditions? Then you are entitled to a substantial contribution towards the cost of legal assistance. Seek timely advice from a lawyer to see if you qualify and what steps you need to take.n contact a lawyer to discuss your options.
This blog was written by mr. Stijn Blom, employment lawyer at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports entrepreneurs and employees on a daily basis with a variety of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and regulations - with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn's page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to think with you if you have questions about adjunct lawyers. Please feel free to get in touch .
April 2025
