An appeal (beroepschrift) is the document with which you submit a case to the administrative court. It must meet specific conditions to be valid.
What Must an Appeal Contain?
A valid appeal contains the following elements:
- Full name and residential address of the appellant
- Date of filing
- A clear description of the decision you are challenging
- The reasons why you disagree with the decision
- Signature of the appellant
- A copy of the decision on objection
Where Can You File an Appeal?
The appeal can be filed in various ways:
- Online via the judiciary website with your DigiD
- By post to the District Court of The Hague
- In person at the court registry
Structure of an Appeal
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Heading | Addressed to the District Court of The Hague, administrative law division |
| Introduction | Mention of the decision and the date of the objection |
| Arguments | Explanation of why you consider the decision unjustified |
| Request | What you want the court to decide |
| Attachments | Documents such as the decision and supporting evidence |
Important Grounds for Appeal
Good arguments for an appeal may include:
- Incorrect interpretation of the law
- Insufficient substantiation of the decision
- Breach of principles of good administration
- Incorrect facts in the decision
- Negligence in the preparation of the decision
Pro Forma Appeal for Westland
If you cannot meet the deadline, you can file a provisional pro forma appeal with the District Court of The Hague. The court will then give you extra time to supplement your grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appeals in Westland
May I add new arguments that were not in the objection?
Yes, during the appeal you can submit additional grounds. The court will review the entire decision anew.
When do I have to pay the court fee?
The District Court of The Hague will send you an invoice. You usually have 4 weeks to pay it.
What if I cannot pay the court fee?
If you have a low income, you can request exemption. Contact the registry or the Juridisch Loket Westland for advice.
Additional Questions about Filing an Appeal
How much time do I have to file an appeal?
You have 6 weeks from the date of the decision on objection. This deadline is strict; late filing may lead to inadmissibility. If in doubt, you can file a pro forma appeal via the District Court of The Hague.
What if I forget a part of the appeal?
If you miss something important, such as a signature, the court will often give a short period to supplement it. Make sure to arrange this quickly to avoid delays.
Is a lawyer required for an appeal?
It is not mandatory to engage a lawyer. You can draft an appeal yourself, but in complex cases, assistance from a lawyer via the Juridisch Loket Westland can be useful.
Which court should I file my case with?
For residents of Westland, the District Court of The Hague is usually competent. Check the decision on objection or contact the registry for certainty.
What are the costs of an appeal?
The court fee for administrative law cases varies between €50 and €500 (2023 rates). After filing, you will receive a payment request from the court. Exemption is possible in case of financial problems.
Can I amend my appeal later?
Yes, within the period set by the court, you can make additions, such as additional evidence. Submit these in writing to the registry of the District Court of The Hague.
What exactly is a pro forma appeal?
A pro forma appeal is a short notice that you are instituting an appeal, without detailed arguments. You use this to meet the deadline, after which you can submit your grounds later.