An appeal (beroepschrift) is an official document by which you submit a case to the administrative court. It must meet specific conditions to be admissible.
What Must an Appeal Contain?
A valid appeal contains the following elements:
- Full name and address of the appellant
- Date of filing
- Description of the decision against which you are appealing
- Reasons for the appeal (grounds of appeal)
- Signature of the appellant
- Copy of the objection decision
Where Can You File an Appeal in Utrecht?
An appeal can be filed in various ways:
- Online via the rechtspraak.nl website (log in with DigiD)
- By post to District Court of Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- In person at the court registry
Structure of an Appeal
| Section | Content Description |
|---|---|
| Heading | Addressed to District Court of Midden-Nederland, administrative law division |
| Introduction | Mention of the decision and the date of the objection decision |
| Arguments | Explanation of why you challenge the decision |
| Request | What you want the court to decide |
| Attachments | Copies of relevant documents such as the decision and evidence |
Important Grounds of Appeal
A strong appeal is often based on:
- Incorrect interpretation of laws and regulations
- Insufficient substantiation of the decision
- Violation of principles of good administration
- Incorrect establishment of facts
- Negligence in the preparation of the decision
Filing a Pro Forma Appeal
If you are at risk of missing the deadline, you can file a pro forma appeal. This is a short document in which you indicate that you are appealing. The court will then give you extra time to supplement the grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appeals in Utrecht
May I add new arguments that were not in the objection?
Yes, during the appeal you can submit additional arguments. The court reviews the entire decision anew.
When do I have to pay the court fee?
The court sends a payment request. Normally you have 4 weeks to comply.
What if I cannot pay the court fee?
If you have a low income, you can apply for an exemption. Contact the registry of the District Court of Midden-Nederland for more information.
Practical Information for Utrecht
For help in drafting an appeal, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht, located at Catharijnesingel 55. In addition, the District Court of Midden-Nederland, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, handles most administrative law cases in the Utrecht region.
Extra Tips for Filing
Always check if your appeal is complete before filing it. A small error can lead to delay. If you are unsure about the procedure, you can contact the court registry or seek legal advice at the Juridisch Loket Utrecht.