How to respond when you receive a Dutch summons (dagvaarding)

Dutch term: Reageren op een dagvaarding | Legal basis: Articles 128-130 Rv

If you receive a Dutch summons (dagvaarding), act immediately: (1) note the court date specified in the summons, this is the deadline by which you must respond; (2) engage a Dutch advocate (mandatory for claims above 25,000 euro); (3) the advocate files a statement of defence (conclusie van antwoord) setting out your factual position, legal arguments and any counterclaim; (4) raise all procedural objections (jurisdiction, time-bar, lis pendens) in the statement of defence; (5) include any counterclaim (eis in reconventie) in the same document; (6) gather your documentary evidence and prepare for the case management hearing (comparitie).

Failing to respond results in a default judgment (verstekvonnis), which is typically granted in full and is immediately enforceable. The defendant can challenge a default judgment through opposition proceedings (verzet) within four weeks, but this adds cost, time and uncertainty. Responding properly from the start is always preferable.

Why it matters for international businesses

For international businesses served with a Dutch summons, the clock starts running on the date of service. Contact a Dutch advocate immediately. MAAK Advocaten can assess the summons and advise on the defence strategy within 24 hours of instruction.