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Legal Counter: Legal Advice & State Aid
National first-line service for legal advice and subsidized legal assistance in the Netherlands
Quick Overview
With one phone call or visit to one of 30 walk-in offices, you receive an independent assessment and, if needed, referral to a subsidized lawyer or mediator. No waiting time, no appointment needed.
Our Services
Screening & Triage
Determine whether you can handle the case yourself or qualify for subsidized legal aid from a lawyer.
Information & Template Letters
Access clear explanations and standard letters at juridischloket.nl. Download and easily adapt them to your situation.
Referral to Specialists
Directly referred to the right subsidized lawyer or mediator when your case becomes more complex.
Phone & In-Person Advice
Call 0800-8020 or visit one of our 30 walk-in offices throughout the Netherlands. Always nearby.
100% Independent
We are independent from law firms and mediators. Your interest comes first, always objective advice.
Who Qualifies?
| Household Type | Max Annual Income¹ (2026) | Max Assets² (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | €35,400 | €36,952 |
| Married/Cohabiting | €50,000 | €73,904 |
| Single-Parent Family | €50,000 | €73,904 |
¹ Income = total gross annual income from all sources (based on 2024 tax year for 2026 eligibility)
² Assets = savings, investments and second home combined (Box 3 assets; primary residence excluded)
² Assets = savings, investments and second home combined (Box 3 assets; primary residence excluded)
2026 Income Limits: Singles may earn up to €35,400 and families up to €50,000 (based on 2024 income) to qualify for subsidized legal aid. If you slightly exceed these limits, you still receive basic information and guidance on your options.
Personal Contributions 2026
If you qualify for subsidized legal aid, you pay a personal contribution (eigen bijdrage) based on your 2024 income and your household situation. The tables below show the applicable rates for lawyers and mediators in 2026.
Your Personal Contribution for a Lawyer in 2026
| Your Total Income in 2024 (I am currently single) |
Your Total Income in 2024 (Married, cohabiting or single parent) |
Personal Contribution Single |
Personal Contribution Family matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to €25,200 | Up to €35,000 | €188 | €379 |
| €25,201 – €25,900 | €35,001 – €36,200 | €406 | €474 |
| €25,901 – €27,500 | €36,201 – €37,900 | €609 | €678 |
| €27,501 – €29,800 | €37,901 – €42,400 | €813 | €881 |
| €29,801 – €35,400 | €42,401 – €50,000 | €1,015 | €1,051 |
| Exceeding €35,400 | Exceeding €50,000 | You cannot get legal aid | |
💡 Good to Know
- If you are in a Wsnp trajectory, an amicable debt relief trajectory or are personally bankrupt, you often pay the lowest personal contribution. It does not matter what your income or assets are.
- If your income is under attachment, you will pay the lowest personal contribution for your lawyer or mediator in many cases. This is a temporary arrangement.
- If your lawyer needs no more than 3 hours for your case, your lawyer will request a Light Advice Legal Aid (LAT). You will then pay a lower personal contribution.
Your Personal Contribution for a Mediator in 2026
| Your Total Income in 2024 (I am currently single) |
Your Total Income in 2024 (Married, cohabiting or single parent) |
Personal Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €25,200 | Up to €35,000 | €69 |
| €25,201 – €35,400 | €35,001 – €50,000 | €138 |
| Exceeding €35,400 | Exceeding €50,000 | You cannot get legal aid |
How We Help Determine Your Eligibility & Secure State Aid
Eligibility Assessment
We review your income and assets from the 2024 tax year (the reference year for 2026 applications) to determine if you qualify for subsidized legal assistance with reduced personal contributions.
Application Assistance
If you qualify, we help you complete the application to the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand). We guide you through all required documentation and connect you with registered lawyers who can submit applications on your behalf.
Personal Contribution Calculation
Based on your income bracket, we calculate your personal contribution (eigen bijdrage), which ranges from €188 to €1,015 for standard cases. Family law cases have different rates. If Juridisch Loket provides a diagnosis document, you receive a €65 discount on your contribution.
Income Change Assessment
If your 2024 income was higher but you've experienced a significant drop (15% or more) in 2026, we can request a reference year shift (peiljaarverlegging) to assess eligibility based on your current income instead.
International Income Support
New to the Netherlands? We help you provide foreign income documentation (pay slips, tax records from abroad) to establish eligibility, even if you didn't have Dutch income in 2024.
Fast-Track Processing
The Legal Aid Board verifies your data with the tax authorities and municipal population register electronically. We ensure all information is accurate for rapid processing, typically providing results within days, not weeks.
💡 Why Choose Our Eligibility Service?
- Expert Assessment: Navigate complex income and asset calculations with confidence
- Maximize Your Benefits: We ensure you receive all discounts and reductions you're entitled to
- Connection to Legal Aid: Direct referrals to subsidized lawyers and mediators in your area
- All Legal Areas Covered: Employment, housing, family, immigration, consumer rights, and more
- Clear Contribution Overview: Know exactly what personal contribution applies to your situation before you start
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your income, assets and household type — receive an instant result and a link to the nearest walk-in office.
Start Eligibility Check