So you are interested in getting legal help regarding Dutch nationality law. You would be helped by myself, Kris von Habsburg, Specialist Dutch Nationality Lawyer (jurist). Let me explain what options you have:
Simple or Initial Consultation
You want to speak to me, to discuss your circumstances and get some initial legal advice. We can set up a meeting for one hour, or more. I recommend a video (Zoom) meeting as it seems to help mutual comprehension and facilitates asking and answering questions well. We could also do this by phone, WhatsApp, or an email consultation. Or a combination of those. You agree to my general terms and conditions, my hourly fee for this (every rate is published in full on our fees page), agree to pay a deposit for one hour, agree that the first hour is always fully charged, and agree to pay for additional requested time which is rounded down to the minute of actual work. Go ahead, use the contact form to set up a consultation. Quick and easy!
Becoming a Client – Retainer Agreement
For anything more than an initial consultation you can become a client. For example for me to assist you with forms, application (preparation), appeals, court cases, evidence preparation, record searches/retrieval, contacting Dutch and foreign authorities, etc. If I agree to take your case I will email you my Retainer Agreement. This agreement is standard and the terms and conditions are fair and reasonable, if I say so myself. The hourly fee is the same as for consultation. I have slightly higher fees for some Dutch immigration services you may need, but if you are a former or latent Dutch national then I will use the same lower fee. Also, if you want to become Dutch through regular naturalisation or by Option, I will use that same lower fee. You can review the terms and conditions in the Retainer Agreement and you only accept these once you sign and return the agreement. The terms and conditions are not much different than for an initial consultation. The Retainer Agreement has no end date. This means that if you ask for help now, and again in a year or two, you are already set up as a client and we don’t have to do any onboarding anymore. There are no ongoing membership fees, admin fees or anything like that with a Retainer. You will only be charged for the help you ask for, the instructions you give me. And of course, you can always give a time budget, call stop, and cancel the Agreement. Go ahead, use the contact form to become a client. You know you want to!
Just a Question Sir?
You have a question about the service or how I work. You may want to discuss my fees, terms and conditions. I always answer every message. However, I do not always answer questions regarding your specific situation. If I do, it is unqualified advice and meant to help and direct you. It is unqualified because I did not have the opportunity to interview you, investigate, research your situation, etc. Although almost never wrong, I am merely human and can occasionally, unintentionally, give incorrect advice as I did not know your full circumstances or background. There are no fees or charges for asking a quick or simple question. Go ahead, use the contact form to ask. “Vragen staat vrij”.
Your Finances / Difficulties Paying the Fees
When you commit to a consultation or Retainer Agreement you agree to the fees and that deposits are to be paid in advance. However, if you can’t really afford my fees then do be honest and tell me from the start. Then we can perhaps agree on alternative payment terms. Even happy to consider barter solutions.
Free work?
I do not offer free (Pro Bono) work through my company unless your case comes to me through a charity, non-profit organisation, or foundation. I already volunteer quite a lot of my time and do need to feed my kids as well. Because our head office is in the UK I can unfortunately not offer Dutch (subsidised) Legal Aid (toevoeging). But me not being able to do some of this does not mean that I can’t help you find solutions. Perhaps with another lawyer who can. I also work together with some other Dutch lawyers at times. So, difficult finances should not stop you from contacting me, just don’t expect too much.
New Project! Support and Donate to a Legal Case!
If you have the means to donate some money, or provide (material) assistance in any other way, then please contact me. There are people who can’t for example afford the fee of a passport application, and have no family or resources to support them in this. Your donation would help hardship cases. Other support, from offering accommodation or an address in the Netherlands to helping with transport to a far away embassy/consulate, it is all welcome.