Verzoekschrift

Verzoekschrift is a written petition or application submitted to a court or public authority in Dutch law. It is used to request a decision, order, or action, and may initiate a procedure or seek a provisional measure. The term is common in civil, administrative, and family law, as well as in notarial or administrative contexts. A verzoekschrift is typically filed by the person seeking relief or by a legal representative on their behalf.

A verzoekschrift usually contains several elements. It should identify the parties and the court or authority addressed, present a concise statement of facts, set out the legal basis for the request, and specify the relief or order sought. Attachments or evidence supporting the claim are often included. The document should be dated and signed, and may need to follow a prescribed form or format determined by the relevant court or authority.

Procedure and effect vary by jurisdiction and context. After filing, the court or authority will review the request and, depending on the case, may issue a decision, set a date for a hearing, or request further information. In urgent situations, a verzoekschrift can include a request for provisional or interim relief. The other party may be informed and given the opportunity to respond in certain procedures.

Distinctions: a verzoekschrift is not always the same as a dagvaarding (summons) to start a full civil action; a verzoekschrift often seeks an order or decision and may be used for provisional relief, while a dagvaarding leads to a broader adversarial procedure with arguments and evidence presented at a hearing.