Dagvaarding

A summons is the formal instrument by which civil proceedings are commenced in the Netherlands. It calls upon the defendant to appear before the court and sets out the claim together with the facts and legal grounds on which it is based. The summons must comply with strict statutory requirements and is served by a bailiff.

The summons is significant because it marks the formal commencement of the proceedings and affords the defendant the opportunity to defend the claim. Without a valid summons, the court cannot render judgment in the matter.

In practice, the summons is often prepared by a lawyer, after which a bailiff serves it on the defendant, thereby enabling the proceedings to commence and safeguarding the rights of the parties.