Request an independent expert investigation

1. Where should we start?

Choose the route that best describes your request. This is an initial choice; the Expertise Coordination Centre confirms the final route.

I have a problem or disputeHelp me determine which investigation may be appropriate.I know which investigation I needI have a specific expert question or procedure in mind.I already have an expert reportCorrection, additional questions or an independent counter-report.

2. What is the problem?

Choose a broad topic, then describe the facts in the final step.

SubjectWhat kind of property or work is involved?

3. What should the investigation establish?

State the outcome you need without assuming the cause or the conclusion.

Cause and consequencesWhat happened and what damage or defects followed?Quality of the workHow was the work designed, executed or repaired?Remedial work and costsWhat repair approach and scope may be needed?Review an existing assessmentEvaluate its facts, method and conclusions.

Additional purpose or intended use of the report

4. Should both sides have an opportunity to be heard?

In a dispute, the relevant parties may need notice and an opportunity to provide information during a site visit. The procedure will be agreed before an assignment starts.

YesThere is another party and I want them involved under a defined procedure.NoI am requesting an initial or one-sided assessment.Not known yetPlease advise after reviewing the case.

Preferred investigation method

5. Who else is involved?

We need the parties and their roles to check independence and plan a fair process.

There is another partyNo other partyI am not sure yet

Role of the other partyOther people or organisations involved

6. Has formal notice been given?

If a contractor or other party has been asked in writing to remedy a problem, tell us when and attach the notice if available. We do not decide legal liability in this form.

Yes, in writingNoNot applicable or unknown

Date of notice, if knownRelevant response or deadline

7. Is legal support involved?

Please identify any legal expenses insurer, lawyer or representative and their file number. Check your own policy before commissioning an investigation.

Legal expenses insuranceLawyer or legal adviserNeither or not known yet

Insurer or law firmPolicy or file numberName of case handlerCase handler's email

8. Does a court procedure apply?

A court appointment may specify questions, deadlines and the Dutch Guidelines for Experts in Civil Cases. Upload the order in the final step.

Yes, there is a court order or procedureNo court procedureNot sure

Court and case numberHearing or filing deadline

9. Should the result be binding?

A binding expert determination requires the relevant parties to agree on its scope and effect in writing before the investigation. It is distinct from an ordinary expert report.

Yes, the parties intend a binding outcomeNo, an independent report is neededWe have not agreed this yet

What has been agreed with the other party?

10. Has your insurer requested a conditional-cost investigation?

Sometimes a legal expenses insurer refers to an investigation “on the basis of an unsuccessful outcome”. The actual payment and coverage terms depend on the policy and a written agreement.

YesNoNot known

What did your insurer say?

11. What kind of proposal do you expect?

The final fee and scope will always be assessed separately. Specialist or destructive work may need a separate agreement.

Fixed scope and fee, if possibleStarting fee and agreed follow-up ratesCustom proposal for a complex casePlease advise

12. Complete the request

Applicant means the person or organisation asking for the proposal. Other parties are needed for the independence check. Include all known details and mark unknown information as such.

Applicant and reference

Your full name *Company (if applicable)Email address *Telephone number *Street and number *Postal code and town *

File, court or case reference *

Place to be investigated

Street and number *Postal code *Town or city *Country *

Case and questions

Describe what happened, when and what the current situation is *Which specific questions should the expert answer? *

Other party

Name or contact personCompanyEmail addressTelephone number

Other party's address

Existing report and documents

Existing expert report (required for a counter-report)Photographs, correspondence, court order and other relevant documents

Maximum 25 MB per file and 75 MB for all files together. Do not upload identity documents or unrelated sensitive information.

Describe the uploaded documentsDesired deadlineI confirm that the information is accurate to the best of my knowledge. This is a request for assessment; an assignment starts only after a proposal has been accepted.

Request an expert investigation in English