Consumers who have questions about notarial services can contact the information line for all kinds of information. KNB also provides the website Notaris.nl for the general public. If consumers have a dispute with a notary, they can ask the KNB to mediate.
Notaris.nl
This website helps consumers to prepare for a meeting with a notary. By answering questions about the nature of their inquiry, consumers receive more information about various subjects such as buying a house, dealing with an estate and regulating family law matters.
Notaristelefoon
The Notaristelefoon is the KNB’s information line for the general public. Consumers can call this number to get answers to their general questions about buying a house, making a will, entering into a prenuptial agreement and so forth. In the case of more detailed questions the Notaristelefoon refers the caller to a notary. The line (0900 3469393) is open every working day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and calls costs € 0.80 per minute.
Brochures
The KNB has published a series of brochures and information cards for the Dutch public about a range of notarial subjects. These are distributed by notary’s offices among their clients.
Central Register of Wills
This database keeps track of who has had a will drawn up, when and by which notary. The Central Register of Wills (CTR) provides no information about the contents of a will, but does indicate whether a deceased has made a will and, if so, which notary is keeping it. Any notary may consult the Register on behalf of the heirs. Private individuals can also consult the Register free of charge. The Register is interconnected with Registers in other Memberstates via the platform of ARERT. For more information visit the page about international estates at notaris.nl.
Mediation in disputes
Most people have dealings with a notary at some point in their life. Usually this passes off without problems, but not always. The KNB mediates in disputes if the notary or deputy (civil law) notary and the client are unable to resolve it amicably among themselves. If the mediation by the KNB fails, a client may then refer his complaints to a disciplinary board or the Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards.