Ontbinding is the judicial route for ending an employment contract in the Netherlands, handled by the kantonrechter (sub-district court). It applies when the dismissal ground is personal rather than economic, for example unsuitable performance, culpable conduct, a damaged working relationship, or a combination of grounds under the cumulatiegrond introduced by the Wet arbeidsmarkt in balans.
The employer files a request (verzoekschrift) explaining the ground and providing evidence. The court examines whether the ground is substantiated, whether reassignment is reasonably possible, and whether any opzegverbod applies. If granted, the court sets a termination date, usually matching the statutory notice period, and awards the statutory transition payment plus, in cases of serious employer culpability, a fair compensation (billijke vergoeding).
Employees may also request ontbinding, typically citing seriously culpable behaviour by the employer. Court rulings can be appealed, although appeals do not suspend the termination itself. Most ontbinding cases conclude within two to three months of filing.