Legal terminology can feel like a foreign language — and in Curaçao, it often literally is. With Dutch as the official language of law, Papiamento as the language of daily life, and English as the language of international business, clients frequently encounter legal terms they don’t fully understand.
This glossary provides clear, plain-language definitions of common legal terms used in Curaçao, with translations in Dutch and Papiamento where applicable. It’s designed to help clients understand what their lawyers are talking about, what documents say, and what’s happening with their legal matters.
This glossary supports readers of our guide to working with a Curaçao lawyer and our legal document preparation guide. For a deeper understanding of the legal framework, see our Curaçao legal system reference.
While this glossary covers many common terms, it’s not exhaustive. If you encounter a term you don’t understand, ask your lawyer to explain it. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to understanding your legal rights and obligations.
General Legal Terms
Advocaat / Abogado / Lawyer
Dutch: Advocaat
Papiamento: Abogado
Definition: A licensed legal professional who provides legal advice and represents clients in legal matters. In Curaçao, lawyers must be admitted to the Bar (Orde van Advocaten).
Juridisch advies / Konseho legal / Legal advice
Dutch: Juridisch advies
Papiamento: Konseho legal
Definition: Professional guidance on legal rights, obligations, and options. This is what lawyers provide during consultations and throughout representation.
Advocatenkantoor / Ofisina di abogado / Law firm
Dutch: Advocatenkantoor
Papiamento: Ofisina di abogado
Definition: A business entity through which lawyers practice. A law firm may have one lawyer (sole practitioner) or many lawyers (partners and associates).
Orde van Advocaten / Orden di Abogadonan / Bar Association
Dutch: Orde van Advocaten
Papiamento: Orden di Abogadonan
Definition: The professional organization that regulates lawyers in Curaçao. The Bar sets ethical standards, handles complaints, and maintains the register of licensed lawyers.
Deontologie / Deontologia / Professional ethics
Dutch: Deontologie
Papiamento: Deontologia
Definition: The ethical rules and professional standards that lawyers must follow. These rules cover confidentiality, conflicts of interest, fees, and professional conduct.
Vertrouwelijkheid / Konfidensialidat / Confidentiality
Dutch: Vertrouwelijkheid
Papiamento: Konfidensialidat
Definition: The legal obligation of lawyers to keep client information secret. Everything you tell your lawyer is confidential, with very limited exceptions.
Volmacht / Poder / Power of attorney
Dutch: Volmacht
Papiamento: Poder
Definition: A legal document that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. This can be general (broad authority) or specific (limited to certain actions).
Gerecht / korte / Court
Dutch: Gerecht
Papiamento: Korte
Definition: The judicial institution where legal disputes are resolved by a judge. Curaçao has a Court of First Instance (Gerecht in Eerste Aanleg) and a Joint Court of Appeal (Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie).
Rechter / Hues / Judge
Dutch: Rechter
Papiamento: Hues
Definition: A judicial officer who presides over court proceedings and makes decisions on legal matters.
Zitting / Oudensia / Hearing
Dutch: Zitting
Papiamento: Oudensia
Definition: A court session where parties present their case to a judge. Hearings can be for oral arguments, witness testimony, or other proceedings.
Vonnis / Sentensia / Judgment
Dutch: Vonnis
Papiamento: Sentensia
Definition: A formal decision by a court resolving a legal dispute. A judgment states the court’s findings and orders (e.g., who wins, what damages are awarded).
Beroep / Apel / Appeal
Dutch: Beroep
Papiamento: Apel
Definition: A request to a higher court to review and potentially overturn a lower court’s decision. In Curaçao, appeals go from the Court of First Instance to the Joint Court of Appeal.
Hoger beroep / Apel mas altu / Higher appeal
Dutch: Hoger beroep
Papiamento: Apel mas altu
Definition: Appeal to a higher court. In Curaçao, this means appealing from the Court of First Instance to the Joint Court of Appeal.
Cassatie / Kasashon / Cassation
Dutch: Cassatie
Papiamento: Kasashon
Definition: Appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands (Hoge Raad). Cassation reviews whether the law was applied correctly, not the facts of the case.
Contract and Transaction Terms
Overeenkomst / Akuerdo / Agreement
Dutch: Overeenkomst
Papiamento: Akuerdo
Definition: A legally binding arrangement between two or more parties. Contracts are agreements that meet specific legal requirements.
Contract / Kontrato / Contract
Dutch: Contract
Papiamento: Kontrato
Definition: A specific type of agreement that creates legal obligations between parties. Contracts can be written or oral, though written contracts are strongly preferred for important matters.
Partijen / Partidonan / Parties
Dutch: Partijen
Papiamento: Partidonan
Definition: The people or entities who enter into a contract or are involved in a legal dispute.
Verplichting / Obligashon / Obligation
Dutch: Verplichting
Papiamento: Obligashon
Definition: A legal duty to do something or refrain from doing something. Contracts create obligations for the parties.
Aansprakelijkheid / Responsabilidat / Liability
Dutch: Aansprakelijkheid
Papiamento: Responsabilidat
Definition: Legal responsibility for something. If you’re liable, you’re legally responsible for damages or losses.
Schadevergoeding / Kompensashon / Damages
Dutch: Schadevergoeding
Papiamento: Kompensashon
Definition: Money awarded to compensate for loss or injury. Damages can be compensatory (to cover actual losses) or punitive (to punish wrongdoing).
Boete / Multa / Penalty
Dutch: Boete
Papiamento: Multa
Definition: A financial penalty for breaching a contract or violating a law. Contracts often include penalty clauses for late payment or other breaches.
Ontbinding / Disolushon / Termination
Dutch: Ontbinding
Papiamento: Disolushon
Definition: The cancellation or ending of a contract. Termination can be by mutual agreement, by one party exercising a termination right, or by court order.
Ontbinden / Disolvé / To terminate
Dutch: Ontbinden
Papiamento: Disolvé
Definition: To cancel or end a contract. “Ik wil de overeenkomst ontbinden” means “I want to terminate the agreement.”
Nakoming / Kumplimentu / Performance
Dutch: Nakoming
Papiamento: Kumplimentu
Definition: The fulfillment of contractual obligations. When parties “perform” the contract, they do what they promised to do.
Wanprestatie / Incumplimentu / Breach
Dutch: Wanprestatie
Papiamento: Incumplimentu
Definition: Failure to perform contractual obligations. A breach of contract can give the other party the right to damages or termination.
Overmacht / Forsa mayor / Force majeure
Dutch: Overmacht
Papiamento: Forsa mayor
Definition: Unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a party from fulfilling their obligations (e.g., natural disasters, war, pandemics). Force majeure clauses excuse performance in such events.
Property and Real Estate Terms
Onroerend goed / Propiedat inmóbil / Real estate
Dutch: Onroerend goed
Papiamento: Propiedat inmóbil
Definition: Land and anything permanently attached to it (buildings, structures). Real estate is immovable property, as opposed to movable property (cars, furniture).
Eigendom / Propiedat / Ownership
Dutch: Eigendom
Papiamento: Propiedat
Definition: The legal right to possess, use, and dispose of property. Ownership is the most complete property right.
Eigendomsakte / Akto di propiedat / Deed of ownership
Dutch: Eigendomsakte
Papiamento: Akto di propiedat
Definition: The notarial deed that transfers ownership of real estate. This document is prepared by a notary and registered in the land registry.
Kadaster / Kadaster / Land registry
Dutch: Kadaster
Papiamento: Kadaster
Definition: The public registry where property ownership, boundaries, and encumbrances are recorded. In Curaçao, the Kadaster is maintained by the government.
Hypotheek / Hipotek / Mortgage
Dutch: Hypotheek
Papiamento: Hipotek
Definition: A loan secured by real estate. The property serves as collateral for the loan. If the borrower defaults, the lender can foreclose and sell the property.
Hypotheekakte / Akto di hipotek / Mortgage deed
Dutch: Hypotheekakte
Papiamento: Akto di hipotek
Definition: The notarial deed that creates a mortgage on real estate. This document is prepared by a notary and registered in the land registry.
Notaris / Notario / Notary
Dutch: Notaris
Papiamento: Notario
Definition: A legal professional who prepares and authenticates certain legal documents, especially property transfers and company formations. In Curaçao, notaries are required for real estate transactions.
Levering / Entregamentu / Transfer
Dutch: Levering
Papiamento: Entregamentu
Definition: The legal transfer of property ownership. For real estate, transfer requires a notarial deed and registration in the land registry.
Bezwarende eigendommen / Karga riba propiedat / Encumbrances
Dutch: Bezwarende eigendommen
Papiamento: Karga riba propiedat
Definition: Claims, liens, or restrictions on property that affect ownership. Examples include mortgages, easements, and building restrictions.
Erfpacht / Erfpagt / Leasehold
Dutch: Erfpacht
Papiamento: Erfpagt
Definition: A right to use land owned by someone else, typically the government. The leaseholder pays ground rent and has the right to build on and use the land for a specified period.
Erfpachtcanon / Kanon di erfpagt / Ground rent
Dutch: Erfpachtcanon
Papiamento: Kanon di erfpagt
Definition: The annual rent paid for leasehold land. Ground rent is typically paid to the government.
Business and Corporate Terms
Vennootschap / Kompania / Company
Dutch: Vennootschap
Papiamento: Kompania
Definition: A legal entity separate from its owners. Companies can enter contracts, own property, sue and be sued in their own name.
Besloten vennootschap (BV) / Besloten Vennootschap / Private limited company
Dutch: Besloten vennootschap (BV)
Papiamento: Besloten Vennootschap
Definition: A private limited liability company. Shares are not publicly traded, and transfer requires notarial deed. This is the most common company type in Curaçao.
Naamloze vennootschap (NV) / Naamloze Vennootschap / Public limited company
Dutch: Naamloze vennootschap (NV)
Papiamento: Naamloze Vennootschap
Definition: A public limited liability company. Shares can be publicly traded. NVs are subject to more regulatory requirements than BVs.
Aandeel / Akshon / Share
Dutch: Aandeel
Papiamento: Akshon
Definition: A unit of ownership in a company. Shareholders own the company and have rights to dividends and voting.
Aandeelhouder / Akshonista / Shareholder
Dutch: Aandeelhouder
Papiamento: Akshonista
Definition: A person or entity that owns shares in a company. Shareholders are the owners of the company.
Bestuur / Direktorio / Board of directors
Dutch: Bestuur
Papiamento: Direktorio
Definition: The governing body of a company. The board manages the company and makes strategic decisions.
Directeur / Direktor / Director
Dutch: Directeur
Papiamento: Direktor
Definition: A member of the board of directors. Directors are responsible for managing the company and making decisions on its behalf.
Statuten / Estatuto / Articles of association
Dutch: Statuten
Papiamento: Estatuto
Definition: The founding document of a company. Articles of association set out the company’s name, purpose, share capital, governance structure, and other fundamental rules.
Inschrijving / Registrashon / Registration
Dutch: Inschrijving
Papiamento: Registrashon
Definition: The process of registering a company with the Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for a company to legally operate.
Kamer van Koophandel / Kámara di Komersio / Chamber of Commerce
Dutch: Kamer van Koophandel
Papiamento: Kámara di Komersio
Definition: The government agency that maintains the commercial register. All companies must register with the Chamber of Commerce.
Faillissement / Bankarota / Bankruptcy
Dutch: Faillissement
Papiamento: Bankarota
Definition: A legal process for companies or individuals who cannot pay their debts. In bankruptcy, a trustee is appointed to liquidate assets and distribute proceeds to creditors.
Surséance van betaling / Surséanne di pago / Suspension of payments
Dutch: Surséance van betaling
Papiamento: Surséanne di pago
Definition: A legal process that gives a company temporary protection from creditors while it restructures its debts. This is similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US.
Family Law Terms
Echtscheiding / Divorsio / Divorce
Dutch: Echtscheiding
Papiamento: Divorsio
Definition: The legal termination of a marriage. Divorce requires a court order and addresses issues like property division, child custody, and spousal support.
Echtscheidingsconvenant / Konvenant di divorsio / Divorce settlement agreement
Dutch: Echtscheidingsconvenant
Papiamento: Konvenant di divorsio
Definition: A written agreement between spouses that settles all issues related to divorce (property division, child custody, support). The agreement is submitted to the court for approval.
Ouderschap / Paternidat / Parentage
Dutch: Ouderschap
Papiamento: Paternidat
Definition: The legal relationship between parent and child. Parentage determines rights and obligations regarding the child.
Voogdij / Kustodia / Custody
Dutch: Voogdij
Papiamento: Kustodia
Definition: The legal right and responsibility to make decisions for a child. Custody can be joint (both parents) or sole (one parent).
Omgangsregeling / Reglamentu di bishita / Visitation schedule
Dutch: Omgangsregeling
Papiamento: Reglamentu di bishita
Definition: A schedule that determines when the non-custodial parent can spend time with the child.
Alimentatie / Penshun alimentisio / Alimony
Dutch: Alimentatie
Papiamento: Penshun alimentisio
Definition: Financial support paid by one spouse to the other after divorce. Alimony can be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances.
Kinderbijslag / Penshun di yu / Child support
Dutch: Kinderbijslag
Papiamento: Penshun di yu
Definition: Financial support paid by one parent to the other for the care of their children. Child support is typically paid until the child reaches adulthood.
Huwelijksvoorwaarden / Kondishon matrimonial / Prenuptial agreement
Dutch: Huwelijksvoorwaarden
Papiamento: Kondishon matrimonial
Definition: A contract entered into before marriage that determines how property will be divided in case of divorce or death.
Estate Planning Terms
Erfrecht / Lei di herensia / Inheritance law
Dutch: Erfrecht
Papiamento: Lei di herensia
Definition: The area of law that governs how property is transferred after death. Inheritance law determines who inherits and how much.
Erfgenaam / Heredero / Heir
Dutch: Erfgenaam
Papiamento: Heredero
Definition: A person who inherits property from someone who has died. Heirs can be determined by will (testate) or by law (intestate).
Testament / Testamènt / Will
Dutch: Testament
Papiamento: Testamènt
Definition: A legal document that specifies how a person’s property should be distributed after death. A will must be prepared by a notary in Curaçao.
Executeur / Eksekutor / Executor
Dutch: Executeur
Papiamento: Eksekutor
Definition: A person appointed in a will to administer the estate and ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out.
Boedel / Herensia / Estate
Dutch: Boedel
Papiamento: Herensia
Definition: All the property, assets, and liabilities left by a person who has died. The estate is administered by the executor.
Legitieme portie / Porshe legitimo / Forced heirship
Dutch: Legitieme portie
Papiamento: Porshe legitimo
Definition: The portion of an estate that must go to certain heirs (typically children) regardless of what the will says. Forced heirship rules limit testamentary freedom.
Schenking / Donashon / Gift
Dutch: Schenking
Papiamento: Donashon
Definition: A transfer of property without payment. Gifts can be made during life (inter vivos) or by will (mortis causa).
Employment Law Terms
Arbeidsovereenkomst / Kontrato di trabou / Employment contract
Dutch: Arbeidsovereenkomst
Papiamento: Kontrato di trabou
Definition: A contract between employer and employee that sets out the terms of employment (salary, duties, working hours, etc.).
Werkgever / Patrono / Employer
Dutch: Werkgever
Papiamento: Patrono
Definition: A person or entity that employs workers. Employers have legal obligations to their employees.
Werknemer / Trabouhado / Employee
Dutch: Werknemer
Papiamento: Trabouhado
Definition: A person who works for an employer under an employment contract. Employees have legal rights and protections.
Ontslag / Deskargo / Dismissal
Dutch: Ontslag
Papiamento: Deskargo
Definition: The termination of an employment contract by the employer. Dismissal must follow legal procedures and may require approval from the labor authorities or court.
Opzegtermijn / Término di notifikashon / Notice period
Dutch: Opzegtermijn
Papiamento: Término di notifikashon
Definition: The period between notice of termination and the actual end of employment. Notice periods are set by law or contract.
Transitievergoeding / Kompensashon di transishon / Transition payment
Dutch: Transitievergoeding
Papiamento: Kompensashon di transishon
Definition: A statutory payment owed to employees when their employment contract is terminated after at least 2 years. The amount is based on length of service and salary.
Key Takeaways
- Legal terminology in Curaçao operates in three languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento (daily life), and English (international business)
- Understanding legal terms helps you communicate effectively with your lawyer and understand your legal documents
- This glossary covers common terms across general law, contracts, property, business, family law, estate planning, and employment law
- If you encounter a term you don’t understand, ask your lawyer to explain it — there are no silly questions
- Legal terms often have specific meanings that differ from everyday usage — always clarify if you’re unsure
Legal terminology doesn’t have to be a barrier. With this glossary as a reference, you can better understand what’s happening with your legal matter and participate more effectively in the process. When in doubt, ask your lawyer — they’re there to help you navigate the legal system, not to confuse you with jargon.