---
title: When does the reflection period start?
description: Learn when the statutory cooling-off period for a Dutch settlement agreement starts, which written communications matter and how to calculate the deadline.
author: Edwin van Jaarsveld
url: https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/en/when-reflection-period-starts-settlement-agreement
---

![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/17/shutterstock_499576012-1-gespiegeld-177f0f5e.jpeg)

## The starting point is decisive

The cooling-off period begins when the written termination agreement is concluded. This is often the date on which the employee signs, but that date is not decisive in every case.

Written acceptance by email or agreement reached through authorised representatives may mean that the agreement was concluded earlier. Therefore, assess the complete correspondence and not only the final document.

[Read about the cooling-off period](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2767)

**1**Determine when written agreement was reached

**2**Count the applicable period from that point

![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/96/vaststellingsovereenkomst_controleren-96bd91d6.jpeg)

## Which documents should you compare?

Review the signed document, drafts, emails between the parties and messages from lawyers or other authorised representatives. Pay attention to the wording by which a proposal was accepted and whether any reservations or outstanding points remained.

If no complete agreement had yet been reached, the starting point may be later. This requires a legal assessment of the specific communications.

[Read about revocation](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2773)

## Calculate the final day carefully

1. **Establish the starting point.** Identify the first point at which complete written agreement existed.
2. **Determine whether 14 or 21 days applies.** Check whether the employer stated the cooling-off period in writing in the agreement.
3. **Count conservatively.** If in doubt, do not rely on the latest conceivable date and do not wait until the last day.
4. **Revoke in writing and in a verifiable manner.** Ensure that the employer receives the notice in time.

### Uncertainty about agreement by email

A signature is not always the only evidence of a written agreement. An email exchange may be sufficient if it shows that the parties agreed on all termination terms.

If in doubt, have it assessed immediately which communication legally constitutes acceptance.

[Have the starting point reviewed](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2455)

## Read more about your options

Read the main page, learn how revocation works or examine the difference from refusing to sign.

[Cooling-off period](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2767)

[Revoking or rescinding](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2773)

[Refusing to sign](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2777)

![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/df/edwinportret-gigapixel-low_res-scale-4_00x-df0dd30f.jpeg)

About the author

### Mr. Edwin van Jaarsveld

Edwin van Jaarsveld has over 20 years of experience with dismissal cases and regularly publishes about them.

**Edwin’s expertise can also be found on:**

[![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/c9/linkedin-logo-c9bd4b88.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-van-jaarsveld-4746691b/?originalSubdomain=nl)

[![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/85/paroo2l-85019151.png)](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/bekend_van/artikelen/Stel_bij_ontslag_alles_ter_discussie__Het_Parool1.pdf)

[![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/2e/ad-2eae40c9.jpeg)](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/bekend_van/artikelen/Drugs_op_zak_maar_niet_gebruikt_Ontslag_op_staande_voet_is_wellicht_te_zwaar.pdf)

[![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/75/brisk1-75fa8d97.jpeg)](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/bekend_van/artikelen/BC_-_Tien_tips_voor_werkgevers_bij_ontslag_wegens_disfunctioneren.pdf)

[![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/47/mtsprout-4785aa81.png)](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/bekend_van/artikelen/Persbericht__Ontslag_op_staande_voet_een_weg_vol_risicos__MT_Sprout.pdf)

## Is your final date uncertain?

Act immediately. Have the agreement and correspondence reviewed and do not delay revocation.

[Have the period reviewed](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2455)

[Read about the cooling-off period](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2767)