How do I object to a decision by a government body?

Direct answer

Every decision that affects you — a permit refused, a benefit cut, a fine, a tax assessment — comes with a right to object and a deadline, both printed on the letter. The objection goes first to the body that decided, in writing, within the deadline (often 4–6 weeks, sometimes much shorter); it must be reconsidered and answered with reasons. Then it is Verwaltungsgericht des Kantons (bger.ch) — the administrative court — where you usually do not need a lawyer for the first step. Ombudsstelle des Kantons / der Stadt (ombudsman-ch.ch) handles the way you were treated rather than the decision itself; Unentgeltliche Rechtspflege (Gericht) / Rechtsauskunft des Kantons (ch.ch) gives free legal help if your income is low.

Call firstOmbudsstelle des Kantons / der Stadt

Report toUnentgeltliche Rechtspflege (Gericht) / Rechtsauskunft des Kantons

If that failsVerwaltungsgericht des Kantons

🗣️ What to say

"I object to your decision [reference] of [date] concerning [subject]. The decision is wrong because [facts / law / procedure]. I ask you to reconsider it and to [grant / withdraw / correct]. Please confirm receipt and tell me when I can expect your answer. I also ask for suspension of the decision meanwhile."

🪜 Step by step

Deadline firstFile something on time — even one sentence — and add the reasons later if allowed.
Ask for the fileYou are entitled to see the documents the decision is based on; often they show the error.
Object to the bodyReference, what is wrong, what you want, evidence. Ask for suspension if the decision has immediate effect.
HearingMany countries let you present your case in person before the objection is decided. Go.
Court: Verwaltungsgericht des KantonsAgainst the objection decision, within its deadline; a small fee, and legal aid through Unentgeltliche Rechtspflege (Gericht) / Rechtsauskunft des Kantons.

📇 All contacts

Ombudsstelle des Kantons / der StadtComplaints about administration, free (where it exists)When the authority does not answer or acts unfairly🔗 www.ombudsman-ch.ch

Unentgeltliche Rechtspflege (Gericht) / Rechtsauskunft des KantonsFree legal information and court costs on low incomeWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.ch.ch/de/gerichte/unentgeltliche-rechtspflege

Verwaltungsgericht des KantonsAppeals against administrative decisionsWithin 30 days of the decision🔗 www.bger.ch

❓ Frequently asked

Does objecting stop the decision from taking effect?

Not always — ask for suspension explicitly, and if refused, ask the court for an interim order.

I missed the deadline by two days

Object anyway with the reason; "excusable" delays are accepted in some cases. Otherwise a request to revisit the decision is still possible but weaker.

They ignored my objection

After the legal answer deadline, a notice of default and, in many countries, a penalty payment or a direct route to court. Ombudsstelle des Kantons / der Stadt also takes complaints about silence.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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📩 How do I object to a decision by a government body?