What We Do in Family Law
In a divorce or a court petition, it is mandatory according to the Civil Code to engage an attorney. According to art. 1:150 et seq. CC (Book 1), a divorce can only be pronounced by the court, for which an attorney is required.
Our attorneys advise and guide in all family law issues and related procedures. We assist you in filing a divorce petition with the court and in the financial settlement of assets, debts, and pensions. Also, when agreements on prenuptial agreements or the division of pension rights are needed, we ensure clear and executable arrangements.
We assist you with, among other things:
- Divorce and termination of registered partnership – guidance in consultation, mediation, or court proceedings.
We draft a clear divorce settlement (and a parenting plan if applicable) and ensure ratification by the court.
Read more about divorce and separation. - Alimony – advice on the determination or modification of child support and spousal support.
- Parenting plan and parental authority – legal guidance in joint custody, visitation arrangements, or supervision orders.
More about our approach to custody issues. - Financial settlement – guidance in the division of the marital home, assets, or business, also in limited community of property or prenuptial agreements.
Read more about asset division. - Pension division upon divorce – clear advice on the settlement or division of pension rights between ex-partners.
We explain what is legally applicable according to the Pension Rights Equalization Act upon divorce, and assist in agreements on old-age and partner pensions.
In international situations, we advise on the applicability of Dutch law and coordination with pension providers.
Read more about pensions upon divorce. - Inheritance law – advice and procedures on estates, legitimate portions, and conflicts between heirs.
View our expertise in inheritance law. - International family law – procedures with foreign elements, international divorce, and application of private international law.
More about international family law.
Our principle: clear explanation, involved guidance and sustainable agreements within the relevant legal areas.
When to Engage a Family Law Attorney
Engaging a family law attorney is wise as soon as your situation becomes complex or you need clarity about your legal position.
When you consider engaging a family law attorney, we immediately assess which approach best suits your situation, from consultation and mediation to court proceedings. For example, in:
a divorce or registered partnership;
a dispute over custody, visitation, or alimony;
the financial settlement of a marriage or partnership;
an international divorce or court procedure.
Do you need an attorney to help you make the right choices? Engaging a family law attorney provides certainty, structure, and legal protection — especially when emotions and interests converge.
Our experienced family law attorneys advise on your rights and obligations, assist in filing a petition, and ensure everything is legally correctly documented.
This prevents misunderstandings and maintains peace and clarity — even in complex situations.
👉 Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation.
Read more about our approach.
Urgency and Protection
In urgent situations (e.g., domestic violence, child abduction, or breach of agreements), we can immediately initiate provisional measures or a summary proceeding, such as a contact or restraining order, a care or visitation arrangement, or financial measures.
👉 Contact us immediately
Mediation in Family Law
Mediation is an important part of family law and often provides solutions in various family law issues. Consider divorces, the termination of a registered partnership, drafting visitation arrangements, determining alimony, or dividing assets. With mediation, disputes can often be resolved faster and less expensively than through the court.
Instead of immediately going to court, more and more people choose mediation to reach clear agreements together. Mediation is a proven method to resolve disputes within family law. A mediator remains neutral and helps both parties reach agreements together, without litigation.
It often saves time, costs, and emotional burden.
During mediation, our attorneys help parties make clear agreements about child care, alimony, and asset division. This results in workable and sustainable solutions, without a judge having to decide.
Read more about our approach to mediation.
Children and Joint Custody
In a divorce or relationship termination, the interests of minor children always come first. When there are minor children involved, it is important that their interests are well safeguarded.
Our attorneys ensure that all agreements are legally sound and recorded in the best interests of the children.
We assist parents in drafting a parenting plan and shaping co-parenting, with clear agreements on care, upbringing, and communication.
We also offer expert support in establishing or adjusting a visitation arrangement, creating peace and predictability for all involved.
According to the Civil Code, parents usually automatically have joint custody, but in some situations, this must be reapplied for.
Our attorneys support you in filing a request with the court, both in national and international matters.
Read more about parents and custody
Moving with Children (Domestic / International)
For an international move with minor children, permission from both custodial parents is required. We advise and litigate on relocation, including urgent measures where necessary.
👉 More about international family law
Visitation Rights for Grandparents and Family
Even if you are not a parent, there may be possibilities for contact with a child. We assess feasibility and assist with court requests.
Read more about parents and custody
Co-parenting
We help parents legally and practically establish co-parenting: care division, decision-making, finances, and evaluation moments.
Please contact us to discuss your situation.
Cohabitation and Registered Partnership
Cohabitation or a registered partnership brings legal rights and obligations.
We advise on drafting cohabitation agreements, making financial arrangements, and the consequences of ending the partnership.
An attorney specialized in family law can help you properly establish your legal position, so you have clarity about ownership, debts, alimony, and inheritance law.
Read more about dissolving a registered partnership
For Expats and International Families
Our firm specializes in international family law and private international law.
We assist expats worldwide with divorce, alimony, custody, and inheritance law with cross-border aspects.
Both the possibilities for litigation in the Netherlands and the applicability of Dutch law are carefully examined.
We work fluently in Dutch, English, and German — for clients in more than twenty countries.
More about international family law
Our Approach – Clear, Strategic and Discreet
Our clients appreciate the peace and structure we bring to complex family relationships.
During the process, we actively keep you informed of every step and progress.
You always know what to expect — without surprises in costs or communication.
Costs
The costs of legal assistance depend on the complexity of your case. You will receive a clear estimate and agreements on progress in advance.
More about our costs & rates in family law matters.
Our Approach
Our approach is clear:
- Introduction & strategy – insight into your situation, goal, and possibilities.
- Analysis & advice – legal plan with an overview of costs, planning, and next steps.
- Guidance & negotiation – we manage with an eye for balance and results.
- Completion and aftercare – sustainable agreements and, if desired, further assistance or mediation.
Read more about our approach.
A Trusted Partner for Now and Later
Clients come to us for solutions, but often stay because of the trust. We build sustainable relationships, not because we have to, but because it naturally arises when you feel heard and understood.
At Simmelink Lawyers, you will find not only legal expertise but also the personal peace of a top family law attorney who handles your case with care and precision.
When We Make the Difference
You’re not looking for conflict, but clarity.
Perhaps you’re at the beginning of a divorce, want to revise agreements about alimony or custody, or are dealing with summary proceedings. We also offer guidance in conflicts with an ex-partner, for example about custody arrangements or agreements after the divorce.
We help you gain overview, make the right choices and prevent escalation.
With one dedicated attorney who strategically guides you, you gain control over the process — and space to look ahead.
As a family law firm, we combine legal expertise with personal attention.
During the process, we actively keep you informed of every step and progress.
You always know what to expect — without surprises in costs or communication.
“Clarity only emerges when facts, interests, and emotions are in balance.”
— Simmelink Advocaten
Aftercare and Guidance Post-Divorce
Even after a divorce, we remain involved in questions between ex-partners — for example, about alimony, custody, or asset division.
We guide you at every step: from drafting the petition to complying with the agreements made – with an eye for peace, care, and balance.
Even if the procedure was previously handled by another firm, our family law attorneys can assist you with follow-up steps, adjustments, or aftercare.
We ensure that agreements remain workable and provide legal certainty for the future.
Please contact us
We are available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the phone number +31 (0)30 – 3078732.
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