In brief
A family law lawyer in Utrecht guides you through legal issues regarding divorce, children, alimony, and assets, with legal proceedings via the Midden-Nederland District Court.
- A family law lawyer manages the divorce legal proceedings at the Midden-Nederland District Court, drafts the settlement agreement, and advises on arrangements regarding children, alimony, and assets.
- Utrecht has a large international community; in situations involving foreign nationalities or assets in multiple countries, additional rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law apply.
- If circumstances change, alimony or a parenting plan can be revised; a lawyer assesses whether the grounds for modification are present.
- Guidance takes place at the office in Maarssen or entirely remotely via secure video calling; distance is no obstacle.
- For those already involved in legal proceedings, a second opinion is an accessible first step to have their own position assessed.
What does a family law lawyer in Utrecht do?
A family law lawyer advises you on your legal position, manages the legal proceedings at the Midden-Nederland District Court, and considers the long-term consequences, including those related to children, alimony, and assets.
Simmelink Lawyers assists clients from the Utrecht region with all family law matters: from divorce and arrangements for children to alimony modifications and international situations.
Schedule a consultation for an initial legal assessment of your situation.
When should you engage a family law lawyer?
A family law lawyer is advisable in the following situations:
- You are considering a divorce or have entered into a conflict with the other party regarding the settlement
- You wish to have existing agreements regarding alimony or the parenting plan revised
- There is a dispute regarding parental authority, residence, or contact with children
- International aspects are involved due to a foreign nationality or assets abroad
- You have doubts about your position in ongoing proceedings at another firm
In an advisory consultation, we will map out your legal situation and discuss the possible routes.
Separation and divorce in Utrecht
A divorce in the Utrecht region is processed through the Midden-Nederland District Court. The lawyer files the petition, manages the legal proceedings, and drafts the divorce settlement agreement with arrangements regarding assets, the home, and alimony.
If there are children, a parenting plan is mandatory. This document establishes agreements on parental authority, residence, and child alimony. In many cases, mutual consultation is possible, sometimes guided by a mediator.
Modifying alimony and parenting plans
Existing agreements regarding alimony can be revised if circumstances have changed significantly, such as changes in income or a new family. A lawyer assesses whether modifying alimony is feasible and manages the legal proceedings.
The same applies to modifying the parenting plan. If agreements no longer align with practice or if circumstances have changed, a lawyer can assess whether a modification is possible. This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice.
International family matters in the Utrecht region
Utrecht has an international university, large international organizations, and a diverse population. In family matters where one of the parties has a foreign nationality or lives abroad, additional questions regarding the jurisdiction of the court and applicable law arise.
Depending on the circumstances, the Dutch court may have jurisdiction. This always requires an individual assessment. More about international family law. During ongoing legal proceedings, a second opinion is sometimes the first step.
At the office or remotely
Simmelink Lawyers is located in Maarssen and assists clients from Utrecht and the surrounding area at the office or entirely remotely via secure video calling. There are no extra costs associated with remote guidance.
Our Attorneys at Law
The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.
The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.
Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.
A specialized lawyer is essential in complex financial situations or international components.
Our goal: legally correct, enforceable agreements that bring peace and clarity.

Carla Simmelink – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law

Valerie Lingg – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law

Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law
Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family law cases in the Utrecht region are handled by the Midden-Nederland District Court. This applies to divorces, parental authority issues, and alimony legal proceedings. This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice.
No. Simmelink Lawyers also assists clients entirely remotely via secure video calling. A physical appointment in Maarssen is possible but not required. More about remote guidance.
A second opinion is useful if you have doubts about the course of ongoing legal proceedings, the legal position your lawyer is taking, or the consequences of proposals made by the other party. More about family law second opinions.
In many cases, yes, if circumstances have changed significantly. A lawyer assesses whether the grounds are present and manages the legal proceedings. More about modifying alimony. This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice.
Simmelink Lawyers works on an hourly basis. The costs depend on the complexity and scope of the case. The expected work will be discussed during an initial meeting. More about rates and costs.
Trust and quality
Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the Dutch Bar Association.
Read more about our reviews or see how we work via our working method.




