In brief
A divorce lawyer is a lawyer who guides you through the legal settlement of a divorce or registered partnership, from the procedure and settlement agreement to arrangements regarding children, alimony, and assets.
- In the event of a divorce, the divorce lawyer arranges the procedure, the settlement agreement, and arrangements regarding children, alimony, and assets.
- In the Amstelveen region, international separations occur regularly, including among expats and families with foreign nationalities.
- In a separation with an international component, such as a foreign nationality or assets abroad, questions regarding the jurisdiction of the court and the applicable law play an independent role alongside other separation issues.
- Divorcing with children requires a parenting plan with agreements on custody, residency, and child support.
- In many cases, consultation or mediation is possible before a court procedure becomes necessary.
What does a divorce lawyer in Amstelveen do?
A divorce requires a legal analysis of your situation, clear procedural steps, and sustainable agreements. The
Simmelink Lawyers is based in Maarssen and assists clients from the region with divorce and complex family law issues.
You can read more about the divorce procedure on the divorce page. Would you like to discuss your situation?
International divorce and expats in Amstelveen
Amstelveen has a large international community. Many residents have a foreign nationality, work for international companies, or have accumulated assets and pensions in multiple countries. In the event of a separation in these situations, legal questions arise that go beyond the standard Dutch procedure.
Questions that frequently arise in international cases include: which court has jurisdiction, which law applies to the division of assets, and how are arrangements regarding children recognized abroad? Depending on the circumstances, the Dutch court may have jurisdiction, even if one of the parties resides abroad.
More about international family law and jurisdictional questions. In the case of an ongoing procedure:
Division of assets and international property
In a divorce, the joint assets must be divided. In Amstelveen, international components often play a role: a property or investment account abroad, a foreign pension, or a share in a foreign company.
What qualifies for division depends on the prenuptial agreement or the applicable matrimonial property law. For marriages concluded abroad or where multiple legal systems play a role, additional analysis is required.
More about division of assets during separation, including the home, business, and pension division.
What does a divorce lawyer arrange when children are involved?
If there are minor children, a parenting plan is mandatory. This document sets out agreements on custody, the division of care tasks, residency, and child support. The lawyer guides you in drafting a parenting plan that is legally sound and respects the interests of all parties involved.
In many cases, parents can reach agreements together, sometimes with the support of a mediator. The lawyer reviews the agreements legally and considers the long-term consequences, even if the situation changes later.
More about divorce with children and the parenting plan. More about
child support and how the amount is calculated.
Consultation, mediation, or proceedings
Not every separation leads to a lawsuit. In many cases, mediation is a good route, especially if parties are willing to reach agreements together. The lawyer helps you assess which approach suits your situation and guides you through the process.
More about the role of mediation in separation. Would you like to discuss your situation?
Practical examples
International separation with assets in multiple countries
In one case, the firm assisted a client in a separation where both parties had different nationalities and assets had been accumulated in two countries. The central issue was which legal system applied to the division of assets and whether the Dutch court had jurisdiction. By carefully analyzing the situation and consulting relevant treaties, a legally sound route was established that served as the basis for further negotiations.
Expat with children and a request to relocate abroad
An expat in the Amstelveen region faced the question of how the parenting plan should be structured in the event of a possible relocation to their country of origin. The case required an analysis of the Dutch court’s jurisdiction, the enforceability of the agreements in the destination country, and the consequences for the residency arrangement. By mapping this out in a timely manner, the parties were able to make informed decisions about the next steps.
Separation with shares and a foreign pension
In a case where one of the parties had a share portfolio abroad and had accumulated a pension through a foreign employer, the central issue was the valuation and the question of which part of the pension accumulation qualified for division. By analytically mapping the structure and involving the applicable regulations, a substantiated position could be taken regarding the division.
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.
Content verified by the team at Simmelink Lawyers, specialized in family law and international family law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simmelink Lawyers is based in Maarssen and assists clients from Amstelveen and the surrounding region. Many cases are handled without physical presence being necessary for every step. Depending on the situation, an initial consultation can also take place digitally.
In that case, it may involve an international divorce. Questions regarding the court’s jurisdiction and applicable law depend on place of residence, nationality, and any treaties. Depending on the circumstances, the Dutch court may have jurisdiction. This always requires an individual assessment.
No. You can also choose a firm in the region, such as in Maarssen.
In the Netherlands, a lawyer is mandatory for a divorce through the court. A lawyer is only unnecessary for a simple dissolution of a registered partnership through the municipality. This is general information; every situation requires its own assessment.
The duration depends on the chosen route. A separation by mutual agreement can be completed within a few months. If the court has to make a decision, the procedure takes longer. In many cases, the court’s schedule also plays a role.
Yes. An advisory meeting is an introductory conversation without any obligation to immediately open a file or start a procedure thereafter.
At the office or remotely
Simmelink Lawyers is based in Maarssen and assists clients from Utrecht and the region at the office or entirely remotely. For those who cannot or do not wish to come to the office, consultations are possible via secure video calling. You can read more about how remote guidance works on the remote separation guidance page.
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.
Contact Us
During an introductory meeting, we will discuss your situation, legal position, and possible next steps.
The conversation is confidential and aimed at providing an overview and careful guidance.
Or contact us by phone via: 030 – 30 787 32
