Divorce lawyer Amsterdam: legal framework and procedure

A divorce is granted when there is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, as stipulated in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code. The complexity usually lies in the ancillary provisions: division of assets, alimony, and care arrangements.

For clients from Amsterdam, we handle matters including:

• community of property and prenuptial agreements
• child and spousal support
• parenting plans
• provisional measures
• international jurisdictional issues

Proceedings for residents of Amsterdam are handled by the District Court of Amsterdam. Only a lawyer can file the petition for divorce.

Read more about our general role as a
divorce lawyer:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/scheidingsadvocaat/

Divorce in Amsterdam: consultation or proceedings

In many cases, agreements can be recorded in a divorce settlement and parenting plan through consultation. In a city like Amsterdam, where business interests or international structures may play a role, it is important to first carefully analyze the legal position.

When consultations do not lead to an agreement, legal proceedings may be necessary. The court assesses, among other things, the division of assets, alimony, and the best interests of minor children.

Read more about
divorce in the Netherlands:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/scheiden/

Division of assets and businesses in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to many entrepreneurs, director-major shareholders (DGAs), and professionals with international structures. When a business is part of the marriage, valuation, liquidity, and continuity play an important role.

We assist clients with:

• valuation of businesses
• settlement clauses in prenuptial agreements
• pension equalization
• international asset components
• division of joint residences in the Amsterdam region

In such cases, multiple scenarios are often developed before final choices are made.

Read more about
division of assets during divorce:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/scheiden/vermogen/

Alimony and parenting plan

In the case of child support, the best interests of the child are paramount. The court assesses need and financial capacity, as well as the division of care between parents.

In the case of spousal support, need, financial capacity, and earning capacity play a role. In cases involving businesses or international income streams, this requires further analysis.

Read more about
alimony:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/alimentatie/

When there are minor children, a parenting plan is mandatory. The court checks whether the agreements are in the best interests of the children.

Read more about
divorcing with children:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/scheiden/kinderen/

International divorce and expats in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a large international community. When one of the partners lives abroad or multiple nationalities are involved, it must first be determined which court has jurisdiction and which law applies.

Within the European Union, the Brussels II-ter Regulation applies, among others. In addition, the recognition of foreign judgments and international asset structures play a role.

We regularly guide expats and international couples through divorce in the Netherlands.

Read more about
international family law:
https://simmelink.nl/familierecht/internationaal/

Practical examples

DGA with international holding
An entrepreneur in Amsterdam with companies in several countries requested guidance on the valuation of his business in the context of a divorce. By working out different scenarios, continuity could be guaranteed.

International family in Amsterdam
A couple with different nationalities sought advice on jurisdiction and applicable law. The international legal position was established before substantive agreements were made.

Joint residence in Amsterdam
In a divorce, the question arose as to who could remain living in the house. By establishing clear agreements, a lengthy procedure was avoided.

Our Approach

• one dedicated lawyer per case
• legal analysis before decision-making
• clear procedural steps
• guidance during consultation or proceedings
• discreet communication

We combine legal precision with strategic insight, ensuring that agreements are not only legally correct but also future-proof.

We assist clients from Amsterdam both at our office and via video calls.

Read more about our working method:
https://simmelink.nl/werkwijze/

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.