In brief
Over Simmelink Lawyers
Do you or your ex-partner live abroad, were you married abroad, or do you have children with dual nationality? Then you will have to deal with
- Which law applies to marriage, property, and custody
- Which court has jurisdiction in divorce or disputes
- International divorce, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and prenuptial agreements.
- Relocating with children, substitute permission, and cross-border contact arrangements
What sets us apart is our combination of strategy and calm.
We think ahead, work with clear scenarios, and ensure that legal decisions are executable and future-proof.
Carefulness, discretion, and personal attention are always central.
We work fluently in Dutch and English and assist clients in more than twenty countries.
➡️ Do you need personal legal advice or guidance from an experienced lawyer?
Read on or directly view our international family law lawyers.
International Family Law
When you or your ex-partner live abroad, or you were married abroad, you will face international aspects of family law. Matters concerning divorce, custody, alimony, property, or inheritance may then fall under different legal systems.
International family law is part of private international law (PIL) and determines which country has jurisdiction and which law is applied in family matters across borders.
Anyone divorcing internationally will face additional legal and practical consequences — such as procedures, recognition of judgments, or the impact on children and places of residence.
National family law, on the other hand, offers a clear framework within one country.
Simmelink Lawyers specializes in international family law and guides international families and Dutch clients worldwide. We advise on foreign law, application of Dutch law, and on which court has jurisdiction.
When necessary, our lawyers collaborate with foreign attorneys to ensure your case is carefully coordinated and recognized in every country.
We see an international trend: more and more families live, work, or marry across borders. This brings opportunities, but also complexity.
Whether you live in the Netherlands or move abroad, we ensure that you understand which rules apply and which law applies to your marriage, family, and assets.
When Does International Family Law Play a Role?
International family law comes into play as soon as your personal or financial life involves multiple countries.
For example, when you are married abroad, your partner has a different nationality, or one of you wants to move abroad with the children.
- you were married abroad, or you and your partner have different nationalities;
- you have foreign prenuptial agreements or assets in another country;
- a parent moves abroad with a child, or wants substitute permission to do so;
- you want to know in which country you can divorce and which court has jurisdiction;
- you or your partner comes to the Netherlands for work or family, and you want to know what the legal consequences are.
Dutch nationality or the place where you live can determine the application of the law. The number of Dutch people living abroad or returning to the Netherlands after years is also increasing.
These international families are more likely to face complex rules regarding divorce, custody, and inheritance.
For international divorces, we can advise on which court has jurisdiction and which law applies.
Which judge has jurisdiction?
The question of which court has jurisdiction is often the first step in an international case.
Sometimes both the Dutch court and a foreign court can hear a divorce case. The choice of country (the so-called forum choice) has major consequences: for the duration of the procedure, the costs, and the recognition of the judgment.
Our international family law attorneys strategically investigate in which country you can best litigate. In doing so, we look at the applicable law, the practical implementation, and the chance of a lasting solution.
Acting in a timely manner prevents the other party from starting proceedings earlier in another country — which can weaken your position. It is crucial to start proceedings first in the chosen country within the EU.
Applicable law: Dutch or foreign law
Dutch law does not always automatically apply.
In marriages with different nationalities or long-term residence abroad, foreign law may also apply. This affects the division of assets, alimony, or the interpretation of prenuptial agreements.
We can help you determine which law applies and which rules apply in your specific situation.
For example, Dutch law applies to custody issues if a child has his or her habitual residence in the Netherlands, but foreign rules may apply to the assets or the community of property.
Our specialists advise on the application of treaties, the recognition of foreign prenuptial agreements, and the correct legal strategy.
For example, foreign prenuptial agreements are only recognized in the Netherlands if they meet the legal requirements of the country of origin. We ensure that your agreements are also legally valid here. There are international agreements on the collection of alimony in the EU, and the Netherlands is a party to the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support.
International divorce and parenting arrangements
An international divorce often directly affects parenthood.
When one parent moves abroad with the children, there are international aspects to custody.
Such a move usually requires the consent of both parents; in case of disagreement, the court may grant substitute permission. When considering a request for substitute permission to move abroad, the court assesses the interests of the child.
The court then assesses the interests of the child, the practical feasibility, and the consequences for the parent left behind.
In situations of international child abduction, acting quickly is crucial. Our lawyers ensure that the correct steps are taken in time — also in cooperation with foreign authorities.
We advise parents on:
- joint custody and permission to move;
- international child abduction and return;
- cross-border contact arrangements;
- recognition of decisions in different countries.
Even for families with other nationalities or different countries of residence, we ensure that agreements are legally enforceable. Where possible through consultation or mediation, and where necessary through the court.
Assets and Alimony in an International Divorce
An international divorce often brings special challenges with regard to assets and alimony.
As soon as one of the partners lives abroad or has a different nationality, it is essential to know which court has jurisdiction and which law applies.
Why the applicable law matters so much
Many people think that the rules are automatically the same in every country, but that is rarely the case.
The applicable law determines how assets are divided, whether alimony can be changed, and how prenuptial agreements are interpreted.
Especially in international divorces, it is therefore important to know early on which law applies – it prevents surprises later in the process.
In the Netherlands, the principle of lex fori generally applies: the Dutch court applies Dutch law, unless treaties stipulate otherwise.
But if you live in different countries, or there are foreign prenuptial agreements, another law may apply — with major consequences for the division of assets or the amount of alimony.
Our international family law attorneys assess which country has jurisdiction, which rules apply, and how your agreements are recognized on a case-by-case basis.
We ensure that alimony decisions are enforceable, even if one of you lives abroad. If a foreign court has made a decision on alimony, it is important to know whether this decision can be recognized in the Netherlands.
Dutch Clients, Foreign Lawyers
We assist both Dutch clients living abroad and foreign families with a case in the Netherlands.
Our lawyers have extensive experience with international procedures and work with foreign lawyers to coordinate files.
You have one point of contact: a lawyer who coordinates the lines, communicates clearly, and maintains an overview of all countries, rules, and judgments.
Whether you live in the Netherlands, are temporarily staying abroad, or are moving there permanently — we guide you personally and carefully via video calling.
Why clients choose Simmelink Attorneys
- Specialized in international family law
- Extensive experience with complex procedures in various countries
- Knowledge of Dutch and foreign law
- Collaboration with foreign lawyers and experts
- Personal guidance – by telephone or video calling
- Clarity on costs, planning, and legal consequences
Our clients appreciate our careful preparation, strategic approach, and clear communication.
We help you make choices based on insight, not uncertainty.
Non-committal Contact about your International Situation
Do you want to know in which country you can best divorce, or which law applies to your family or assets?
We listen, map out your options, and advise which route makes the most sense for you.
What Clients Say about our Approach
Legal matters are about more than laws and rules. Our clients choose Simmelink for the careful guidance, strategic advice, and personal attention. Read how they have experienced our collaboration.
When my partner and I were living in France and decided to divorce, I had no idea where to start.
Simmelink Attorneys immediately gave me clarity about what could be arranged in the Netherlands and what had to be done in France.
Everything was handled through video calls and digital communication — professional, clear and with genuine understanding.
It brought peace of mind during an uncertain time.
After my move to Spain, it was difficult to make good agreements about the children.
Simmelink thought strategically, took both countries into account, and remained calm and respectful.
Ultimately, we obtained clear and workable agreements through the court in the Netherlands.
What I particularly appreciated was the transparency.
Already in the first conversation, I received a clear overview of costs, scenarios, and risks.
This allowed me to make a well-considered decision whether to litigate in the Netherlands or in Germany.
No surprises, no pressure – just expert advice.
Our Attorneys at Law
At Simmelink Lawyers, you work with lawyers who specialize in family law, international family law and inheritance law. We work intensively together on solutions that are legally sound and personally appropriate to your situation.
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
Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.
Can We Advise or Guide You?
Do you live abroad, or are you dealing with international family or property matters?
Our international family law lawyers provide personal guidance – by phone, video call, or in-office consultation.
Schedule a free initial consultation
or read some practical examples from international cases.
🟢 We think strategically with you – no matter where in the world you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, that is often possible. The Dutch court has jurisdiction if you or your partner has Dutch nationality, or if you are married or live in the Netherlands.
Sometimes you can also start proceedings in the country where you reside.
We always carefully assess where your case can best be handled – legally and practically.
The applicable law depends on your nationality, place of residence, wedding location, and other factors.
Sometimes Dutch law applies, sometimes foreign law – and in some situations, both play a role.
We analyze your situation and advise which approach is most effective and predictable.
Often you have a choice between Dutch courts and courts in other countries.
Whoever starts a procedure first often determines the country of treatment (forum choice).
We help you strategically determine where your interests are best served and where the procedure is most favorable.
Yes, in an international divorce or child arrangement, recognition abroad is important to prevent problems.
Recognition depends on treaties between countries and on specific national procedures.
We arrange the recognition and implementation of your divorce or agreements worldwide, so that they are also legally valid in other countries.
In international families, agreements on custody, contact, and residence are often established according to the law of the country where the child lives.
When moving abroad, permission from both parents is usually required, or a court decision.
We ensure that regulations are enforceable and future-proof, even across borders.
International situations can affect the division of assets, alimony agreements, and the recognition of prenuptial agreements.
It is important to know which law applies, to avoid surprises or double procedures.
We give you clear insight and ensure practical implementation of the regulations.
If your (ex-)partner starts a case abroad first, that usually determines the country of treatment.
Acting quickly and strategically is then crucial to protect your position.
We advise immediately and, where necessary, contact foreign lawyers to safeguard your interests.
Yes, you can.
We offer full remote assistance — via video calling, telephone, and secure document exchange.
This way you can arrange your case with our lawyers, wherever you are in the world.
