In brief
Insight into Legal Costs at Simmelink
When you are dealing with a divorce or another family law matter, you want to know where you stand financially.
At Simmelink Advocaten, you receive a clear overview of costs, scenarios, and possible routes in the first meeting. Our approach: peace and transparency, also in costs.
You immediately know which choices are wise for you — both substantively and financially.
The largest cost item in a divorce is usually the lawyer or mediator. We work with transparent rates and clear agreements, so you maintain control over progress and costs.
- Clear explanation of costs before you make a decision
- Overview of costs for divorce, mediation, and procedures
- Transparent agreements on rates and time spent
- The first meeting is without obligation and provides immediate clarity about the approach and costs.
We combine strategic legal insight with financial clarity, so you make the right choices — with peace and overview.
What is Included in Legal Costs?
The legal costs in family law consist of various components. In divorces and other family law procedures, these costs can vary greatly depending on the chosen route and the complexity of the case.
Below you will find which items usually play a role and what you can expect from them:
- Costs for legal assistance – the fee of your lawyer or mediator.
- Procedure costs – court fees and any costs of experts or witnesses.
In a divorce procedure, additional costs often arise, such as drafting and filing the petition.
The court fees for a divorce currently amount to €331 (2025). - Additional costs – for example, for extracts, translations, or international documents.
At Simmelink, you will receive a clear estimate of these costs in advance.
This allows you to make a well-considered decision about the next step.
Divorce Costs
Many clients specifically seek to know what a divorce costs. At Simmelink, you receive a clear estimate of these costs in advance, so you can make an informed decision about the next step.
The costs depend heavily on your situation: the complexity of the case, the presence of children or assets, and how you want to arrange the divorce — through a joint petition, mediation, or through the court with the assistance of a lawyer.
Joint Petition – one Lawyer for both of You
When you separate amicably, you can engage one lawyer together.
This lawyer handles the entire process: drafting the divorce agreement, possibly drafting a parenting plan, and filing the petition with the court.
Cost indication:
- From €1,500 – €3,000, including agreement and court procedure.
- In a joint petition, you jointly pay a one-time court fee of €331 in 2025.
- Additionally, there are limited costs for obtaining extracts from the municipality and serving documents by the bailiff.
- The costs are shared together.
Benefits
- One point of contact and short processing time.
- No hearings or oppositions.
- Calm, orderly handling. Quick and clear process.
💡 Ideal if you agree on the main points and want to make sustainable agreements together.
Mediation – Making Agreements Together with Neutral Guidance
In mediation, you work together with a neutral mediator on joint agreements.
The focus is on consultation, understanding, and sustainable solutions — without litigation.
After completion, the agreements are recorded in an agreement and filed with the court.
Cost indication:
- Average €1,200 – €3,000, depending on the number of meetings and complexity.
- Court fees and administrative costs may be added.
Benefits
- Calm process with retention of mutual communication.
- Lower costs than each having their own lawyer.
- Focused on sustainable agreements, even with children.
💬 Our lawyers can think along in the background during ongoing mediation with another mediator, ensuring your legal position remains well secured.
Each Having Their Own Lawyer – in Case of Differing Views
When consultation is not (or no longer) possible or interests diverge, each chooses their own lawyer.
Your lawyer represents your interests, negotiates, or litigates if necessary.
This route is necessary in more complex or emotionally charged divorces.
Cost indication:
- From €1,800, depending on the complexity and duration of the process.
- Additionally, there are court fees of approximately €331 per divorce, which are usually shared.
- Complex or international cases may be more expensive.
Benefits
- Full representation of interests.
- Strategic approach in case of differing views or international aspects.
- Suitable for emotionally or financially complex situations.
⚖️ A well-chosen strategy often prevents higher costs later in the process.
Process Costs and Special Arrangements
Family law procedures often involve additional process costs, such as court fees, extracts, translations, or alimony calculations.
When the procedure is complex or multiple parties are involved, costs can quickly escalate.
In some situations, subsidized legal aid may be available, where the government reimburses part of the legal assistance costs. We will inform you about reimbursement possibilities through legal aid if this is relevant to your situation.
Simmelink Advocaten works exclusively on a paid basis, but we will inform you about the conditions if desired.
Factors Influencing the Final Costs
Every situation is different.
Despite a clear estimate in advance, the final costs can depend on factors such as:
- the attitude of your (ex-)partner and their willingness to negotiate;
- the approach of the opposing party’s lawyer;
- the speed of response or provision of information;
- and evolving insights of one or both parties.
🎯 Thanks to our experience, we timely identify which choices impact costs and proactively advise you on how to maintain control. Even if circumstances, insights, or the opposing party’s stance change.
Court Fees and Additional Costs
In addition to lawyer fees, you pay a fixed court fee to the court.
The amount is set annually by the government.
Additionally, there may be additional costs, such as extracts, translations, or alimony calculations.
At Simmelink, we include these items in our estimate as standard.
You receive one clear overview, without surprises afterward.
Transparency and Control
Our clients appreciate that we provide not only legal but also financial oversight.
During the process, we keep you informed of hours, progress, and expected next steps.
We work with:
- fixed price agreements where possible;
- clear time registration and interim evaluations;
- strategic choices that prevent unnecessary costs;
- clear overview of the steps and expected cost progression.
Financial peace is part of a careful settlement.
Therefore, with us, you know in advance what is wise — and when adjustments are needed.
Complex or International Situations
Do you have a business, assets in multiple countries, or do you (or your partner) live abroad?
Then additional questions arise: which law applies and where can the procedure be conducted?
Even in international divorces or when one of the partners lives abroad, we effectively guide clients through video calls and digital procedures.
- Simmelink Advocaten specializes in international family law.
- We guide clients in the Netherlands and worldwide — also through video calls.
- This way, you experience the same quality, expertise, and discretion, wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
A joint petition is the most efficient form of divorce.
Costs start at approximately €950, including the agreement and filing with the court.
You share the costs together.
That depends on the approach. From €950 for a joint petition, from €1,800 for a complex case with each having their own lawyer.
Yes. Think of court fees, extracts, or alimony calculations. We include this as standard in our offer.
Yes. Sometimes the partner’s stance changes or new information emerges. We discuss this in advance and coordinate next steps with you.
Yes. Good preparation, timely communication, and willingness to negotiate help keep the process efficient and affordable.
