In brief
An inheritance law attorney guides you through legal questions and conflicts regarding an estate.
This may involve:
- Disagreements between heirs regarding the distribution or execution of the will can lead to legal conflicts.
- In many cases, a disinherited child can claim their statutory share, even if the will excludes them.
- The choice between unconditional acceptance, beneficial acceptance, or rejection determines your liability for debts.
- In international estates, additional rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law come into play.
- Early legal guidance prevents escalation and provides clarity regarding your position.
- Simmelink Lawyers advises on estates where Dutch law is applicable or where the Dutch court has jurisdiction.
When should you engage an inheritance law attorney?
In many estates, legal questions arise alongside emotions. It is advisable to seek legal guidance when:
- A conflict between heirs is imminent or already exists
- You have been disinherited or have doubts about your legitimate portion
- The distribution of the estate has stalled
- You are uncertain about beneficiary acceptance
- For estates with an international component, see also international inheritance law.
Depending on the circumstances, consultation may suffice. In other cases, legal proceedings are necessary.
What does an inheritance law attorney do for you?
An inheritance law attorney brings structure to a complex situation.
This includes, among other things:
- Determining your legal position
- Providing legal interpretation of the Will and statutory distribution
- Enforcing the provision of information if necessary
- Negotiating a settlement
- Litigating in court
For questions regarding statutory share and disinheritance, timely action is essential. The law stipulates deadlines within which claims must be invoked. Documents such as the will and the statutory distribution play a central role in this.
Are you already in proceedings with another firm and would you like to have your position reviewed? You can also request a second opinion.
Inheritance with debts and liability
In the case of an inheritance with debts, the choice between pure acceptance, beneficiary acceptance, or rejection is decisive for your liability.
The wrong choice can lead to personal liability. It is therefore important to gain a clear understanding of the financial situation beforehand.
International estates
When the deceased lived abroad, left assets in multiple countries, or different nationalities are involved, additional legal questions arise. The European Succession Regulation (EU 650/2012) determines in many cases which law applies and which court has jurisdiction.
Simmelink Lawyers advises on estates with international elements where Dutch law is applicable or where the Dutch court has jurisdiction. We do not handle cases that fall exclusively under foreign law. If you are unsure whether your situation falls within our scope, you can contact us for a consultation.
You can read more about the legal frameworks on our page about international inheritance law.
Our Approach
- Analysis of your legal position
- Inventory of relevant documents
- Strategy determination
- Negotiation or litigation
- Careful finalization
You will always know where you stand and which steps will follow.
Case Studies
Family conflict
After the death of a parent, a dispute arose regarding the sale of the parental home. By clarifying what the statutory distribution entailed, clarity was established before further steps were taken.
Uncertainty about debts
An heir was hesitant about acceptance due to potential debts. By seeking timely legal advice, personal risk was limited.
Every situation requires its own legal assessment.
What can you expect from a consultation?
In an initial meeting, we map out your legal position. You do not need to have made a decision yet. The consultation is intended to provide you with an overview: what are your rights, which routes are available, and what are the possible consequences of your choices.
Depending on the circumstances, that meeting may lead to a next step: consultation with the other party, a formal notice of default, mediation, or court proceedings. In many cases, an initial legal assessment already provides the clarity needed to make an informed choice.
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
Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
The costs depend on the nature and complexity of the case. During an initial consultation, we will discuss the approach and expectations.
The duration depends on the nature of the dispute, the position of the parties, and the chosen approach. In many cases, consultation or mediation can lead to a faster resolution than legal proceedings. Depending on the circumstances, court proceedings can take several months.
The law prescribes specific deadlines. Timely legal assessment is important to avoid losing your rights.
Under certain circumstances, an executor can be held liable if they do not perform their duties properly.
In many cases, we can advise on estates with international elements where Dutch law applies or where the Dutch court has jurisdiction. We do not handle cases that fall exclusively under foreign law. If you are unsure whether your situation falls within our scope, you can contact us for an initial assessment.
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.
Are you uncertain about your position?
Schedule a consultation to map out your situation. If you are already in proceedings with another firm, you can also request a second opinion.
Schedule an appointmentOr contact us by phone via: 030 – 30 787 32
