When to Engage an Inheritance Lawyer
Engage an estate lawyer when you recognize one or more of these signs:
- Preventing escalation – you wish to conduct the family discussion in a legally sound and emotionally safe manner.
- Distribution stagnates or feels unjust – disagreement with heirs regarding assets, debts, or gifts.
- Will unclear or potentially void – doubt about validity or annulment (e.g., undue influence, abuse, testamentary capacity).
- Statutory share or child’s portion – you wish to have your claim correctly calculated and asserted in a timely manner.
- Executor or liquidator – unclear task fulfillment, lack of information, or risk of liability.
- Debts in the Estate – consideration of accepting, accepting under the benefit of inventory (protection against personal liability), or rejecting.
What Does an Estate Lawyer Do for You?
Quick Overview of Rights and Obligations
We explain what the Civil Code means in your specific situation.
You will know what is and is not possible, which deadlines apply in practice, and which documents are required for the settlement of the Estate (such as inventory of assets and documents via the civil-law notary).
Legal Strategy Considering Relationships
We combine legal precision with human sensitivity.
You receive a plan that mitigates conflicts, accelerates decisions, and secures the distribution of the Estate.
Our goal: peace, clarity, and a legally correct outcome that remains workable within the family.
Guidance from Consultation to Proceedings
We assist you in negotiations, documentation, or – if necessary – inheritance proceedings before the court.
Always with a clear objective, meticulous case management, and transparent communication.
Our Approach: Clear, Diligent, Predictable
- Analysis – we collect documents (Will, gifts, bank statements), map the Estate and positions, and inventory creditors.
- Advice – you receive legal advice with scenarios, opportunities/risks, and a practical timeline.
- Guidance – we consult with heirs, the Executor, and the civil-law notary, or initiate proceedings when necessary.
Result: peace, control, and an outcome that is legally sound and workable for you.
Frequently Requested Assistance
- Distribution of Estate – inventory of assets, valuation, gifts, and legal distribution.
- Conflict Regarding Estate – divergent interpretation of the Will, mistrust, or stalled communication.
- Executor (Testamentary) / Liquidator – duties, duty to inform, correct conduct, preventing liability.
- Accepting or Rejecting an Estate – consequences, deadlines; accepting under the benefit of inventory as a safe middle ground.
- Statutory Share & Child’s Portion – claim, calculation, deadlines, and proof.
- (Potentially) Void Will – grounds, evidence (medical file/witnesses), litigation strategy.
- Settling an Estate – guidance from start to finish, with an eye for relationships and legal certainty.
Why Simmelink
- Specialized lawyers with years of experience in inheritance law and Estates.
- Peace and Discretion: we de-escalate, structure, and maintain a human approach.
- Clear Communication: no legal smokescreen, but concrete steps and planning.
- Consistent Quality: from mediation and consultation to litigation in inheritance law.
Schedule an Initial Consultation with our Inheritance Lawyers
Do you want to know what is wise in your situation? In an initial consultation, we review your file, explain the rules, and advise on the best approach. You will immediately gain clarity about your position, rights, and next steps.
Meet our experienced inheritance lawyers. Our firm, specialized in family law and inheritance law, offers legal advice and assistance with calm, discretion, and strategy. We stand for clarity, transparency, and sustainable solutions.
What Clients Say about our Guidance in Inheritance Law
In matters of inheritance, it is about more than just rules. Our clients appreciate the calm, clarity, and personal guidance with which we help them through a often emotional period. Read how they have experienced our approach.
After my father’s death, disagreements arose over the distribution of his possessions.
I did not know my rights well and felt overwhelmed by emotions and opinions.
Simmelink Lawyers gave me clarity and explained step by step what the law dictates.
Their calm and expertise ensured that we reached a fair solution without a lawsuit.
There was an error in the will, causing us as heirs to be at odds.
Simmelink carefully investigated what was legally possible and kept an eye on family relationships.
Thanks to their advice, we were able to partially rectify the will and make workable agreements for everyone.
The communication was always clear, respectful, and without pressure.
I doubted whether to accept my brother’s inheritance due to possible debts.
Within one conversation, I knew exactly what my options were and what the consequences would be.
Everything was explained clearly, without complicated legal jargon.
Ultimately, I conditionally accepted the estate, with their help and reassurance.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inheritance Law and Estate Matters
Inheritance law often raises practical and legal questions. Below, our lawyers answer the most common questions, so you quickly gain clarity about your rights, options, and next steps.
The costs depend on the nature and complexity.
We discuss the approach and cost estimate in advance, so you maintain control over hours, budget, and next steps.
➡️ Clarity upfront, no surprises.
Not always. Many Estate matters are resolved through consultation, mediation, and proper documentation.
We only litigate when it is necessary and advisable to protect your rights.
Will (if available), overview of assets/debts, and relevant correspondence with heirs or the civil-law notary.
This allows us to provide immediate concrete advice on your position and next steps.
Yes, provided that the interests are not conflicting.
We regularly guide joint processes where peace, transparency, and correct distribution are central.
We investigate the validity and the circumstances surrounding the drafting of the Will.
You receive advice on evidence, strategy, and the possibility of annulment.
