What does a lawyer do in family and inheritance law?
A lawyer in family and inheritance law supports clients with the legal, financial and personal consequences of relationship and asset matters.
In many cases consultation is possible; sometimes legal proceedings before the court or court of appeal are necessary.
Common services
- Divorces and termination of registered partnerships
- Parenting plan, custody and access
- Asset division, prenuptial agreements and alimony
- Inheritance division, executorship and legitimate portions
- International divorces and estates (Brussels II-ter)
Our Specializations
Family Law
We assist clients with divorce, alimony, custody and division of assets.
Read more on the Family law page.
Inheritance Law
We handle cases concerning estates, executorship, beneficiary acceptance and international inheritances.
View our Inheritance law page.
International Family Law
In cross-border marriages or inheritances, knowledge of European and international law is essential.
Read more on International family law.
Our Approach
We work carefully and systematically, so that clients maintain overview in often complex situations.
- Legal assessment – analysis of facts, jurisdiction and applicable law
- Strategic advice – choice for consultation, mediation or proceedings
- Execution – legal documents, negotiations or representation
- Completion – compliance and recognition of decisions domestically or abroad
In many cases, consultation or mediation is first considered. Only when interests conflict is legal proceedings necessary.
Scenarios in practice
- Consultation: often the first step to reach agreements.
- Mediation: suitable when parties want to remain in dialogue.
- Legal proceedings: necessary when consultation offers no solution.
- International: extra attention to jurisdiction and applicable law.
These scenarios help clients choose the right approach. This is general information, not individual legal advice.
Practical examples
- A Dutch expat in London sought advice on divorce with assets in the Netherlands and Spain.
- An heir in Singapore received assistance with the division of an estate with Dutch and Swiss assets.
- A couple in Dubai had prenuptial agreements drafted under Dutch law.
Our Attorneys at Law
The team at Simmelink Lawyers specializes in family law, international family law and inheritance law. The lawyers work together on solutions that are legally sound and do justice to clients’ personal situations.
In many cases we handle, international elements or multiple legal systems play a role. All files are treated strictly confidentially; communication takes place via secure channels.
Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly and keep clients carefully informed.
Read more about our approach or meet our team.
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.
Guidance for clients in the Netherlands and abroad
We handle cases for clients in the Netherlands and worldwide. The office in Maarssen is centrally located and easily accessible from Utrecht and central Netherlands.
In international cases, clients often live abroad, but Dutch law applies or the Dutch court has jurisdiction.
We assist clients both at the office and via video calls, so that consultation is also possible remotely. Our quality is evident from expert guidance and high accessibility.
We assist clients in the Netherlands and abroad, including:
Amsterdam – Utrecht – Breukelen – Brussels – London – Dubai – Singapore – Los Angeles – New York.
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.
Yes. In many international cases we represent clients who live abroad, while Dutch law or a Dutch court applies.
That depends on residence, nationality and applicable law. Often the Dutch court has jurisdiction when there is a clear connection with the Netherlands.
No. We regularly work remotely for Dutch nationals abroad and international families. Depending on the situation, we use video calls or secure communication.
The costs depend on the nature and scope of the case. In many cases, an initial consultation can first be scheduled.
