Simmelink Lawyers Working Method

What is your situation?

Every client comes at their own time and with their own question. The situations below provide an idea of which form of guidance is most appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, the approach may differ per case.

When is an advisory meeting useful?

A consultation is intended for clients who wish to orient themselves legally but have not yet made a decision regarding a procedure. In many cases, a single meeting is sufficient to clarify the situation: what is the legal position, which routes are available, and what are the consequences of the various choices?

Simmelink Lawyers offers advisory meetings within family law, international family law, inheritance law, and name changes. The meeting is orientational: no file is created unless the client so wishes.

Full files regularly arise from advisory meetings, but that is not a requirement. A one-off meeting for interpretation or strategy is also possible.

Read more about legal advice →

What does a second opinion involve?

A second opinion is an independent legal assessment of a situation where advice has already been received or a procedure is ongoing. Simmelink Lawyers assesses the strategy, the documents, and the positions taken, without judging the previously involved lawyer.

A second opinion is particularly relevant in international procedures, complex estates, and divorce cases where multiple interests are at play. In many cases, a second opinion quickly provides clarity on the legal sustainability of a position and realistic expectations for the further course of action.

Read more about a second opinion →

Advice in the background during mediation

Anyone participating in mediation or a family investigation may feel the need to have their own legal position continuously verified. Simmelink Lawyers offers the possibility of being involved in the background: assessment of proposed agreements, advice at decision moments, and verification of draft settlement agreements.

This form of guidance is also possible when the mediation takes place with another mediator. No formal transfer of a file is necessary. Depending on the circumstances, this advice can also lead to a more active role if the mediation stops.

Read more about mediation →

What does the guidance look like in practice?

Simmelink Lawyers works with a fixed structure that applies to all areas of law. Each phase has its own goal and provides the client with insight into the progress.

1. Intake and orientation

In the intake meeting, the situation is discussed: what is happening, which documents are relevant, and which legal routes are possible? Based on this, it is determined whether consultation, four-way meetings, mediation, or legal proceedings are most appropriate.

2. Strategy and preparation

The legal frameworks are mapped out and the relevant information is collected. For international files, Simmelink Lawyers also assesses which law applies and which court has jurisdiction, including on the basis of Brussels II-ter. See also: international family law.

3. Consultation, mediation or procedure

Depending on the circumstances, the case proceeds via consultation, four-way meetings, mediation, or a procedure at the court or the court of appeal. Simmelink Lawyers provides guidance for all routes and, if necessary, drafts the petition or conducts the defense. When the situation requires urgency, a request for interim measures can be submitted.

4. Completion and modification of agreements

After a case is completed, circumstances may change, meaning previously made agreements no longer fit. A modification of the parenting plan or alimony is possible in that case via consultation or, if that is not successful, via the court. Simmelink Lawyers provides guidance for both routes.

When agreements are not met, legal assistance with compliance may be necessary. Discuss the situation via an advisory meeting.

When is preventive legal advice wise?

Preventive legal advice is aimed at preventing complications before a conflict or procedure arises. In many cases, recording agreements in a timely manner is less burdensome than litigating afterwards.

Simmelink Lawyers provides preventive advice on prenuptial agreements, cohabitation contracts, and international situations where multiple legal systems play a role. Discuss your situation via an advisory meeting.

This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. Every situation requires its own assessment.

Which situations do we assist with?

• Divorce or separation
  Consultation, four-way meetings, mediation, or court proceedings, including children, alimony, and division of assets.
• Interim measures
  Temporary measures during a divorce regarding the home, children, or alimony. More about interim measures →
• International situations in family law
  Assessment of jurisdiction, applicable law, and recognition of decisions in other countries. More about international family law →
• Estate and inheritance law
  Conflicts between heirs, statutory share, executorship, and international estates. More about our specialization in inheritance law →
• First name change:
  Petition procedure at the court for adults and minors, including appeals in case of rejection. More about changing a first name →
• Modifying agreements
  Revision of alimony or parenting plans due to changed circumstances or guidance in cases of non-compliance.

Practical examples

International separation with four-way meeting

In an international separation involving children, we facilitated four-way meetings to make agreements regarding parenting and care distribution, without the need for legal proceedings.

Inheritance law case

In an inheritance law case with heirs in multiple countries, a second opinion quickly provided clarity on the question of which law applied and which claims were realistic.

Advice in the background during mediation

For a client participating in mediation with another mediator, we provided advice in the background: assessment of the draft agreements during each proposal round, so that the client could give well-considered consent.

Content verified by the team at Simmelink Lawyers, specialized in family law, international family law, and inheritance law.

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.