Our Methodology – Clear, Strategic, and Discreet

At Simmelink Advocaten, our methodology revolves around insight, structure, and customization. We combine legal precision with clear communication, ensuring you always have an overview of your case, know what to expect, and can make decisions with confidence.
Clear Process
Strategic Advice
Personal Guidance
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In brief

Our ApproachHow We Work

Clarity. Strategy. Discretion.

Our approach as a law firm provides guidance and direction from the first contact. We work according to a step-by-step approach with clear agreements, transparent communication, and respect for regulations and privacy.

Our Approach in Four Steps

  1. Listen – we map out your question, interests, and goals.
  2. Analyze – we assess the facts, risks, and legal frameworks.
  3. Advise – you receive a concrete action plan with clear agreements on costs and next steps.
  4. Guide – we carefully execute the plan, with short lines of communication and clear progress reports in your file.

In every case, one dedicated lawyer is central: involved, expert, and responsible for your case from intake to completion.

Core Values

Clarity

We make complex situations understandable. Clarity means bringing structure to facts, interests, and legal frameworks — not simplifying, but clarifying. We work with clear agreements, clear communication, and transparent information about the procedure.

Result: peace, overview, and confidence.

Strategy

We think ahead. Every advice is aimed at achieving a positive result, with attention to both the legal content and the personal and business context. We think in scenarios and possibilities — practical, future-proof, and careful.

Result: direction, control, and sustainable solutions.

Discretion

We handle every case with attention, trust, and care. Discretion is essential for us at every stage of the collaboration. We handle your personal data carefully and protect your interests in every consultation with the other party, judge, or other involved parties.

Result: a safe environment where you can discuss everything.

Our Services in Practice

Our services consist of various processes, tailored to your situation and goal.
Every collaboration begins with a written engagement confirmation in which methodology, rates, and planning are established.
This way, you know exactly what to expect — from first contact to completion and aftercare.

Intake interview

First Meeting with Calm and Clarity

In the intake interview, we discuss the background of your question and your expectations.
The conversation is non-binding. We assess whether your case qualifies for legal assistance and explain what the next steps might be.

You immediately receive clarity about the possibilities, expected costs, and planning.
This way, you can calmly decide whether we are the right partner for your case.

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Consultation

Strategic Legal Insight — Thinking Ahead with Certainty

When direction is needed, we offer strategic legal advice that looks beyond today’s dispute.
Our lawyers analyze your file, assess the legal position, and map out different scenarios.

During the conversation, you gain insight into the opportunities, risks, and most sustainable solutions.
We explain complex matters in understandable language, so you can make choices based on knowledge and overview.
You receive clear advice with next steps — legally substantiated, practically feasible, and future-proof.

Read more about strategic advice for family law.

For international cases: read more about advice for international family law


Mediation

Reaching Clear Agreements Together

Sometimes it is better to come to solutions together than to harden positions.
We guide the mediation process with legal clarity and strategic calm.
This way, you maintain direction while we ensure the care of agreements.

We ensure that the process runs smoothly, that the legal framework is maintained, and that the agreements made are feasible and sustainable.
Mediation at Simmelink means room for consultation, with certainty about the legal safeguarding.

Read more about mediation


Second Opinion

Independent Legal Insight — Certainty in Complex Situations

Are you unsure about previous advice or want to know if another strategy is better suited?
A second opinion offers independent legal insight.
We carefully assess your file, analyze the chosen approach, and advise on alternatives.

Our assessment is completely objective and discreet.
You receive concrete advice with clear explanations, so you regain control over the direction of your case.
We can also provide a second opinion for international cases — in Dutch or English.

Read more about second opinion for family law.

For international cases: read more about second opinion for international family law


Legal Guidance

Dedicated Lawyer, Dedicated Management

At Simmelink, you have one dedicated lawyer who guides your case from start to finish.
We map out facts, interests, and positions, monitor progress, and coordinate communication with the other party and the court.
This way, you maintain an overview, even in complex cases.

Our guidance combines substantive precision with personal attention.
We keep you informed of every step and ensure that decisions remain in line with your strategy and objectives.
You experience peace, clarity, and continuity — exactly what a good legal process needs.

Read more about a family law attorney.


Expat Service & Estate Planning

Cross-border Expertise with Calm and Structure

For international families and professionals with assets in multiple countries.
We combine Dutch law with foreign regulations and ensure that agreements are correct in all involved jurisdictions.

We conduct correspondence and procedures in Dutch or English — depending on your preference.

We inventory your situation — assets, family law positions, and applicable law — and think strategically about prenuptial agreements, wills, and estate planning.
Our approach is clear and coordinated, with alignment between notaries, tax specialists, and foreign advisors.

The result: overview, certainty, and legally sound solutions across borders.

Schedule an appointment.


Preventive Legal Advice

Prevention is Better than Litigation

With preventive legal advice, you avoid misunderstandings, risks, and unnecessary costs.
We identify potential bottlenecks early and advise on the correct formulation of agreements, contracts, or arrangements.

Our strength lies in thinking ahead: building clear structures before a conflict arises.
This way, your legal position remains stable and future-proof — in the Netherlands and internationally.

For whom: individuals, entrepreneurs, and families who want certainty about their legal agreements before problems arise.

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Aftercare

Careful Follow-up and Continuity

Careful Follow-up and Continuity

Even after a case is completed, your situation remains dynamic.
We monitor compliance with agreements, assess changes in circumstances, and ensure that your file remains up to date.

We also offer aftercare to clients whose case was previously handled by another firm.
We connect with existing files, so you retain one fixed point of contact and decisions remain coherent.
You can rely on the same care and discretion as during your original process.

Schedule an appointment.


Finally

Our methodology is built on three pillars: Clarity, Strategy, and Discretion.
Every step is aimed at peace, overview, and confidence — legally careful and human in tone.
This way, you not only know what we do, but also how we work.

Always Direct Contact with Someone who Knows What is Going On

At Simmelink Advocaten, you immediately get a legal secretary on the line. Someone who knows our clients and cases and can help you effectively.

Even when it is temporarily busy or during consultation moments, your call is answered personally and carefully, ensuring your message reaches the right place immediately.

This way, you know from the first moment what to expect.

Do you already have an attorney or mediator? We can still think along with you in the background. Tactically, discreetly, and aimed at strengthening.

Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer

“Clarity only arises when facts, interests, and strategy align.”

Schedule an introductory consultation and experience our methodology in practice.

Contact Us

Appointment at the office in Maarssen (Utrecht) or via video call.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes Simmelink from other firms?

What distinguishes Simmelink from other firms?
Our combination of personal guidance, strategic expertise, and transparent methodology.

What does an intake interview cost?

The intake interview is free of charge and lasts a maximum of 20 minutes in practice.

Do I have to decide immediately about the follow-up?

No, you first receive a clear written engagement confirmation with agreements on costs and approach.

What does a consultation or second opinion cost?

The rates are discussed in advance and tailored to your question; we provide this clarity immediately when making the appointment. With us, you get full transparency.

Can I do the intake online via video call?

Yes, via phone or video call, with the same care as in the office.

Is mediation suitable in a strained relationship?

That depends on the situation — we are happy to advise you on the best approach.