Our approach as lawyers

Our approach at Simmelink Lawyers

At Simmelink Lawyers, we work with a fixed structure: clarity, strategy, discretion, and careful completion.
This approach applies to family law, international family law, inheritance law, and name changes.
In many cases, this approach helps bring overview and calm to complex personal situations.

Core of our approach

• Clear explanation of options and consequences
• Strategy tailored to circumstances
• Discreet and personal communication
• Clear process steps for consultation, mediation, or legal proceedings

What you can expect

• One dedicated lawyer per case
• Transparent communication about progress and costs
• Clear process planning and timely feedback
• Careful case file preparation
• Discreet and professional contact

Our approach in 4 phases

1️⃣Intake and orientation

We discuss the situation, documents, and questions. This phase provides insight into the legal route and helps determine whether consultation, four-way meetings, mediation, or legal proceedings are appropriate.
An intake meeting is always exploratory. You can schedule an appointment directly through our contact page.

2️⃣Strategy and preparation

We map out the legal frameworks and gather relevant information.
For international cases, we also assess jurisdiction and applicable law according to Brussels II ter.
This creates a clear overview of options within Dutch law.

3️⃣Consultation, mediation, or legal proceedings

Depending on the circumstances:

• Consultation – discussions with parties to make agreements, often regarding parenthood, alimony, or inheritance.
• Four-way meeting – both parties and lawyers at the table, suitable for divorces involving children.
  Read more about four-way meetings.
• Mediation – joint guidance by one neutral mediator.
  Read more about mediation in family law.
• Legal proceedings – when consultation is not possible or quick clarity is needed.
  In inheritance law proceedings, we often refer to the inheritance law specialization.

4️⃣Completion and follow-up care

Afterwards, we discuss results and points of attention. When circumstances change, agreements can be revised.
We also provide guidance in revising alimony, parenting plans, or distribution of an estate.

Our Services in Practice

Our approach aligns with the various forms of legal guidance we offer.

Legal Advice

Many clients start with an advisory meeting. We discuss your situation, next steps and points of attention. This provides overview and direction.

➡ Read more about legal advice

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Four-talk

When consultation is possible, but parties prefer to retain their own lawyer.
This form provides structure and support for topics such as parenthood, care distribution, or primary residence.

Read more about four-way meetings in family law.

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Mediation

A joint form of conflict resolution where the mediator guides the process. Mediation is often appropriate when parties want to make joint agreements.

Read more about mediation in family law.

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Second Opinion

In case of doubt or ongoing processes, a second opinion can help clarify the legal position without judgment about previous guidance.

Read more about what a second opinion can mean for you

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Legal guidance and proceedings

When consultation does not work or is not appropriate, we draft the petition, provide defense and guide you through the process at the court or court of appeal. We assist you with:

• Careful guidance by a dedicated lawyer
• Clear strategy and realistic route planning
• Transparent communication about progress and costs
• Attention to consultation and solutions outside of court
• Experience with national and international procedures

➡ Read more about our services in family law – family law attorney
➡ Or about our specialization in inheritance law – inheritance law attorney
➡ For international cases: international family law – expat attorney
➡ We also guide petitions and proceedings for changing first names.

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Preventive Legal Advice

Establishing agreements in advance can prevent many questions, for example with prenuptial agreements or estate planning.

Schedule an appointment.

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Aftercare

We offer guidance when previously made agreements need to be revised due to changed circumstances, for example, changes in income, residence, or family relationships.

We also offer follow-up care to clients whose case previously ran at another firm.

Schedule an appointment.

Why clients choose this approach

In many cases we handle, it becomes clear that a fixed structure helps to reach workable agreements more quickly.
In international cases, we often see that clear process agreements prevent misunderstandings.

Our values

• Thoroughness
• Clarity
• Neutrality
• International experience

Always Direct Contact with Someone who Knows What is Going On

When you call, you immediately get a legal secretary on the line who knows our clients and files.
You don’t have to tell your story over and over again — we ensure personal continuity and a quick response.

“Quick contact and clear advice. I felt heard and supported from the first conversation.” client of Simmelink Lawyers

Scenarios in practice

• Consultation: for parenthood, care distribution, and inheritance
• Mediation: for divorce or division of assets
• Legal proceedings: when consultation is not possible or urgency is required
• International: for expats or families in multiple countries, we assess which law applies and which court has jurisdiction

Practical examples

• In an international divorce involving children, we guided four-way meetings to make agreements without legal proceedings.
• In an inheritance case with heirs in multiple countries, a clear step-by-step plan helped to apply Dutch law.
• For a request to change a first name, we guided the petition and motivation according to legal criteria.