Legal advice that provides direction

For which matters can you request advice?

Simmelink Lawyers advises, among other things, on:

• divorce or termination of cohabitation
• parenting plans, custody, and visitation arrangements
• alimony and division of assets
• international family law issues
• inheritance law and estate division
• change of first name

When is an advisory meeting useful?

In many cases, a consultation is useful before decisions are made. The conversation provides an overview and helps prevent common mistakes. Advice is appropriate if you:

• want to know your legal position;
• are considering a choice, such as a divorce, adjustment of alimony, or distribution of an inheritance;
• want to have the consequences or risks of a step assessed;
• need an independent, expert perspective;
• or want peace of mind in an uncertain legal situation.

You do not have to start a procedure or hire a lawyer. Many clients come to Simmelink Lawyers specifically to explore the available possibilities.

Short-term and Exploratory Advice

Not every piece of advice has to become a long-term process. Sometimes a single conversation is sufficient to gain insight into a situation, think about the next step, or estimate the impact of a decision.

If you wish to start legal representation immediately, this begins with an intake interview, followed by a confirmation of engagement after which the lawyer will commence work. During this interview, practical experience is utilized: what often goes wrong, which choices are prudent, and what you should remain alert to.

Procedural steps in an advisory process

The approach is clear and well-organized:

1. Preliminary consultation
   The secretariat will schedule you with the lawyer who best suits your situation and question. You will be asked to briefly describe the situation in advance.
2. Consultation
   The lawyer discusses your situation, the relevant documents, and the possible routes. Where possible, you will receive clear advice.
3. Strategic follow-up
   If desired, you will receive a summary and then a second opinion or follow-up guidance, depending on your situation and the next steps you choose.

Two forms of consultation

You can choose from two formats:

Consultation

Discussion based on your explanation during the meeting. Suitable when you want insight into your legal position and possible next steps. For example:

• What are my rights in a divorce?
• How is alimony calculated in broad terms?
• What are my options in a conflict regarding the children?
• What does an inheritance mean for my financial position?

Advisory consultation with file review

Prior to the meeting, you send relevant documents, which Simmelink Lawyers studies in depth and incorporates into the advice. This is appropriate when documents already exist or when a matter needs to be assessed substantively. For example:

• Is this settlement agreement legally balanced?
• Is this alimony calculation correct?
• How strong is my position in these proceedings?
• Which risks am I overlooking in this file?

When a case file study takes place, Simmelink Lawyers reserves preparation time for this. This time is charged at the usual hourly rate. The approach that best suits your question will be coordinated in advance.

Scenarios in which advice can be provided

Consultation

At the start of a case, a short consultation helps to choose the right route, such as mediation or litigation. In many cases, early advice is the most efficient way to map out a situation.

Mediation

Legal advice can be requested as support during an ongoing mediation process, without interfering with the role of the mediator. This gives a client insight into their position without influencing the negotiations.

Legal proceedings

When proceedings are already underway, additional advice can provide an overview and strategic alignment. Depending on the circumstances, this may concern litigation strategy, file review, or the assessment of a possible settlement.

International

In international situations, for example when one of the parties involved lives or works abroad, Simmelink Lawyers advises on jurisdiction, applicable law, and the recognition of judgments. The meeting can take place via video call.

International Advice

Do you live abroad or does your situation have an international aspect? The international family law lawyers at Simmelink Lawyers advise on which law applies, which court has jurisdiction, how decisions are recognized abroad, and what the strategic consequences are for your position. The conversation can easily be conducted via video call.

Difference between advice and a second opinion

A consultation focuses on insight and direction within an existing or new matter. The starting point is the client’s situation, without a previous advice or procedure already serving as a basis.

A second opinion is an independent assessment of previously given advice or an ongoing file. Both forms offer clarity, but the approach is different: exploratory versus evaluative.

Practical examples

Family Law

A client requested legal advice on the division of assets in an upcoming divorce. During the consultation, it became clear that a careful financial substantiation could help to establish agreements without a procedure. The advice provided clarity and structure for the next steps.

Inheritance Law

An heir requested advice on the settlement of an estate involving multiple heirs. The discussion focused on the role of the executor and the possibilities for recording mutual agreements. The advice helped prevent escalation and made responsibilities transparent.

International Family Law

A client couple with dual nationalities requested advice on the legal consequences of a proposed move abroad. The lawyer explained the rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law. This provided insight into the legal consequences and helped in making a well-considered decision.

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