In brief
Legal costs at Simmelink consist of an hourly rate for the lawyer, court fees, and any additional costs such as translations or extracts. Rates are discussed in advance and recorded in writing.
- Rates are established at the start of the collaboration. We work without hidden surcharges.
- During the first meeting, you will receive an estimate of the expected costs based on your situation.
- A dedicated lawyer handles your file from start to finish, supported by specialized legal experts. You will have a single point of contact who is familiar with the details of your case.
- Subsidized legal aid is possible in some situations. We will inform you about this if it is relevant to your situation.
- We answer questions about rates during a non-binding consultation.
Quality and costs
At Simmelink, one lawyer records the hours on your file. Specialized legal experts provide internal support during preparation; their work is included in the lawyer’s fee. You do not pay separately for legal expert hours in addition to the lawyer’s hours.
Substantively complex tasks, such as strategic advice, procedural documents, and hearing preparation, are performed by the lawyer. Preparatory work is handled internally by specialized legal experts. This ensures you pay for work at the level the situation requires.
Nevertheless, legal guidance is an investment. Depending on the circumstances, the process can be short and straightforward, or longer and more complex. We provide a realistic picture in advance, without underestimating or overstating.
What are the costs of legal guidance?
The costs depend on three factors: the nature of the case, the chosen route, and the course of the process. Below you can read what you can generally expect per area of law.
Rates are always discussed during the first consultation, based on your specific situation. No fixed amounts are published because every case is different, and a tailored estimate is more meaningful than a general figure.
Separation and family law
In a divorce, various routes are possible, each with its own approach and time commitment. The costs are determined by the complexity of the case, the presence of children, assets, pensions or international elements, and the degree of cooperation between parties. A divorce lawyer will discuss which route is most appropriate for your situation and provide an estimate of the expected costs.
The court fee for a divorce in 2026 is €341. This amount is shared in the case of a joint petition. In addition to the court fee, there may be additional costs, such as requesting extracts from the municipality.
Inheritance Law
In inheritance law matters, such as conflicts over the estate, disinheritance, statutory share, executorship, or international estates, the costs depend heavily on the scope of the dispute and the moment legal assistance is engaged.
Seeking advice early is almost always more cost-effective than waiting until a conflict escalates. An inheritance lawyer determines the legal position at an early stage and indicates which steps are proportionate given the interests involved.
International Family Law
In international family cases, such as cross-border divorces, custody issues in multiple countries, or expat situations, additional questions regarding jurisdiction and applicable law arise. This requires specific expertise and can make the process more complex.
The costs depend heavily on the countries involved, the legal issues, and the degree of cooperation between parties. More information can be found on the international family law page.
Change First Name in The Netherlands
A petition procedure for changing a first name is generally a straightforward process. The costs consist of the lawyer’s hourly rate for drafting and filing the petition, plus the court fee. More information can be found on the costs of changing a first name page.
Factors influencing costs
A clear estimate in advance does not change the fact that certain factors during the process can influence the final costs.
- The stance of the opposing party.
A willingness to consult shortens the process. If this is lacking or changes, it may require additional steps. - The complexity of assets or international aspects.
Businesses, assets in multiple countries, or blended families require more legal analysis. - The speed of information delivery.
Prompt and complete delivery of documents keeps the process efficient. - New insights.
Sometimes the situation changes or new facts emerge that require an adjustment of the strategy.
When Simmelink anticipates that the process will take a different direction, the lawyer will discuss this with you before any steps are taken.
Transparency and Control
Simmelink works with clear agreements regarding hourly rates, expected time commitment, and additional costs. You will receive an estimate in advance and will be kept informed of progress and cost developments during the process.
- Rates are established at the start and confirmed in writing.
- We work without hidden surcharges.
- Interim consultation regarding costs and strategy is a standard part of the guidance.
- Fixed price agreements are possible in some situations. This will be discussed during the first meeting.
Subsidized legal aid
In some situations, you may be eligible for subsidized legal aid, where the government reimburses part of the costs based on income and assets.
Simmelink Lawyers works exclusively on a paid basis. If desired, we can inform you about the conditions for subsidized legal aid and can refer you to the appropriate authority if this is relevant to your situation.
Legal expenses insurance and free choice of lawyer
Some clients have legal expenses insurance. In certain situations, the costs of legal assistance can be (partially) covered by it. Two regulations are relevant in this regard.
Free choice of lawyer
When judicial or administrative proceedings must be conducted, you as the insured have the right to choose a lawyer yourself. The insurer is obliged to reimburse the costs of that lawyer, even if you do not choose a lawyer affiliated with the insurer. This right is laid down in the Financial Supervision Act (Wft) and stems from European regulations.
In practice, this means that in the event of proceedings, you are not bound to the lawyer appointed by your insurer. You can engage Simmelink Lawyers and submit the costs to your insurer.
Dispute resolution scheme in case of doubt about your case handling
Do you have doubts about the way your legal expenses insurer is handling or advising on your case? Most policy conditions provide for a Dispute resolution scheme. Based on that scheme, you can in many cases request a second opinion at the insurer’s expense when there is a difference of opinion regarding the approach or handling of your case.
Simmelink Lawyers can provide an independent assessment in that context. Please check with your insurer which procedure applies and which documents you need to provide.
Practical information
In case of doubt, first contact your insurer to verify whether your situation falls under the coverage or the Dispute resolution scheme. Simmelink Lawyers is happy to think along with you about your legal position, regardless of the form of financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rates are discussed during the first consultation, before the file is opened. You will receive an estimate of the expected costs based on your situation. There is no obligation to start a file after that meeting.
The costs of a consultation are discussed and established in advance. There are no hidden costs. Rates are confirmed in writing at the start of the collaboration.
Court fees are fixed amounts that you pay to the court when starting a procedure. For a divorce, these amount to €341 in 2026. In the case of a joint petition, these costs are shared. Simmelink standardly includes court fees in the cost estimate.
Yes. Factors such as the stance of the opposing party, new information, or a changed situation can influence the scope of the process. Simmelink will discuss this with you in a timely manner, so that you remain in control of the subsequent steps.
In some situations, fixed price agreements are possible, depending on the nature and expected scope of the case. This will be discussed during the first meeting. In more complex files, Simmelink works on an hourly rate basis, with interim evaluations.
Do you have questions about the costs for your situation? During a consultation, we will discuss the expected approach, the cost progression, and what you can expect, without any obligation to open a file.
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.
