Carla Simmelink

About Carla

Carla Simmelink is an experienced and respected attorney with over 21 years of specialization in family law, private international law, and inheritance law. Carla primarily assists individuals, expats, and entrepreneurs in complex legal matters, often with an international dimension. Her clients appreciate her clear and pragmatic style and her ability to translate complex legal issues into straightforward solutions. Carla’s approach focuses on sustainable solutions that genuinely help clients move forward.

Expertise

Carla specializes in:

• (International) divorces, alimony, division of assets, custody arrangements, and complex relocation cases involving children
• Inheritance law issues, including the drafting and distribution of estates and disputes surrounding wills.
• Issues surrounding name changes and gender-related matters, such as non-binary statuses
• Cross-border situations where different legal systems converge and international jurisdictional issues

Additionally, Carla offers second opinions for clients and colleagues who require a second perspective on legal matters. Her fluent command of the English language makes her a valued partner for international clients and expats.

Formation

Carla completed her studies in Dutch law at Maastricht University, supplemented by the European Law School where she studied the legal systems of EU member states. She has also completed specialized modules in insurance law, psychiatry, psychology, ICT, and law at Utrecht University.

Work Experience

After completing her studies, Carla began her legal career in 2004 as a trainee lawyer at Van de Sande Advocaten in Rotterdam, specializing in family law, employment law, and real estate law. In 2007, she transitioned to Kabalt & Schuurman in Breukelen, where she handled a wide range of legal issues in a general practice. In 2010, she joined B& Advocaten in Utrecht, where her work primarily concentrated on (international) private law and family law. Here she focused on contract, property, and estate law, further developing her expertise in complex legal structures.

In 2018, she founded Simmelink Law Firm, where she continues her passion for the law and dedication to client service. Her entrepreneurial background and experience in various legal fields enhance her ability to effectively represent and assist clients.

Register of Jurisdictions

Carla Simmelink is registered in the Register of Jurisdictions of the Dutch Bar Association in the following areas of law:

• General practice
• Persons & Family Law
  • Private International Law
  • Divorces
  • Alimony
  • Access Arrangements
  • Parenting and recognition
• Law on Psychiatric Patients

Pursuant to this registration, she is required to obtain ten training points in each registered main area of law each calendar year according to the standards of the Dutch Bar Association.