{"id":24950,"date":"2024-08-25T13:22:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T12:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/divorce\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T14:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T13:04:22","slug":"divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#What_does_a_divorce_involve\" >What does a divorce involve?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#How_does_the_divorce_procedure_work\" >How does the divorce procedure work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Which_route_suits_your_situation\" >Which route suits your situation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Divorcing_with_children\" >Divorcing with children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Alimony\" >Alimony<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Assets_home_and_business\" >Assets, home, and business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#International_separation\" >International separation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Based_on_Real_Cases\" >Based on Real Cases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Frequently_asked_questions_about_divorce\" >Frequently asked questions about divorce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/#Many_clients_of_Simmelink_Lawyers_start_with_an_introductory_consultation_During_this_meeting_the_legal_position_is_mapped_out_and_possible_routes_are_discussed_without_you_having_to_start_legal_proceedings_immediately\" >Many clients of Simmelink Lawyers start with an introductory consultation. During this meeting, the legal position is mapped out and possible routes are discussed without you having to start legal proceedings immediately.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage or registered partnership through the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the Netherlands, a divorce is granted by the court at the request of one or both partners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/children\/\">divorcing with children<\/a>, agreements regarding custody, residence, and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support\/\">child maintenance<\/a> must be recorded in a parenting plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The division of assets, the home, and any business is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/\">division of assets upon divorce<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on the circumstances, a divorce can proceed through consultation, <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/mediation\/\">mediation<\/a>, or legal proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the event of an international divorce, additional rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law apply; more information can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_divorce_involve\"><\/span>What does a divorce involve?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. In the Netherlands, a divorce is always granted by a judge \u2014 via a petition that must be filed by a lawyer. This also applies if both partners agree on the divorce.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In certain cases, a registered partnership can also be dissolved out of court, but as soon as minor children are involved or when the partners do not agree, the court is always involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, the divorce consists of two parts: the formal dissolution of the marriage and the settlement of the consequences, such as maintenance, the home, assets, and arrangements regarding children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_divorce_procedure_work\"><\/span>How does the divorce procedure work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The procedure begins with the filing of a petition with the court. The judge assesses the request and, in the event of the permanent breakdown of the marriage, grants the divorce. The steps are briefly outlined below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Orientation and advice: determining which route best suits your situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drafting and filing a petition with the court by a lawyer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consideration by the judge: unilateral or by joint request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judgment and registration of the divorce in the civil status registers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Settlement of ancillary provisions: maintenance, home, assets, and arrangements for children.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you like to know which steps are relevant to your situation? <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Please contact us<\/a>; this is for orientation purposes and without obligation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_route_suits_your_situation\"><\/span>Which route suits your situation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every divorce proceeds in the same way. The choice between consultation, mediation, or legal proceedings depends on the relationship between the partners, the complexity of the financial situation, and the position of any children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Divorcing by mutual agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When both partners agree on the main points, a divorce can be finalized relatively quickly. Agreements are recorded in a divorce settlement agreement. A single lawyer can file the petition on behalf of both partners.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Divorcing through mediation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/mediation\/\">mediation<\/a>, a neutral mediator guides the negotiations. This can be a suitable route when communication is difficult but both partners are willing to consult. A lawyer is still required for drafting and filing the legal documents.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judicial proceedings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When parties cannot agree on important matters \u2014 maintenance, the home, or contact with children \u2014 the court decides. Each party is then represented by their own lawyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In complex or emotionally charged divorces, guidance from a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> is often the most careful route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Divorcing_with_children\"><\/span>Divorcing with children<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When there are minor children, a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/parenting-plan\/\">parenting plan<\/a> is mandatory. It records agreements on custody, the division of care and upbringing, and the provision of information to both parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support\/\">child maintenance<\/a> plays a role: the financial contribution of a parent to the costs of care and upbringing. The amount is calculated based on the financial capacity of both parents and the needs of the child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> helps to establish arrangements for children that are legally sound and suit the situation of both parents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alimony\"><\/span>Alimony<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a divorce, both <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/spousal-maintenance\/\">spousal maintenance<\/a> and child maintenance may be involved. Spousal maintenance is a contribution to the living costs of the ex-partner when their income after the divorce is insufficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of maintenance depends on financial capacity, needs, and the duration of the marriage. In the event of a dispute over maintenance, a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> can map out the legal position and guide you through the next steps. See also the page on <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\">maintenance<\/a> for detailed information.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assets_home_and_business\"><\/span>Assets, home, and business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The division of assets and the marital home is often one of the most complex parts of the divorce. Who gets the house? How is the equity divided? What if one partner wants to take over the home?   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of a private company or director-major shareholder (DGA) structure, additional questions arise regarding the valuation and division of business assets. You can read more about this on the page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/assets\/\">assets and home upon divorce<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the legal settlement of assets, the home, or a business, a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> guides you through the analysis and negotiations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_separation\"><\/span>International separation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When one or both partners have a different nationality, live or work abroad, or when foreign assets are involved, it is an international separation. In such cases, questions arise regarding which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a cross-border divorce, a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> works with the international department on the jurisdiction and choice of law aspects of your case. An <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/lawyer\/\">international family law lawyer<\/a> analyzes in which country the procedure can best be started and which law applies to maintenance and the division of assets. See also <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/a> for an overview of all cross-border topics.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Based_on_Real_Cases\"><\/span>Based on Real Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Divorce with own home and equity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In one case, Simmelink Lawyers assisted a client in a divorce where the marital home had significant equity. Neither partner wanted to sell the house \u2014 one wanted to buy the other out, while the other disputed the value. By mapping out the situation legally and financially, it was possible to clarify which routes were available and what the consequences of each choice would be. The case was finalized through negotiations, without legal proceedings.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Divorce with minor children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a divorce involving two young children, discussions took place regarding the division of care and the amount of child maintenance. The core of the guidance lay in drafting a parenting plan that was legally sound and suited the practical situation of both parents. Depending on the circumstances, several routes are possible in these types of cases \u2014 from amicable consultation to a court decision.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-479128b1 sim-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d2156fab sim-section__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c3c6957d\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9ac3bf72 gb-headline-text\">Are you unsure which form of divorce is suitable for your situation?<br>Schedule an appointment with us.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2897bd62\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-0c012c4c gb-button-text sim-btn-action sim-button sim-button-action\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Simmelink Lawyers, you work with lawyers specialized in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. We work intensively together on solutions that are legally sound and do personal justice to your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions_about_divorce\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions about divorce<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Do I always need to hire a lawyer for a divorce?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">In the Netherlands, a lawyer is mandatory when filing a divorce petition with the court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of a joint request, a single lawyer can act on behalf of both partners. Depending on the circumstances, such as the presence of children or disputes over assets, additional guidance may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2712f11d gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-17f3fa07 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-17f3fa07\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>How long does a divorce take?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-061dc4a6\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-061dc4a6\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-98660516 gb-headline-text\">The duration of a divorce depends on the complexity and the degree of agreement between the partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A divorce by joint request can, in some cases, be finalized within a few months. A procedure in which the court must decide on several points often takes longer. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-88866d7b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1365ae94 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1365ae94\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What are the costs of a divorce?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-433b3ebd\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-433b3ebd\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d0db8993 gb-headline-text\">The costs of a divorce consist of court fees, lawyer fees, and any costs for mediation or appraisals. The amount varies per situation and depends on the complexity, the lead time, and whether legal proceedings are necessary. During a consultation, an initial indication can be provided based on your situation.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7afb061f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-f5653bff gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-f5653bff\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Can I get a divorce if my partner does not cooperate?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-e59cd61c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e59cd61c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e246ca56 gb-headline-text\">Yes. In the Netherlands, a divorce can also be requested unilaterally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The marriage is dissolved on the grounds of permanent breakdown; the consent of the other partner is not required for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The court decides on the request. Arrangements regarding children, maintenance, and assets are then determined by the court if they are not reached through mutual agreement. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-052a7e31 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-74d0b467 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-74d0b467\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>What is the difference between a divorce and a legal separation?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-027f7fb2\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-027f7fb2\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-13b0af39 gb-headline-text\">A divorce terminates the marriage permanently. A legal separation keeps the marriage legally intact but removes the obligation to live together. In many cases, partners opt for a full divorce. Depending on the circumstances, such as pension rights or international aspects, a legal separation may be relevant in specific situations.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Many_clients_of_Simmelink_Lawyers_start_with_an_introductory_consultation_During_this_meeting_the_legal_position_is_mapped_out_and_possible_routes_are_discussed_without_you_having_to_start_legal_proceedings_immediately\"><\/span>Many clients of Simmelink Lawyers start with an introductory consultation. During this meeting, the legal position is mapped out and possible routes are discussed without you having to start legal proceedings immediately.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many clients of Simmelink Lawyers begin with an initial <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">consultation<\/a>. During this meeting, the legal position is assessed and potential courses of action are discussed without the need to initiate legal proceedings immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you already in proceedings through another lawyer and would you like a second assessment? Then a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/second-opinion\/\">second opinion<\/a> is possible. Simmelink Lawyers analyzes your situation and provides an independent judgment on the strategy and the available routes.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage or registered partnership through the court. In the event of an international divorce, additional rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law apply; more information can be found on the international family law page. What does a divorce involve? A divorce is the legal &#8230; <a title=\"Divorce\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Divorce\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":24947,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-24950","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"infinite-scroll-item"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24950"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37097,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24950\/revisions\/37097"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}