{"id":35373,"date":"2026-03-02T22:20:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T14:48:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:48:20","slug":"applicable-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Applicable law"},"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\/international\/applicable-law\/#What_does_applicable_law_mean\" >What does applicable law mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#When_does_Dutch_law_apply\" >When does Dutch law apply?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#When_can_foreign_law_apply\" >When can foreign law apply?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Applicable_law_and_matrimonial_property_law\" >Applicable law and matrimonial property law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Applicable_law_and_spousal_maintenance\" >Applicable law and spousal maintenance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Choice_of_law_can_you_determine_which_law_applies_yourself\" >Choice of law: can you determine which law applies yourself?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Concurrence_of_jurisdiction_and_applicable_law\" >Concurrence of jurisdiction and applicable law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Practical_scenarios\" >Practical scenarios<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#How_do_we_assess_the_applicable_law\" >How do we assess the applicable 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\/international\/applicable-law\/#Case_Example\" >Case Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/#Overview_in_international_complexity\" >Overview in international complexity<\/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>The applicable law is the national law used to assess the divorce and the ancillary proceedings. This may differ from the law of the country where the proceedings are conducted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jurisdiction and applicable law are two separate legal questions. More about jurisdiction: <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/which-court-has-jurisdiction\/\">which court has jurisdiction<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Dutch court can apply foreign law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nationality is not always decisive: place of residence and previous places of residence often play a larger role.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A choice of law in prenuptial agreements can influence the applicable law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Different legal systems may apply to property law, alimony, and the divorce itself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Every international situation requires an individual assessment.<\/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_applicable_law_mean\"><\/span>What does applicable law mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The applicable law is the national legal system used to assess your divorce and related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can relate to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the divorce itself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spousal alimony and child alimony<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>matrimonial property law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pension rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prenuptial agreements and set-off clauses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In international situations, it is possible for a Dutch court to apply French or German law, or for a foreign court to conclude that Dutch law applies. Jurisdiction and applicable law are legally entirely separate questions. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_does_Dutch_law_apply\"><\/span>When does Dutch law apply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, Dutch law applies when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>both spouses have their habitual residence in the Netherlands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>parties have made no other choice of law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>international conflict rules refer to Dutch law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet this is not a given. In international marriages, foreign law may continue to apply, even when you have been living in the Netherlands for a considerable time. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_can_foreign_law_apply\"><\/span>When can foreign law apply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreign law may be applicable when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>you or your partner has a different nationality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>you lived in another country after the marriage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>you have made a choice of law in prenuptial agreements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>European regulations or international conflict rules determine this<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This plays an especially important role in matrimonial property law. The law of the country where you had your first joint habitual residence after the marriage can be decisive for the division of assets. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applicable_law_and_matrimonial_property_law\"><\/span>Applicable law and matrimonial property law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For international couples, matrimonial property law is often the most complex part. The question of which law governs the division of assets depends on several factors: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the date of the marriage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the place of the marriage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the country of the first joint habitual residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any choice of law in prenuptial agreements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>subsequent moves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It can happen that Dutch law applies to the divorce, but foreign law applies to the division of assets. This can have significant consequences for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the scope of the community of property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the operation of set-off clauses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the treatment of business assets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>foreign real estate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can read more about international divorce at <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce\/\">international divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applicable_law_and_spousal_maintenance\"><\/span>Applicable law and spousal maintenance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Different rules may apply to spousal alimony than to the divorce or property law. International rules determine which law is applied to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the amount of the alimony<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the duration and the possibilities for modification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the enforceability in another country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the circumstances, this can have significant consequences for the outcome. It is wise to analyze this in advance, not just during 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=\"Choice_of_law_can_you_determine_which_law_applies_yourself\"><\/span>Choice of law: can you determine which law applies yourself?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In some situations, spouses can make a choice of law in advance, for example in prenuptial agreements or in a separate agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A choice of law can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>provide clarity on the future division of assets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limit future conflicts regarding applicable law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduce international uncertainty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A choice of law must meet legal requirements. Not every choice is automatically valid, and the consequences can differ for each part of the divorce. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concurrence_of_jurisdiction_and_applicable_law\"><\/span>Concurrence of jurisdiction and applicable law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It regularly happens that the Netherlands has jurisdiction, but foreign law applies, or vice versa. Both questions must be answered separately before the substantive analysis can begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can read more about jurisdiction at <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/which-court-has-jurisdiction\/\">which court has jurisdiction in an international divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For guidance on international files, read more about the working method of our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/lawyer\/\">international family law lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_scenarios\"><\/span>Practical scenarios<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Dutch and French nationality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple with dual nationality lives in the Netherlands. The Dutch court has jurisdiction. Nevertheless, French matrimonial property law turns out to be applicable due to the first joint residence after the marriage.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In such situations, the division of assets can differ significantly from what parties expected based on their current place of residence. Prior insight into the applicable law prevents surprises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Expat on temporary assignment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple is staying temporarily in the Netherlands on the basis of an expat contract, but had their first joint residence in another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the Netherlands may have jurisdiction for the proceedings, the matrimonial property law of that other country may continue to apply. You can read more about this situation at <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/scheiden-als-expat\/\">divorcing as an expat in the Netherlands<\/a>. <\/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_do_we_assess_the_applicable_law\"><\/span>How do we assess the applicable law?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We analyze, among other things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>nationalities of both parties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>place and date of the marriage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>first joint habitual residence after the marriage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>subsequent moves and residential history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>content of prenuptial agreements and any choices of law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>relevant European regulations, including Rome III and the Matrimonial Property Regimes Regulation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>We then discuss which law is likely to apply and what consequences this has for your position. Would you like to have a situation assessed? Schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/advice\/\">consultation<\/a> or request a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/second-opinion\/\">second opinion<\/a> if you already have guidance elsewhere. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Example\"><\/span>Case Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We assisted a client in a divorce where the partner had a different nationality and the marriage was concluded abroad. The first joint residence after the marriage was not in the Netherlands. After analysis, foreign matrimonial property law proved to be applicable to the division of the joint assets, while the Dutch court had jurisdiction for the proceedings. By mapping this out in advance, the negotiations on the division of assets could be conducted on the correct legal basis.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<p>Written by the team at Simmelink, specialists in international family law.<\/p>\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\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<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><strong><strong><strong>Is nationality decisive for the applicable law?<\/strong><\/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-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">Not always. Nationality can be a factor, but often place of residence and international conflict rules play a larger role. The law of the first joint habitual residence after the marriage is in many cases decisive for matrimonial property law.   This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can Dutch law apply if we were married abroad?<\/strong><\/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-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">Yes, that is possible. The place of the marriage is not automatically decisive for the applicable law. Other factors such as the place of residence after the marriage and the nationalities of the parties play a more important role. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>What if we have not made a choice of law?<\/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-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">In that case, international conflict-of-law rules determine which law is applicable. This can lead to different outcomes for each part of the divorce (the divorce itself, the division of assets, and the alimony).<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can the applicable law change due to a move?<\/strong><\/strong><\/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-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">In some situations, a subsequent move can influence the applicable law, but this depends on the time of marriage, previous agreements, and the specific rules of the applicable international regulations. Depending on the circumstances, an individual assessment is necessary. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9738ea0e gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-5490a0cc gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-5490a0cc\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Which European regulations are relevant?<\/strong><\/strong><\/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-b4046329\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b4046329\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b7c18f09 gb-headline-text\">In international divorces, Rome III (applicable law to divorce), the Matrimonial Property Regimes Regulation (2019\/1111), and the Maintenance Regulation are relevant, among others. Which regulation applies depends on the circumstances of the case. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-eab29512\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overview_in_international_complexity\"><\/span>Overview in international complexity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Applicable law determines which rules apply to your divorce, your assets, and your alimony. In international situations, this is rarely self-evident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By obtaining clarity on the applicable law in advance, you prevent unexpected legal consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\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\/2024\/05\/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 The applicable law is the national law used to assess the divorce and the ancillary proceedings. This may differ from the law of the country where the proceedings are conducted. Every international situation requires an individual assessment. What does applicable law mean? The applicable law is the national legal system &#8230; <a title=\"Applicable law\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/applicable-law\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Applicable law\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16431,"parent":25072,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-35373","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35373","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\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35373"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35728,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35373\/revisions\/35728"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}