Does this Sound Familiar?
You want to carefully arrange your divorce or inheritance. International aspects may be involved.
You seek peace of mind, clarity, and an attorney who thinks strategically with you.
Read more about our approach
In brief
Peace of Mind and Clarity in Family and Inheritance Law Matters
Simmelink Advocaten guides clients in the Netherlands and expats worldwide in family law and inheritance law.
You receive clear, personal, and strategic advice – nationally and internationally – with a focus on peace of mind, clarity, and sustainable solutions.
We assist you in situations involving divorce, custody, alimony, and the settlement of estates.
Even when international aspects are involved, we ensure a well-thought-out legal and practical approach.
Our goal: to quickly provide you with direction, manage risks, and ensure agreements that stand the test of time – legally correct and human in tone.
Read more: Family Law • Inheritance Law • International Family Law • Mediation • Second Opinion.
Our Expertise
Experienced in Family and Inheritance Law
Focus on complex cases in the Netherlands and internationally.
Strategic guidance in divorce, inheritance, and name law.
Clients in more than 20 Countries
We work fluently in Dutch and English and guide clients worldwide with international family law issues.
Clear direction across legal systems, jurisdictions, and cultural differences.
More than 500 Cases per Year
Experience that brings peace of mind.
Every case requires care, discretion, and executable solutions — that’s our standard.
Our Specializations in Family Law and Dutch Inheritance Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody and visitation, alimony, and division of assets or pension.
We bring structure to an emotional period and ensure agreements that are executable and sustainable – carefully, strategically, and with an eye for peace of mind.
International Family Law
When international aspects are involved – such as residence, children, or assets in different countries – we monitor jurisdiction and applicable law.
We translate international rules into concrete, executable steps for your situation.
Erfrecht
Guidance with estates, beneficiary acceptance, executorship, and disputes.
Our inheritance law attorneys ensure peace of mind, clarity, and legally sound agreements in settling an inheritance – with attention to family relationships.
Change First Name
Do you want to change your first name? We carefully guide you in preparing and submitting the petition to the court.
With personal attention and discretion, we ensure that your application is legally complete and convincingly substantiated.
Want to know more? View our approach or schedule an appointment.
Our Services in Practice
Our services consist of various trajectories, tailored to your situation and goal. Every collaboration begins with a written confirmation of engagement outlining our approach, rates, and planning — so you know exactly what to expect.
Intake interview
The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Together, we discuss your situation, assess whether legal assistance is appropriate, and outline the next steps.
You immediately receive clarity on possibilities, costs, and planning — so you know exactly where you stand.
Consultation
When direction is needed, we offer strategic legal advice that looks beyond today’s dispute.
We analyze your case, identify scenarios, and translate them into concrete choices.
Clear, thorough, and immediately applicable in practice.
Read more about strategic advice for family law.
For international cases: read more about advice for international family law
Mediation
Sometimes it’s better to reach agreements together.
We guide the process with legal clarity and strategic calm, so you maintain direction and the solution remains sustainable.
We monitor the framework, the agreement, and compliance with the agreements made.
Second Opinion
Do you have doubts about previous advice or want certainty about the right course of action?
We independently assess your case, analyze the strategy, and advise on alternatives.
Carefully, discreetly, and completely objectively.
Read more about second opinion for family law.
For international cases: read more about second opinion for international family law
Legal Guidance
One dedicated attorney who guides your case from start to finish.
We bring structure to your case, monitor progress and communication, and ensure everything proceeds legally correct.
So you maintain overview, even in complex trajectories.
Read more about a family law attorney.
Expat Service Estate Planning
For international families and professionals with assets in multiple countries. We conduct correspondence and proceedings in Dutch or English — depending on your preference.
We combine Dutch law with foreign regulations and ensure agreements are correct in every jurisdiction.
Clear strategy, asset inventory, visitation arrangements, and cross-border expertise.
Preventive Legal Advice
Prevention is better than litigation.
We identify potential risks early and ensure agreements are clear, executable, and future-proof.
This way, you prevent misunderstandings, unnecessary costs, and legal tensions.
Aftercare
Even after completion, your situation remains in motion.
We monitor compliance, revise agreements where necessary, and keep your file up-to-date.
We also offer aftercare to clients whose case previously ran with another firm.
This maintains peace of mind, overview, and a single point of contact — with the same care as during the case.
Do you already have an attorney or mediator? We can still think along with you in the background. Tactically, discreetly, and aimed at strengthening.
Always Direct Contact with Someone who Knows What is Going On
At Simmelink Advocaten, you immediately get a legal secretary on the line. Someone who knows our clients and cases and can help you effectively.
Even when it is temporarily busy or during consultation moments, your call is answered personally and carefully, ensuring your message reaches the right place immediately.
This way, you know from the first moment what to expect.
Our Core Values
Clarity
We make complex situations understandable. You get overview and clear communication at every step.
Result: peace of mind and confidence.
Strategy
We think ahead and work in scenarios. Every advice is aimed at sustainable solutions.
Result: direction and control.
Discretion
We handle your case with care and trust.
Result: a safe environment.
Who are our Attorneys and Mediators
You work with experienced attorneys, specialized in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. We communicate clearly, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed.
“Our lawyers are approachable, responsive and constantly keep you informed about the progress of your case.”
Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer
Reviews – What Do Clients Think of Us?
Legal matters are about more than laws and rules. Our clients choose Simmelink for the careful guidance, strategic advice, and personal attention. Read how they have experienced our collaboration.
Simmelink brought peace to an emotionally charged inheritance and carefully handled the legal side.
As an entrepreneur with assets in multiple countries, I was looking for a law firm that truly understands international divorces. In-depth international knowledge, quick action, and thinking three steps ahead – exactly what was needed. Precisely what you need when it comes to serious interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a consultation, you get clarity about your position, options, and risks, plus an initial plan of action. You immediately know what the wise next step is. We outline scenarios, timing, and next steps, so you know right away what is prudent. The first 20 minutes of the conversation are free and without obligation; we think along without forcing. After this, you can decide whether you want to continue the conversation.
Our rates depend on the nature and complexity. We agree on approach and estimate in advance, with clear milestones and interim evaluations. You maintain insight into hours and progress; no surprises, just transparency. Where possible, we opt for efficient solutions, such as consultation or mediation.
For settling an estate, disputes between heirs, or questions about wills, legitimate portions, executorship, and (beneficiary) acceptance/rejection. We ensure a careful, legally sound approach and safeguard your position—from strategy to execution.
Mediation: reaching agreements together under the guidance of a neutral mediator. Legal assistance: we exclusively represent your interests and litigate when necessary. We advise which route suits your situation; a hybrid approach is possible (consultation where possible, action where necessary).
Yes. We provide a fresh, independent view of your file, position, and strategy—discreetly and without disrupting the ongoing process. You receive concrete points of attention and scenarios, allowing you to proceed with more peace of mind and control.
We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and secure communication. Only directly involved team members have access to your file. We work carefully, share information on a need-to-know basis, and align confidentiality with you and any other advisors.
Gladly. We align legally, fiscally, and practically, ensuring your overall position is correct—now and in the long term. Clear role division, one plan, and one timeline; this prevents confusion and accelerates decisions.
For divorce, custody/visitation, alimony, or division of assets. We safeguard your rights, structure the process, and steer towards executable agreements. Through consultation where possible; through court where necessary—always with peace of mind, overview, and strategy.
