In brief
About Simmelink Advocaten
International families and relationships encounter rules from different countries.
This requires careful coordination and clear choices.
Simmelink Advocaten specializes in situations where Dutch and foreign law converge, referred to as international family law.
We assist with:
- determining which court has jurisdiction;
- establishing which law applies;
- arranging custody, assets, alimony or inheritance law across borders;
- and ensuring that judgments are recognized and enforced in multiple countries.
Our approach provides peace of mind, overview and certainty — exactly what you need when making important decisions about your family or future.
We work fluently in Dutch and English and assist clients in more than twenty countries.
When Do You Engage an International Family Law Attorney?
It is advisable to engage a specialized international family law attorney as soon as your personal or financial situation crosses borders.
More and more Dutch citizens have a partner of a different nationality or live (temporarily) abroad — an international trend that leads to more international divorces and custody issues.
You would do well to seek timely advice when one or more of the following situations applies to you:
- you were married abroad or have a different nationality than your partner;
- one of you lives abroad or has moved abroad;
- there is joint custody, co-parenting or a request for substitute consent for relocation;
- an international relocation with children after a divorce always requires consent from both parents;
- there are foreign prenuptial agreements or assets in multiple countries;
- you want to know which court has jurisdiction or which law applies;
- your case involves international family and inheritance law.
The habitual residence of the child, the nationality of the partners and the place of marriage or assets can be decisive for the application of law.
We carefully assess your specific situation, so you know in which chosen country your case can best be handled — and which rules apply.
Children and Custody across Borders
When parents live in different countries, questions often arise about custody, residence and consent.
The court considers the habitual residence of the child, the connection with each country and the importance of stability.
If the other parent does not give consent for a relocation, substitute consent from the court is required.
Sometimes international child abduction also plays a role — when a child is taken to another country without consent.
In such situations, international treaties apply, such as the Hague Convention on Child Abduction, which determine how quickly a child must be returned.
We guide both the left-behind parent and the parent who wants to relocate, with consideration for the interests of the child and the practical feasibility of agreements in different countries.
Clear agreements about co-parenting and joint custody help prevent future disputes.
Our attorneys advise on applicable law, the competent court and the recognition of foreign judgments, so that your agreements remain valid and are complied with across borders.
Assets, Alimony and Prenuptial Agreements
In an international divorce, the question often arises which law applies to the division of assets or spousal alimony.
We investigate whether Dutch law applies, or whether foreign law or a Hague convention is applicable.
This gives you clarity about the legal consequences and prevents surprises during the settlement.
Do you have foreign prenuptial agreements?
Then we assess whether these meet the legal requirements and whether the Dutch court can apply them.
Also in the international collection of alimony, we investigate which country has jurisdiction and which rules apply.
Our attorneys ensure that agreements about community of property, assets or alimony are legally valid and enforceable — in the Netherlands and abroad.
This prevents double procedures, uncertainty or invalid judgments.
Mediation and Consultation in International Matters
Not every international family matter needs to lead directly to legal proceedings.
In many situations, mediation or a consultation process is an effective way to make agreements about divorce, custody or assets.
Our attorneys can act as mediator in such cases, or as legal advisor in the background when you are already working with a mediator.
By discussing legal frameworks in a timely manner, you prevent misunderstandings about the application of law or the recognition of agreements abroad.
We help you reach balanced, sustainable solutions through consultation — while maintaining peace of mind and overview.
Our Approach
Whether you need advice, a second opinion, mediation or full assistance from an attorney, our approach remains personal and careful.
We start with a clear overview of your position and legal options, then discuss the strategy and keep you fully informed throughout the process about steps, costs and planning.
Our clients choose this approach for both full assistance, advisory questions, mediation, second opinion and background advisory during mediation.
Read more about our approach →
Why Do Clients Choose Simmelink Advocaten
- Specialized in international family law
- Extensive experience with complex procedures in various countries
- Knowledge of Dutch and foreign law
- Collaboration with foreign lawyers and experts
- Personal guidance – by telephone or video calling
- Clarity on costs, planning, and legal consequences
Our clients appreciate our careful preparation, strategic approach, and clear communication.
We help you make choices based on insight, not uncertainty.
Non-committal Contact about your International Situation
Do you want to know in which country you can divorce, or which law applies to your family or assets?
Make sure to get well informed in advance about the possibilities and the procedure to follow.
In an initial consultation, we discuss your situation, assess your request and provide initial legal advice. The consultation lasts approximately 20 minutes and is free of charge and non-binding.
What Clients Say about our Approach
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.
When my partner and I lived in France and decided to divorce, I had no idea where to start.
Simmelink Advocaten immediately gave me clarity about what was possible in the Netherlands and what was necessary in France.
Everything went via video calls and digital contact — professional, clear, and with a lot of understanding.
That gave peace of mind in an uncertain period.
After my move to Spain, it was difficult to make good agreements about the children.
Simmelink thought strategically, took both countries into account, and remained calm and respectful.
Ultimately, we obtained clear and workable agreements through the court in the Netherlands.
What I particularly appreciated was the transparency.
Already in the first conversation, I received a clear overview of costs, scenarios, and risks.
This allowed me to make a well-considered decision whether to litigate in the Netherlands or in Germany.
No surprises, no pressure – just expert advice.
Our Attorneys at Law
Our team consists of experienced attorneys specializing in international family law and inheritance law.
We guide clients in the Netherlands, Europe and beyond — discreetly, personally and strategically.
Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, often you can. The Dutch court has jurisdiction if you or your partner has Dutch nationality, or lives or was married in the Netherlands.
That depends on your nationality, place of residence and marriage location. We advise on applicable law and the most practical approach.
Yes, recognition is necessary to make the judgment enforceable here. We handle the legal coordination between countries.
Yes, we guide you completely remotely — via video calls and digital communication.
