About Carla Simmelink
Carla Simmelink is a highly experienced and strategic attorney with over 21 years of expertise in family law, private international law, and inheritance law. She advises individuals, expats, and entrepreneurs in complex legal matters, often with an international dimension.
Her strength lies in sharp analysis and a solution-oriented approach. She looks beyond the legal framework and helps clients regain clarity, control, and direction – with attention to both legal and personal impact.
Clients value her clear communication, decisiveness, and the sense of trust she offers during challenging and emotionally charged situations. Her approach is not only legally sound but also resilient – aimed at restoring peace of mind, stability, and perspective.
Carla litigates when necessary, but what sets her apart from many lawyers who focus solely on legal proceedings is her ability to see the broader picture. She seeks solutions that are not only legally robust but also strategically valuable – choices that truly benefit her clients in the long term.
She frequently works with international clients and litigates in both Dutch and English. As a member of the Netherlands Bar Association, she maintains ongoing professional development in the field of family law.
What drives her? Empowering people at a time when much is at stake – legally and personally. A lawyer who thinks ahead, speaks clearly, and stands by your side when it matters most.
To me, family law extends beyond merely resolving legal issues. It involves guiding individuals through a challenging phase, where I focus not only on the problem but also on the opportunities for the future.
Expertise
Carla specializes in:
- (International) Family Law
Divorce, alimony, division of assets, custody arrangements, and complex relocation cases involving children - Inheritance Law Matters
Settlement and Distribution of Estates, Disputes Concerning Wills - Name Changes and Gender-Related Legal Issues
Including non-binary statuses - Cross-border Disputes
Where multiple legal systems converge and issues of international jurisdiction are involved - Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Issues concerning latent defects and the interpretation of purchase and lease agreements, particularly when these are related to family and inheritance law matters.
In addition, Carla provides Second opinions for clients and fellow attorneys seeking an independent legal assessment. Her fluent command of the English language makes her a trusted advisor for international clients and expatriates.
Please provide the Dutch legal text you would like translated into English, and I’ll be happy to assist you.Thanks to a robust international network of legal and tax specialists, Carla can efficiently handle complex, cross-border cases. This ensures that her clients receive not just a legal opinion, but a comprehensive strategy that considers all legal and practical implications.
Education
Carla studied Dutch Law at Maastricht University, complemented by the European Law School program, where she specialized in the legal systems of EU member states. In addition, she completed advanced modules in insurance law, psychiatry, psychology, and ICT & law at Utrecht University.
Work Experience
Her legal career began in 2004 at Van de Sande Attorneys at Law Rotterdam, where she focused on family law, labor law, and real estate law. In particular, she served as the primary legal contact for real estate agents. In 2007, she transitioned to Kabalt & Schuurman in Breukelen, where she worked in a broad general practice. At B& Attorneys In Utrecht, she further specialized in (international) private law and family law, with a strong focus on contract law, property law, and law of goods.
In 2018, Carla founded Simmelink Advocaten, driven by the belief that clients benefit from a lawyer who not only litigates but also thinks proactively and creates opportunities. With a clear vision, she developed the firm into a respected name in family law. Her entrepreneurial background and broad experience make her a valuable partner for clients seeking to take strategic and well-considered legal steps.
Approach and Contact
Carla’s approach is characterized by clarity, decisiveness, and a focus on sustainable solutions. She assists clients not only with legal issues but also with strategic decisions for the future.
Do you have a question regarding (international) family law, inheritance law, or a related real estate issue? Carla is happy to assist you.Please contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
Register of Legal Practice Areas
Carla Simmelink is registered in the legal practice areas register of the Dutch Bar Association for the following areas of law:
- General Practice
- Persons & Family Law
- Private International Law
- Divorces
- Alimony Cases
- Custody Arrangements
- Parental Responsibility and Acknowledgment
- Psychiatric Patients’ Rights
Op grond van deze registratie is zij verplicht elk kalenderjaar minimaal tien opleidingspunten te behalen per geregistreerd hoofdrechtsgebied, zoals vereist door de Nederlandse orde van advocaten.
