Simmelink Lawyers assists clients with family law, inheritance law, and international family law. We have extensive experience with international families, expats, and cross-border situations, offering clear procedural steps, strategic advice, and a single point of contact.
Our clients live throughout the Netherlands and abroad. Guidance takes place at our office, by telephone, or via secure video calling, with personal coordination at every stage.
Specialized law firm for family and inheritance law
Simmelink Lawyers is a specialized firm that guides clients through complex family and inheritance law issues, both nationally and internationally. We combine in-depth legal expertise with a clear structure and strategic guidance.
International aspects play a role in many cases. Depending on the circumstances, we carefully assess which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. In doing so, we work within the framework of Dutch law and relevant international regulations.
Our clients work with one dedicated lawyer who oversees the content of the file and monitors the process. This creates peace of mind, oversight, and clarity regarding the next steps.
Our practice areas
International aspects play a central role in many files. We distinguish ourselves through our experience with cross-border family and inheritance law issues, where Dutch law is combined with international regulations and treaties.
Family Law
We assist clients with divorce, custody and visitation, alimony, and the division of assets or pensions. Our lawyers bring structure to situations where personal and legal interests converge.
International Family Law
International family law forms an important part of our practice. We assist expats, international families, and Dutch nationals abroad with international divorces, custody and visitation issues, and alimony cases, among other matters.
Depending on the circumstances, we carefully assess which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. We regularly work with European regulations and international treaties within the framework of Dutch law.
Inheritance Law
We assist heirs with estates, beneficial acceptance, executorship, and conflicts between heirs. This also includes international estates where Dutch law is applicable.
Change First Name in The Netherlands
We handle petition procedures for changing a first name, for both adults and minors. In many cases, there is a compelling interest, such as identity, religion, or safety.
Want to know more? View our approach or schedule an appointment.
Clear working method with one dedicated lawyer
Every collaboration begins with an introductory meeting in which your situation and questions are discussed. You will gain insight into possible routes and next steps, tailored to your context and goals.
We work with clear procedural steps, transparent communication, and fixed contact moments. This ensures you know what to expect at every stage of the process.
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 in which our working method, rates, and planning are established, so you know what to expect.
Intake interview
The first meeting is introductory and without obligation. Together, we discuss your situation, assess whether legal guidance is appropriate, and outline possible next steps.
Consultation
When direction is needed, we offer strategic legal advice. We analyze your position, identify scenarios, and translate them into concrete choices. Clear, meticulous, and practically applicable.
Read more about our working method where we provide advice.
Mediation
In some situations, it is desirable to reach agreements together. We facilitate mediation processes with legal clarity and strategic composure, aimed at sustainable agreements.
Second Opinion
Do you have doubts about previous advice or do you want certainty about the chosen course? We assess your file independently and provide an objective analysis of the legal and strategic principles.
Read more about a second opinion.
Legal Guidance
One dedicated lawyer manages your file from start to finish. We monitor progress, communication, and legal accuracy, so you maintain oversight, even in complex trajectories.
Read more about a divorce lawyer for family law or inheritance lawyer.
Expat Service & Estate Planning
For international families and professionals with assets in multiple countries, we offer targeted guidance on expat issues and estate planning. We combine Dutch law with foreign regulations and ensure that agreements are legally sound across multiple jurisdictions.
Correspondence and procedures can take place in Dutch or English, depending on your preference.
Preventive Legal Advice
Prevention is better than litigation. We identify legal risks early and ensure clear, enforceable, and future-proof agreements.
Read more about preventative advice.
Aftercare
Even after completion, your situation remains in motion. We monitor compliance, update agreements, and offer aftercare, even if your case was previously handled by another firm.
Read more about aftercare after a divorce.
Do you already have an attorney or mediator? We can still think along with you in the background. Tactically, discreetly, and aimed at strengthening.
Experienced lawyers with national and international practice
The team at Simmelink Lawyers specializes in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. The lawyers assist clients in consultation processes, mediation, and proceedings before the district court and the court of appeal.
In practice, we regularly handle cases with international elements, financial complexity, or long-term family relationships. Meticulousness and legal clarity are central to this.

Carla Simmelink – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law

Valerie Lingg – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law

Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law
“Our lawyers are approachable, responsive and constantly keep you informed about the progress of your case.”
Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer
Our Core Values
Clarity
We make complex legal situations understandable. You receive oversight, clear explanations, and transparent communication at every stage of the process.
Strategy
We think ahead and work with scenarios. Every piece of advice is carefully constructed and aimed at sustainable, legally sound solutions.
Discretion
We handle your case with care and confidence. Discretion and privacy are central to our working method and communication.
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 clarity to an emotionally charged estate and meticulously handled the legal aspects.
As an entrepreneur with assets in multiple countries, I sought a law firm that truly understands international divorces. In-depth international knowledge, quick action, and thinking three steps ahead – exactly what was needed. Exactly what you need when serious interests are at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, an initial meeting provides insight into your legal position, possible routes, and next steps.
Yes. We regularly assist expats and Dutch nationals abroad. Jurisdiction and applicable law depend on the circumstances of the case.
In mediation, parties work together on agreements. In legal guidance, a lawyer represents your interests. Which route is appropriate depends on the situation.
A second opinion can help when you have doubts about previous advice or need an independent assessment of your position.
Yes. We assist expats residing in the Netherlands and Dutch nationals abroad with family and inheritance law issues.
This is general information, not individual legal advice.
Always Direct Contact with Someone who Knows What is Going On
At Simmelink Attorneys, you will be assisted by a legal assistant who is familiar with our clients and cases, ensuring you receive the right support immediately.
Even during busy periods or consultation moments, your call will be handled personally and carefully, ensuring your message reaches the right place immediately.
This way, you know from the first moment what to expect.
At Simmelink Lawyers, you receive direct personal contact. Guidance takes place at the office, by telephone, or via secure video calling. Even if you do not live in the region, we ensure clear coordination and dedicated support.

Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the
Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA)



