In brief
Family Law
- We specialize in family law, both nationally and internationally.
- We assist individuals, entrepreneurs, expats, and Dutch nationals abroad.
- Our approach is personal, meticulous, and focused on sustainable solutions.
You can contact us for divorce, alimony, parenting plans, asset division, pension division, and international issues.
Guidance is available at our office in Maarssen or via secure video calls, in Dutch or English.
Read more:
Divorce or separation • Alimony • Children & custody • International family law
What Falls under Family Law?
Family law is the area of civil law that regulates personal and financial relationships within families. It not only governs these relationships but also pertains to individuals, descent, and the legal relationship between family members.
It includes marriage, registered partnership, divorce, parental authority, alimony, and inheritance issues.
The rules are laid down in Book 1 of the Civil Code and influenced by international provisions, including the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 8 ECHR – family life).
Family law is about more than laws and procedures. It concerns your life, your children, and your future.
Also read: Family law attorney
Marriage and Registered Partnership
A marriage or registered partnership establishes rights and obligations between partners and any children.
Since 2018, the limited community of property applies in the Netherlands: what was private before the marriage remains private.
For marriages before 2018, the general community of property applied, where almost everything was shared.
Since the introduction of the limited community of property, only the assets and debts acquired during the marriage or registered partnership belong to the joint community. Assets from before the marriage remain private unless otherwise agreed.
To avoid misunderstandings, it is wise to draw up prenuptial agreements or partnership agreements. Prenuptial agreements and the community of property determine how assets, including gifts, are divided upon dissolution of the marriage or registered partnership. Gifts may fall within the community of property under certain conditions unless an exclusion clause is included.
The commitment is recorded at the civil registry. This ensures the official registration of the marriage or partnership, formally establishing the rights and obligations between partners. Our attorneys advise you on the legal content, the consequences in case of divorce, and cooperation with the notary.
Clear agreements in advance ensure peace and clarity afterward.
Read more: Prenuptial agreements and asset division
Divorce and separation
A divorce is not only about ending a marriage but also about making clear agreements about children, assets, pensions, and the future. We guide you carefully through each step, with attention to both the legal and personal aspects.
A divorce involves more than just legal procedures; it includes the settlement of financial matters, making agreements about maintenance (alimony), and arranging other important matters that determine your future. Divorces often bring disputes and conflicts, for example, about custody, alimony, or asset division.
We understand that it is not just about documents, but about people, future plans, and trust.
Our family law attorneys guide you step by step in:
- filing the divorce petition and other requests with the court;
- making agreements about housing, assets, pensions, and alimony and maintenance;
- drafting a parenting plan for the children.
In divorces, disputes and conflicts often arise, but through mediation, clients can maintain control over the solution and come to balanced agreements together. This prevents lengthy procedures and keeps you in control of your own affairs.
We always first seek consultation and balanced agreements through mediation. Where possible, agreements are made in mutual consultation. This prevents unnecessary procedures and ensures that both parties retain influence over the outcome of the divorce. We only litigate if necessary — and with a clear plan.
You do not have to decide everything at once. We bring structure to the steps that follow.
Read more: Divorce • Mediation in divorce
Children, Custody, and Parenting Plan
After a divorce, calm and clarity for the children are essential.
The parenting plan sets out agreements about the division of care, upbringing, contact arrangements (parental contact), interaction between parents and children, and financial contributions.
In the Netherlands, parents generally have joint custody (joint parental responsibility). In 1998, joint custody of parents over their minor child was introduced as a starting point to promote joint parenting after divorce. Parents remain jointly responsible for the care and upbringing of their children unless the court decides otherwise.
In exceptions or international situations (such as relocation or custody conflict), we guide you carefully, with knowledge of international private law.
In cases where the interests of minors are at stake, the Public Prosecution Service may also play a role. The PPS oversees the protection of children and can advise the court on decisions regarding custody or supervision orders.
We safeguard the interests of your child — with respect for both parents.
Read more: Parental authority
Alimony and Financial Arrangements
A divorce requires financial clarity.
Our attorneys calculate and assess both child support and spousal support, based on capacity, need, and legal standards. Alimony is intended as a contribution to the maintenance of the ex-partner or child when they cannot provide for their own maintenance.
We use a transparent calculation method and can provide a legally substantiated alimony calculation for you.
We also offer a free online calculation tool as an initial indication.
Financial peace provides room to move forward.
Read more: Calculate alimony
Asset Division in Divorce
In a divorce, all joint assets and debts must be carefully divided. The rules vary depending on the marital regime — such as community of property, prenuptial agreements, or registered partnership — and can be extra complex in international situations or with a business. A clear strategy prevents misunderstandings about valuation, settlement, and reference date.
Read more about asset division in divorce
Pension in Divorce
In a divorce, not only assets are divided, but also the pension accrued during the marriage or registered partnership. The rules on equalization and conversion determine whether each party is entitled to half of the accrued pension, or whether both partners receive their own pension rights. Foreign pension funds and special partner pensions can also play a role.
Read more about pension in divorce
International Family Law
Do you have an international relationship, or does one of the partners live abroad?
Different legal systems and jurisdictions often apply.
We handle international divorces, alimony issues, custody cases, and international child abduction.
International family law requires specialist knowledge of different legal systems, treaties, and procedures. Our attorneys combine experience in Dutch law with expertise in international regulations such as the Hague Child Abduction Convention and the Brussels II-ter Regulation.
Our attorneys combine knowledge of international private law and treaties such as the Hague Child Abduction Convention, with experience in international mediation.
We work with clients in the Netherlands and abroad — from London to Singapore.
One trusted office, for family law in the Netherlands and abroad.
Read more: International family law
Mediation, Advice, and Second Opinion
Not every dispute requires a lawsuit.
Mediation is an effective way to resolve conflicts and disputes, where parties themselves control the process and outcome. Our mediators specialize in family law mediation and guide parties to joint solutions, with attention to emotions and the future.
In addition, we offer:
- Preliminary legal advice – for those who want clarity first without immediately starting a procedure.
- Second opinion – for those who already have guidance but seek certainty about the chosen strategy.
Sometimes a new perspective helps to find direction again.
Read more: Mediation • Second opinion • Preliminary advice
Frequently Asked Questions
A family law attorney assists you with personal and financial matters within family or relationship — such as divorce, custody, alimony, and assets.
Family law encompasses a wide range of topics and issues, including marriage, registered partnership, divorce, parenthood, alimony, assets, and inheritance.
It also includes court rulings on requests to the court, for example, for custody or contact.
Mediation is useful if both parties are willing to make agreements together. It is faster, more discreet, and often less burdensome than a procedure.
The costs depend on the complexity of your case. During an initial meeting, you will receive a transparent overview of the expected costs.
Then international private law often applies. We determine together which law applies and which court has jurisdiction.
About this Page
This page is prepared by Mr. C. Simmelink, attorney (international) family law and inheritance law at Simmelink Advocaten.
With over 20 years of experience in (international) family law, she/he guides clients in the Netherlands and abroad with calm, clarity, and strategy.
