Legal Advice that Provides Peace and Direction

When is Advice Useful?

A consultation is suitable if you:

• want to know your legal position;
• are considering a decision (for example, a divorce, adjusting alimony, or distributing an inheritance);
• want to assess the consequences or risks of a step;
• need an independent, expert perspective;
• or simply want peace of mind in an uncertain situation.

You do not need to start a procedure or hire a lawyer – many clients come to us to explore the possibilities and to avoid common mistakes.

Short-term and Exploratory Advice

Not every piece of advice needs to become a process.
Sometimes you just want to consult with an experienced lawyer:

• to better understand what is happening;
• to think about the next step;
• or to assess the impact of a decision.

Our lawyers also offer standalone and short-term advice – a single consultation that provides insight without further obligations.
You benefit from our practical experience: we know what often goes wrong, which choices are wise, and what you should be alert to.

An exploratory consultation helps you think further with peace and overview before deciding how to proceed.

How Does an Advisory Process Work?

Our approach is clear and straightforward:

1. Preliminary consultation
   Our secretariat schedules you with the lawyer who fits your situation and question.
2. Consultation
   During the consultation, the lawyer discusses your situation, the relevant documents, and possible scenarios.
3. Strategic follow-up
   You receive, if desired, a summary or follow-up step – for example, drafting an agreement or negotiating with the other party.

You decide whether to have just one consultation or to seek further guidance.

Advice on Ongoing Matters or Mediation

Sometimes you want a third party or expert to think along behind the scenes while another lawyer or mediator handles the case.
That is possible.
We offer discreet advice on ongoing processes – for example, on argumentation, negotiation strategy, or reviewing documents or proposals.

This way, you can coordinate calmly without changing your current collaboration.

What Sets Us Apart

A consultation at Simmelink Lawyers means:

• Strategic and practical advice, based on years of experience in family law and inheritance law;
• Peace and overview in a complex or emotional situation;
• Discretion and independence – your consultation remains confidential;
• Transparency about costs – you know in advance what to expect;
• International expertise – also for expats and situations involving foreign law.

“After the consultation, I knew exactly what my options were.
I could decide the next step with peace and certainty.”
– Client (inheritance issue, 2025)

International Advice

Do you live abroad or does your situation have an international aspect?
Our international family law lawyers advise on:

• which law applies,
• which court has jurisdiction,
• how decisions are recognized abroad
• and the strategic implications for your position.

You can easily conduct the consultation via video call, no matter where you live in the world.

Difference with a Second Opinion

A consultation focuses on new or exploratory questions – you seek direction or want to know your situation.

A second opinion is a reassessment of existing advice or an ongoing case.
Both offer clarity, but one looks forward, the other reviews.

➡ Read more about our second opinion.

For which Matters?

We advise on, among other things:

• divorces, alimony, and parenting plans;
• custody and visitation arrangements;
• distribution of estates and conflicts between heirs;
• the role and responsibility of executors;
• international family law issues;
• strategic preparation for mediation or negotiation.