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Second Opinion – a Fresh, Independent Perspective on your Case

Careful re-evaluation of legal advice or ongoing proceedings – for clarity, strategy, and certainty.
Contact us for a second opinion
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In brief

Second Opinion

Do you doubt the advice you previously received, or do you want to know if your case can be handled differently?
A second opinion at Simmelink Lawyers offers you an independent, expert assessment – careful, discreet, and entirely in your best interest.

Our lawyers specialize in international family law, family law, and inheritance law, and have extensive experience with complex and international cases.
We objectively assess your situation and strategize with you, even behind the scenes if your case is already ongoing elsewhere or you are in mediation.

Why a Second Opinion?

A second opinion is valuable when you:

  • desire certainty about previous legal advice;
  • feel that there are other options than those you were told;
  • wish to have your strategy reviewed by a second pair of eyes;
  • require behind-the-scenes guidance during an ongoing mediation process or with another lawyer;
  • wish to prevent decisions from being difficult to rectify later.

A second opinion provides peace of mind, direction, and control — without immediately having to change lawyers.

How Does our Second Opinion Work?

Our approach is clear, independent, and strategic:

  1. Assessment
    You share the relevant documents and briefly explain your situation.
  2. Analysis by a specialized lawyer
    We assess your case legally and tactically: is the strategy appropriate, complete, and future-proof?
  3. Discussion and Advice
    You receive an honest assessment and, if desired, concrete recommendations or next steps.

You decide whether we strategize behind the scenes or openly act on your behalf. In both cases, your file remains strictly confidential.

What are the Benefits?

A second opinion from Simmelink Lawyers offers:

  • Certainty regarding the accuracy of previous advice;
  • Strategic insight into alternatives or improvements;
  • Peace of mind and control in a complex or ongoing case;
  • Discretion and trust – we work completely discreetly if you wish;
  • Transparency regarding costs and steps, agreed upon in advance.

“I doubted whether the advice I received was complete.
After Simmelink’s second opinion, I knew exactly where I stood — without anxiety or worry.”

– Client (divorce case 2025)

Second Opinion for International Matters

In international divorces or inheritances, the differences between countries can be significant.
Our international family law lawyers assess whether the correct law has been applied, whether the Dutch court has jurisdiction, and how foreign judgments can be recognized.

We also advise clients living abroad or expats who wish to reopen a case in the Netherlands.
A second opinion is possible via video calling, always with the same discretion and quality.

Difference from a Consultation

A consultation focuses on a new question or initial assessment.
A second opinion assesses an existing file, an ongoing process, or previous advice.

Both offer clarity, but the second opinion is intended for those seeking certainty about the chosen course — or needing strategic support behind the scenes.
➡ Read more about our legal advice.

Trust and Professional Ethics

As lawyers, we are bound by confidentiality and independence.
This means that everything you share with us remains confidential — even if your current lawyer or mediator does not need to know about it.

We maintain transparent agreements regarding time commitment and costs, so you know what to expect in advance.

For which Matters?

A second opinion is possible for, including but not limited to:

  • (international) divorces and alimony disputes;
  • disputes concerning parental authority, visitation, or co-parenting;
  • distribution of estates and conflicts with executors;
  • recognition of foreign judgments;
  • review of legal documents or settlement proposals.

Whether you seek certainty about advice, wish to assess a mediator, or are looking for a strategic reorientation: we provide confidential strategic input.

Our Attorneys at Law

At Simmelink Lawyers, you work with lawyers who specialize in family law, international family law and inheritance law. We work intensively together on solutions that are legally sound and personally appropriate to your situation.

Carla Simmelink

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

Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law

Valerie Lingg

Valerie Lingg – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law

Family Law Attorney, International Family Law

Sanny Jurkovich – Family Law Attorney

Lawyer at Law – Family Law Attorney

Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.

Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer

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