Your partner in family & inheritance law

What does family & inheritance law entail?

Family & Inheritance Law covers all aspects of life; from birth (parentage law, children, cohabitation, marriages and divorces, and associated marital or relationship property law) to death (inheritances). Additionally, Estate Planning is an important component of our practice.

What is our experience in family & inheritance law?

• Who is the legal parent of a child?
• Issues surrounding recognition, judicial determination of paternity;
• Counselling around adoption, surrogacy, same-sex couples, rainbow families.

• Name law, parental authority, care arrangements, custody disputes, parenting plans, relocation issues after a divorce; to ensure the best care for your children, it is important to establish several legal issues;
• Juvenile law, supervision, out-of-home placement, parental release.

• Do you opt for a prenuptial agreement or not? Or would a cohabitation contract be more suitable? What are the differences between the two?
• Sometimes, your situation changes, necessitating adjustments to your prenuptial agreement or cohabitation contract.

• We assist in the settlement of your divorce in the capacity of lawyer, vFAS mediator, or consultative divorce lawyer (VCCP) in all divorce-related matters (settlement of prenuptial agreements/division of the matrimonial community of property, the tax aspects involved, child and spousal maintenance, arranging matters concerning the children and documenting them in a parenting plan, and pension equalisation).

• If you are concerned whether your partner or one of your parents is still sufficiently competent to manage their financial and other interests, or if you are worried about financial abuse of the elderly;
• If a request has been made against you for the institution of guardianship, mentorship, or receivership, and you disagree;
• If you or a family member is facing mandatory care due to mental illness (Mandatory Mental Health Care Act).

• We advise on which court has international jurisdiction to hear a family law or inheritance dispute;
• Which law applies to the dispute;
• Whether and to what extent foreign judgments can be recognised and enforced in the Netherlands.

• What is your position in an estate? What rights and obligations are involved?
• You have been appointed heir. What choice (pure acceptance, beneficiary acceptance, or rejection) is appropriate? What rights and obligations come with it?
• There is a will, and you have been disinherited as a (grand)child. What rights do you still have?
• You cannot agree with the other heirs on the distribution of the estate;
• You are an executor, will administrator, or liquidator and require legal assistance in carrying out your duties. Alternatively, an executor, testamentary administrator, or liquidator has been appointed, and you are dissatisfied with their performance;
• You have a claim against the deceased that has not yet been settled. What options do you have to recover the claim?

• It is important to consider the (most fiscally advantageous) design of your estate, who should receive what, in what way, and under what conditions, and who should not;
• If you are married or in a registered partnership, it is important to consider whether the marital regime needs adjustment (making or changing the prenuptial agreement/partnership agreement);
• If you are cohabiting informally, it is important to consider whether it makes sense to enter into a cohabitation agreement or seek advice on whether the existing agreement needs adjustment;
• You are considering making a power of attorney or living will in case you become unable to manage your financial and other affairs in the future.

When should you hire a family & inheritance lawyer?

It may be necessary to hire a family & inheritance lawyer in various situations:

• You are getting married and wish to be advised in advance on related legal aspects such as choice of law, marital property regime, and whether to have a prenuptial agreement;
• In the case of a divorce: we guide you through the proceedings or act as a mediator or divorce lawyer and assist in making future-proof agreements on the consequences of the divorce;
• If you would like a legal opinion on a specific family law or inheritance law issue;
• If you would like background advice (in mediation/proceedings), either as a second opinion or not;
• If you are involved in an estate in any capacity;
• In Estate Planning: drafting or amending prenuptial agreements, partnership agreements, cohabitation agreements, wills, powers of attorney, or living wills;
• For complex family law issues requiring expert legal guidance;
• If you are experiencing conflict within your family and require legal assistance.

What is our approach?

As a specialised law firm in family & inheritance law, we offer a personalised and tailored approach.

• We discuss with you over the phone how we can assist you (as a lawyer (advice/proceedings), mediator, or collaborative divorce lawyer) and under what conditions;
• We will discuss your situation, your wishes, expectations, and the associated cost aspect, and draw up a strategy that suits your case and preferences;
• We advise you on your legal position, litigation opportunities and risks, assist you in negotiations, and represent your interests in court if necessary;
• You can expect maximum commitment and involvement from us in your case.

Why choose our family & inheritance law attorneys?

• We have years of experience and expertise in the field of family & inheritance law.
• Our lawyers are experts in their respective areas of law. They hold ancillary positions relevant to their field (participation in advisory committees, deputy counsel) and regularly teach and publish.
• Our lawyers are committed, accessible, and strive to find the best solution for your situation.
• We practise nationwide. With offices in 's-Hertogenbosch and Amsterdam, we are easily accessible, and appointments can be flexibly scheduled across the country.

With us, you are assured of professional support in the field of family & inheritance law. Please contact our lawyers for more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation.