International family law and inheritance law

We are the specialist in international family and inheritance law. With years of experience, we represent the interests of expats in the Netherlands and Dutch clients dealing with international family or inheritance law matters. We also advise foreign lawyers on Dutch family and procedural law.

In international litigation, we advise and litigate on the applicable law, the competent court and the recognition and/or enforcement of foreign judgments. Thanks to our extensive network of specialised family law firms worldwide, we can quickly obtain information on foreign law. As a result, we effectively assist our clients in cases where foreign law applies.

Our lawyers communicate fluently in Dutch, English, French and/or German, both orally and in writing. We offer personal counselling and mediation in English and French. If required, talks and mediation sessions can also take place online via a secure video link.

Our expertise in international family and inheritance law

We assist our clients in disputes concerning, inter alia:

international divorces
cross-border maintenance cases
international custody and access arrangements
moving abroad with children
international child abduction
international adoption and surrogacy
international inheritances

Some of the topics

Forum choice

Forum choice plays an important role in international divorces. Couples with ties to several countries can often choose which country they want to divorce in. This choice has important implications for issues such as proceedings, costs and recognition of the judgment. Within the EU, it is crucial to initiate proceedings first in the chosen country, while outside the EU several proceedings can often run in parallel. We will be happy to advise you on the most favourable choice of forum for you, taking into account your specific situation and factors such as nationality, domicile and business interests.

International relocation

An international move with children after a divorce almost always requires the consent of both parents. If the other parent does not give permission, substitute permission from the court is required. With the increase in international relationships, we increasingly see cases where a parent wants to move abroad with children. We have extensive experience in these complex procedures and offer tailor-made solutions for your specific situation.

Spouses left behind

In cases of forced abandonment abroad, swift action is crucial. This situation often occurs with non-Dutch citizens who are left abroad without travel documents while their child stays with the other parent in the Netherlands. We immediately help initiate legal proceedings to obtain travel documents and can apply for a temporary custody order to protect the child's interests. Our expertise enables us to assist you effectively in these complex situations.