Sophie deals with all areas of (international) family law. She has a particular interest in adoption cases, international parentage issues and surrogacy counselling.

The versatility of family law

Family law is very multifaceted. There are often several areas of law involved in a divorce. In addition, family law issues touch a person’s immediate private life; both with regard to emotional and financial aspects. This combination piques Sophie’s interest. Sophie will always strive to reach a solution that is supported by both parties, also in the future.

The aim is to prevent parties from standing in court again after a year, directly opposite each other.

Yet this is not possible in all cases, requiring decisive argument in proceedings. This is what Sophie likes to work towards.

Working with a client

To properly assist clients in a family law dispute, the working relationship is very important. According to Sophie, a fine cooperation is present when there is mutual trust and the client feels free to be open. Expectation management is also important. This ensures that there is no noise about the strategy in a case.

It strikes me that people are mostly unaware of the legal consequences of marriage, let alone divorce.

This can lead to unpleasant surprises when you inform clients about it.

Training and ancillary activities

Sophie Zeilstra studied law at the University of Utrecht. Even during her studies, her particular focus was on family law. Not surprisingly, she completed her studies with a study on the maintenance obligation of the stepparent within composite families.

Before joining LINK Advocaten, she gained family law practice experience at a specialised law firm and at the Rechtswinkel Utrecht legal advice centre within the persons and family law section. She experienced in practice with how family law touches the core of people’s lives. Sophie lives in Utrecht and is married.

Besides her work, she likes to travel and cook and maintains the blog De Juridische Keuken. Sophie is also active in the Jonge Balie Nederland, the national association for young lawyers.

Do you want to get in touch with Sophie Zeilstra? Then send an email to szeilstra@linkadvocaten.nl or call +31 20 2610 002.