Family law
The expat life can be hard on your family
Whether you’re worrying about parents living overseas, adjusting to life in a country your partner chose, or facing the breakdown of a close relationship, family matters are too important to ignore.
To start, you need to understand what your rights are under Dutch law, and how it applies to you as an expat.
We can help you find answers about divorce, pre-nuptials, mediation, inheritance, estate planning and laws concerning children in The Netherlands.
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Downloads
White paper about divorce in the Netherlands
This white paper is for expats living in the Netherlands who are considering getting divorced. It provides clear explanations of key points that could help make your international divorce a little easier, as well as information about family law and useful tips.
FAQ’s
If you were disinherited, you may still be entitled to a statutory portion of the inheritance, known as the “legitime portie” in the Netherlands. This is a fixed share of the estate that children can claim, even if they were excluded from the will. The claim must be made within 5 years of the death of the deceased.
As an heir in the Netherlands, you can choose to accept the inheritance fully, accept it under the benefit of inventory (to avoid personal liability for debts), or reject it entirely. You must make this decision within three months of the inheritance becoming available.
Yes, you can get divorced in the Netherlands even if you live abroad. Dutch courts have jurisdiction if you or your spouse are Dutch citizens, live in the Netherlands, or have a strong connection to the country. A Dutch lawyer will handle the process, and in most cases, you won’t need to be physically present. Make sure your marriage is properly registered and provide any necessary documents, such as a legalized marriage certificate.
To get divorced in the Netherlands, you need a Dutch lawyer to file a petition with the court. The court will review your case and issue a divorce decree, which must then be registered with the municipality where your marriage was recorded to finalize the divorce.
