Family Affairs
Mediation - Going to Court - Coaching
Corona measures
Family Affairs are standing by even during the corona crisis, though some of us work from home where you can reach us by email and phone. The set-up of our digital infrastructure is complete and safe. That is why our services can continue as usual. The same applies to our mediation services. Physical appointments are preferably exchanged for telephone calls, conference calls, or video calling. Our offices in Rotterdam are open, so that documents can be dropped there.
About Family Affairs
Who are we
Family Affairs are a family-law firm with offices in the centre of Rotterdam. Family Affairs consist of a team of three lawyers and a secretary.
Family Affairs are a family-law firm with offices in the centre of Rotterdam. Family Affairs consist of a team of three lawyers and a secretary.
Our approach
Family Affairs go for a solution-directed approach. Paying attention to emotions is part of the deal, for a separation or divorce is much more than only a business and legal affair.
Family Affairs go for a solution-directed approach. Paying attention to emotions is part of the deal, for a separation or divorce is much more than only a business and legal affair.
Teamwork
The combination of our different backgrounds and personalities makes us a truly excellent team.
The combination of our different backgrounds and personalities makes us a truly excellent team.
Grip on your divorce
We offer, together with the coaching institute Insight in Rotterdam, a complete package for assistance in the event of a separation or divorce, which is called Grip on Your Divorce.
We offer, together with the coaching institute Insight in Rotterdam, a complete package for assistance in the event of a separation or divorce, which is called Grip on Your Divorce.
Family Affairs
“hier en nu
op dit punt
sta jijstil bij wat was
stil bij wat komtop dit punt
sta jij
staan wij
je bijmet kennis
met kunde
met zorg
met elkaarmet hoofd
met hart
met woord
met daadop dit punt
sta jij
staan wij
je bijnaar morgen
Merel MorreDichter en tekstschrijver
naar verder
naar nieuw
naar door”
What we do
We have an all-round know-how and are able to assess on the basis of our experience what is the best way to handle a case. Family Affairs offer the following approaches:
Our people
My name is Ellen Keijzerwaard. I am glad to say that I have worked as a lawyer in Rotterdam since 1994 after a career in journalism and the Crown Prosecution Service.
I specialised in the law of persons and family law early in my career. I work as a lawyer and mediator and as a deputy judge at the District Court for East Brabant. Consequently, I can properly advise my clients and assist them in finding a workable solution for all concerned, preferably out of court. The children’s interests come first and foremost in my opinion. When we go to court, I work for one client only, but I work as a mediator for both parties and as a consulting lawyer in a team of various experts.
In the event of a collaborative divorce, I work in a team of experts. Each party has his or her own lawyer. The lawyer does represent his or her own client but is also alive to the interests of the children and the other parent.
My large experience as a lawyer has taught me that a divorce can only end well if all parties respect each other and are prepared to settle the matter jointly, regardless of the amount of trouble and grief.
Mediation and a collaborative divorce are always quicker, less expensive and longer-lasting than an ugly divorce, which has only victims and that is why I will do all I can to avoid such a divorce.
Please contact me, if you wish to go your own ways in a respectful and long-lasting manner or if you wish to change the maintenance or contact arrangements. We can jointly explore the options in a cost-free initial meeting of 30 minutes.
I have worked for well-known law firms, for instance Wybenga¦Advodaten and Smeets Gijbels B.V. in Rotterdam. I have gained much experience in assisting in the complex divorce cases of mainly (partners of) entrepreneurs and expats.
I find it important to invest in a sound collaboration with my clients, so that we can set out the strategy together and come to optimal results.
I am interested in complex (legal) issues. My motive is to come to practical and long-term solutions in an as efficient as possible manner.
Before reading law, I got a degree in music – flute – at the Rotterdam Academy of Music. The inspiration, strict discipline and creativity I learned there are very useful in my present work.
I am a member and a board member of the Family Law and Inheritance Law Lawyers’ and Divorce Mediators’ Association. In addition I am a member of Rotary Rotterdam North, Young Management Rotterdam, and Business Club V, a network club associated with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
I have been a lawyer since 1989 and a mediator since 1995 and am registered at MfN. I also have know-how and experience as a coach. I have assisted many clients towards a solution for their legal or other problems. I always search with my clients for the best results with respect and attention for the persons and interests involved, even if these interests are business-related, for instance if my clients have their own firm. Whenever possible in consultation, if necessary with the help of external experts or in court.
My interests and focus have shifted in the course of time towards people with problems in the field of family law. I stand at my clients’ side, hear their wishes, help them set off towards a new future. I use my know-how and experience with patience, a realistic view, and honesty as a basis. I prefer a practical and creative approach. My clients can expect a coaching assistance to help them look ahead again.
I find the children’s interests of the utmost importance in their parents’ divorce process and like to give them a voice in the matter. I help my clients in their transformation of ex-partners into co-parents who act in the children’s interests.
A divorce is a grieving process with all its accompanying emotions. It is important to pass through the divorce process carefully. It is sometimes necessary to take or give time and room so as to wind up the relationship as respectfully as possible. I can offer my clients a context in that aspect.
It is advisable to first make an appointment for an initial meeting free of costs and obligations, so that all persons concerned can see and experience whether a sound collaboration is possible.
If you wish to see whether I can be of assistance, please call me for a first initial meeting.
I am out of office on Wednesdays.
Bente van Baaren has worked for Family Affairs since 1999. She is the pivot of our law firm as well as the first contact of our clients. She brings the clients directly into contact or makes a first appointment for a meeting with one of us.
Our clients find the contacts with Bente pleasant and respectful. Every time the assessments show that Bente plays an important role in our work and in the contacts with our clients.
Family Affairs are a Family-Law Firm with offices in the centre of Rotterdam.
