One team. Three specialisms. Endless international and cross-border possibilities

Expat Centre Maastricht Region speaks with Branko Reumkens, notary and specialist in international family law, inheritance law and estate planning at LexQuire, one of our valued Expert Partners. For more than 25 years, LexQuire has focused on helping people navigate legal matters that cross borders. It is a highly specialised area of law that combines regulations in the Netherlands with the laws of other countries, particularly across the European Union (EU).

I’m a notary specialising in international family law, inheritance law and estate planning,’ says Branko Reumkens. ‘Not many notaries focus on this area, and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting to me.

Alongside his work at LexQuire, he also teaches at Maastricht University, helping train the next generation of legal professionals in these increasingly important fields.

A different approach to international legal advice 

LexQuire stands out because it brings together notaries, lawyers and tax advisers under one roof. While each discipline remains independent, the close collaboration allows clients to receive comprehensive advice on complex international matters. ‘Clients rarely have problems that fit neatly into one box,’ Reumkens explains. ‘A property purchase may involve tax questions, family law and inheritance planning all at once. Since we work together across disciplines, people do not need to visit several different firms to get clear advice.’ This approach is particularly relevant in the Maastricht Region. With borders only minutes away and a burgeoning international population, legal questions frequently involve multiple countries. 

LexQuire has developed an international network of offices and specialists across Europe, allowing the firm to draw on local expertise when required. ‘If I need to understand how a Spanish inheritance issue works in practice, I can call our colleague in Spain and discuss the case immediately,’ says Branko Reumkens. ‘International problems are rarely solved by looking at Dutch law alone.’

Supporting the international community and cross-border workers 

As an expert partner of Expat Centre Maastricht Region and GrensInfoPunt, LexQuire regularly supports internationals through webinars, seminars and individual consultations. Branko Reumkens often meets people who have struggled to find answers elsewhere. ‘Sometimes people come to us after carrying uncertainty for years,’ he says. ‘One client had been trying to get clarity on a legal issue for three years before we spoke. After one conversation, she finally understood what the next step should be. That is the kind of practical help we try to provide.’ Popular seminars cover topics such as Buying a House in the Netherlands, international marriage and partnership arrangements, inheritance planning and cross-border estate issues. These are subjects that many internationals do not realise can have long-term legal consequences.

The questions people often overlook 

When relocating, most people focus on practical matters such as housing, employment and taxation. However, Reumkens believes that some of the most important legal issues are often overlooked. 

People usually prepare for the obvious things: tax, rent and mortgages. But the questions that surprise people most are often the personal ones – marriage, inheritance, protecting a partner or children. Those are the moments when international law suddenly becomes very real.

One common misunderstanding is that people assume the laws of their home country will automatically continue to apply after they move abroad. In reality, the situation can be much more complicated. ‘If a German and a French partner move to Maastricht and marry here, Dutch law may apply to their marital property regime, even if neither of them is Dutch,’ Reumkens explains. ‘Many couples are not aware of that until much later.’ The same can be true for inheritance law. Different countries have different rules regarding spouses, children and property ownership. Without proper planning, families can face unexpected legal disputes when a loved one passes away.

Advice for newcomers and cross-border workers 

For internationals considering a move to the Maastricht Region and employees contemplating working cross-border, Branko Reumkens advice is straightforward: seek guidance before making major decisions. Whether you are purchasing a property, getting married, receiving financial support from family outside the Netherlands or setting up a business, understanding the legal implications early can prevent problems later. LexQuire offers consultations in English, German, French and Dutch, making legal support accessible, regardless of your current location or situation. ‘You do not need to arrive with all the answers,’ Reumkens says. ‘Often the first meeting is simply about understanding the situation and identifying the real issues. Once people know what matters legally, the next decisions become much clearer.’ For internationals building a life in the Maastricht Region and cross-border workers broadening their career horizons, having access to specialists who understand both the law in the Netherlands and the realities of international living can provide valuable peace of mind. As his experience shows, the legal questions that matter most are often the ones people never expected to ask. In a region where borders are part of everyday life, having the right expertise close at hand can make all the difference.