In consultation with my client, I always seek victory in the sense of achieving the very best possible result. I played top-level basketball for many years, and I know that you can’t reach the top on your own. The same goes for my work as a family-law lawyer; I am always in this together with my client. Everything depends on mutual trust.
I am a no-nonsense, analytical and direct person, so ‘what you see is what you get’. My mission is to help people, and I will go through fire for my clients. I am energised by complex legal issues, particularly by the personal and emotional aspects they entail. When I was younger, I wanted to be either a lawyer or a psychologist – and now I am both.
Commitment is a priority, and bonds are formed quickly in this line of work. I first try to find the ‘pain point’ – the underlying problem – and the interests involved. Establishing these matters early on can make an enormous difference. I clearly inform my clients of what they can expect and the chosen strategy, although I am always open to alternatives.
I prefer to solve cases in mutual consultation with the other party if possible. This may involve rapidly changing tack and playing smart. I don’t shy away from going to court if it is not possible to reach an amicable settlement.
When I am not working I enjoy travelling, plus sport is still both one of my passions and a great way to release tension. Now that I have children I only play sports recreationally, but I’m no less enthusiastic! I am driven in everything I do, but I’m also a team player and I enjoy being surrounded by people.
Memberships
- Association of Family Lawyers and Divorce Mediators (vFAS)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) – Leiden University
- Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) – Leiden University
Additional languages
- Dutch
- English
Register Of Fields Of Law
I am registered in the register of areas of legal practice of the Netherlands Bar for the following principal legal areas:
- Inheritance law
- Law of persons and family law
This registration obliges me to obtain ten training points for each registered principal legal practice area in accordance with the standards of the Netherlands Bar.
what our clients say about birgitte
Extremely knowledgeable, committed and invaluable
During the extremely difficult administration of an estate, I was assisted by Birgitte Schelvis-Neuteboom. I found her extremely knowledgeable in gathering and summarising the relevant information. My interests were properly and robustly protected. She is pleasant to deal with and responds quickly; you are kept well informed about the progress of the matter and the various options available to you in what is already an emotionally demanding process. I found her professional approach and support invaluable, and she showed genuine commitment.
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Knowledgeable and decisive, with an eye for the emotions involved
Birgitte Schelvis assisted me extremely well in an inheritance matter. She was knowledgeable and businesslike, while certainly also attentive to the emotions the matter stirred up for me. Allowing room for my own input, and responding quickly, with commitment and efficiency, Birgitte was able to secure an agreement for me in which my rights were properly recorded.
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It is always challenging to be involved as an outsider in a situation where many facts are crucial to resolving a difficult and long-standing case as quickly as possible. However, Birgitte seems to have no trouble with that at all. She is able to structure both the factual/business aspects and the emotional components effectively, allowing her to get started quickly and take control of the process. That is very reassuring and instills confidence. Thank you for the great collaboration, Birgitte!
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We would recommend RWV Advocaten to anyone seeking advice and support on inheritance law, as well as on other matters. As executors, we became involved in a complex matter and therefore sought advice and support from RWV Advocaten. We were assisted by lawyer Birgitte Schelvis-Neuteboom. She is a highly driven lawyer who showed great commitment and had an excellent feel for everything involved in this difficult matter. She gave us confidence and handled everything to our satisfaction. We are very grateful for her assistance and would wholeheartedly recommend her.
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BIRGITTE IS A MEMBER OF:
