Martine de Menthon Bake is a personal and family lawyer. She assists clients at a major turning point in their lives, when legal, financial and personal interests often converge. Martine has practised as a lawyer since 1994 and as a mediator since 2010. Her extensive experience helps clients gain an overview, make informed choices and regain control, particularly when circumstances are complex and emotionally demanding.

Personal and family law

Martine specialises in personal and family law. She advises and litigates on a wide range of family matters, including divorce and the end of non-marital relationships, maintenance, parental responsibility issues and disputes, and care and contact arrangements. She also guides clients carefully and systematically through financial settlements, including the division of jointly held assets, settlement of prenuptial agreements and formal or informal cohabitation relationships, and pension issues.

Finding lasting solutions is central to her work. Wherever possible, Martine seeks discussion and an agreed settlement, as this often offers greater calm and clarity in both the short and longer term. If discussion is impossible or unsuccessful, she litigates with purpose and attention to what truly matters.

Mediation

Alongside her work as a lawyer, Martine acts as a mediator. She helps parties reach agreements they can both support. Mediation requires a willingness to keep talking, but often provides considerable clarity and control.

Martine creates a safe, structured setting, oversees the process and ensures that the legal and practical consequences of choices are clear.

How he works

Martine's approach is calm, personal and realistic. She listens carefully and helps clients understand their circumstances. What are their concerns? What is achievable? Which choices suit the situation now and in the future? Clients value her commitment, clarity and clear communication. Martine explains complex legal issues in accessible language and is open about the process and costs. This helps clients know where they stand and feel supported during a period of uncertainty.

Experience and background

In addition to her family law specialism, Martine has experience in employment law, contract law and insolvency law. This broad background enables her to place issues in context, identify connections and consider family matters within a wider legal and financial framework.

Martine has been a member of the Dutch Association of Family and Inheritance Lawyers and Divorce Mediators (vFAS) since 2011, where she completed specialist training. She has also been an editor at the Family Law Knowledge Base since 2010 and now edits its international family law section. She also served as a deputy appeal court judge at the 's-Hertogenbosch Court of Appeal, deepening her understanding of judicial decision-making.

Martine guides clients with care, expertise and structure, enabling them to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Registered practice areas

• Personal and family law
• Divorce, maintenance matters and contact arrangements
• Private international law
• Child protection law

• Mediation

• Parenthood and legal recognition

This registration requires her to meet the Dutch Bar Association's continuing education requirements every calendar year.