Skip to content

About us

LYS Advocaten provides specialised legal services in all fields of family and inheritance law. The meaning of the name ‘LYS’ (the French word for lily) reflects our core values; purity, empathy, and caring. This flower also symbolises transience, referring to the inevitable changes in our clients’ lives.

The lawyers at our firm are registered in the fields of law relating to family law and/or inheritance law in the Netherlands Bar Association’s register of legal practice areas. This registration requires lawyers to obtain ten training credits in each registered area of law every calendar year according to the standards of the Netherlands Bar Association.

“I specialise in personal and family law with a focus on private international law. Before studying Dutch law, I studied classical music at the Rotterdam Academy of Music on the flute. The enthusiasm, iron discipline, and creativity I developed then are assets in my current work.”

“As a lawyer and mediator, I dedicate my full attention to guiding clients through a difficult period in their lives. Whenever possible, I do so in consultation with the various stakeholders. And if there really is no other way, in court proceedings. I prefer to assist in finding long-term solutions, conduct consultations, and lay down the agreements made in proper records. In addition, I am happy to support clients, also in the necessary legal proceedings. I believe in tailor-made solutions, because no two people are alike. Listening carefully, empathy, and careful communication are important core values for me. This is how I am committed to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients.”

“I have enjoyed working as a lawyer-mediator for 30 years, having first worked in journalism and at the public prosecutor’s office. Quite soon, I specialised in the field of personal and family law. Besides working as a lawyer-mediator, I have been an active Deputy Judge for 17 years.”

Raya Jorna

Of Counsel

“For over thirty years, I worked as a family law attorney and divorce mediator — and for the last fifteen of those years, also as a collaborative divorce lawyer. The core of my practice centred on complex divorce cases and disputes involving spousal and child support.

As of 1 August 2026, I have stepped down from active practice, but I remain connected to LYS Advocaten in an advisory capacity. In that role, I put my knowledge and professional network to work for the firm: as a sounding board for colleagues on complex cases, as a mentor to junior lawyers, and as an external representative of LYS Advocaten.

I have always believed that divorce is one of the most significant and life-altering experiences a person can go through. Reaching a lasting resolution requires more than legal and financial guidance — it also calls for support on an emotional level. The right divorce attorney must have the knowledge and skills to address all of these dimensions.”

Vivienne van Eenennaam

Legal assistant

“After obtaining two Master’s degrees at Leiden University, one in Criminal Law and the other in Juvenile Law, I deliberately chose to pursue a career in family law because of the combination of legal complexity and its personal nature. I believe it is important to support and represent people with care and commitment, particularly in often difficult and life-changing situations.”

Bente van Baaren

Office manager

“I have been working for the lawyers at LYS Advocaten since 1999 and am the first person our clients will speak to. Are you contacting LYS Advocaten for the first time? I will pick up the phone.”