Currently accepting clients for...

• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting
• Other Speciality

Babette Smeets is a probate researcher and a lawyer.

Education:

LL.M. University of Chile (International Law – Trade, Investments and Arbitration), Santiago de Chile

LL.M. Ruprecht Karls-Universität in Heidelberg, Germany

LL.B. University of Leiden, The Netherlands (Private Law, Family Law and Inheritance Law)
 

Babette Smeets has been recognized as a leading lawyer in international succession and family law. 

Babette Smeets’ legal experience is not limited to family and succession law; she has a deep understanding of the wider issues associated with family matters. Through broad experience and strong analytical skills, she offers advice and services based on each client’s particular circumstances - efficiently and effectively, with absolute discretion.

Ms. Smeets has won several awards, such as the Legal Elite Award 2022, and Leaders in Law, Global Award Winner 2024/2025'. Leaders in Law has recognized her as the Lawyer of the Year 2024 in the field of family and succession law.

Babette Smeets has also assisted heirs with the recovery of unclaimed property in the United States, New York, Delaware, California, New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida.

Further, she has worked on cases involving looted (nazi) art and the recovery of stolen property, as well as cases of disputed wills, intestate succession, and complex family disputes.

Working in a global team provides her the legal ability to handle international claims and get results in even the most complex circumstances.

Babette Smeets, a founding partner of SMEETS HEIR RESEARCH, can assist with genealogical and probate research (which deals with finding heirs and proving their right to an inheritance) in multiple countries, such as Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, the Netherlands, Israel, Austria, Germany, and the United States. 

Ms. Smeets regularly assists estate attorneys, research firms, and professional genealogists. Her services include locating individuals, recovering dormant assets, and proving kinship in estate proceedings.

Babette Smeets has also been recognized in Court as an expert in (international) succession law, genealogical research and has provided expert testimony in kinship hearings.

Geographic Specialities
Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, the Netherlands, Israel, Austria, Germany, and the United States. 

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Languages
English, Spanish, Dutch

Degrees

LL.M. University of Chile (International Law – Trade, Investments and Arbitration) in Santiago, Chile

LL.M. Ruprecht Karls-Universität in Heidelberg, Germany

LL.B. University of Leiden, The Netherlands