Topics

Chances
Technology is changing our lives and offering many new opportunities. We recognize the impact of technology and the increasing digitalization of business processes on people, companies, and society. We embrace these changes. Well, not all of them: we try to manage our children's screen time. But as a company, we want to maximize the new opportunities offered by mobile, social, and big data. Because we believe this will allow us to serve our customers even better, more efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Customer's desire
Lawyers and civil-law notaries have historically been accustomed to delivering their services in the way they always have. They tend to focus primarily on their own perspective and much less on the client's needs. Clients need the knowledge of their legal advisor, not delivered in fragmented format, as the advisor has designed, but in the most structured way. This doesn't necessarily have to be through one-on-one interaction, but can also be one-to-many, for example, through blogs or social media. In this context, legal advisors are often reactive. Clients prefer not to solve a problem, but to prevent it ( legal risk management ). Clients demand more and smarter solutions for less. Less expensive services, better knowledge, and better service. And rightly so. We demand the same for the services we provide.

Adjustment by lawyers
For legal services, this means necessary adjustments. Routine work will have to be outsourced . Services will be delivered more online. Direct one-on-one contact will decrease. At MAES civil-law notaries, we are at the forefront of such developments and are alertly anticipating what's to come.

Climate adaptation contributes to a comfortable, livable, and attractive region. We believe it's important that the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region remains a pleasant place to live, where climate change has minimal impact on the health and well-being of its residents. The measures that guarantee this directly contribute to an attractive and livable environment. Climate adaptation strengthens the region's image. It provides new economic impetus to the region and enhances the international image of the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region.

The Netherlands is on its way to a sustainable future and, as a key component of that, a sustainable energy system. This process of change requires constant consideration of trade-offs between technological options and the legal framework surrounding them. Choices made today will significantly shape the system as it will look by the middle of this century. And yet, many uncertainties remain. Therefore, it's a quest.

We see our clients moving fast given the developments. Developers who consider a good BREEAM sustainability certification score for their buildings essential because their clients demand it. Horticulturalists who are changing their water and energy management practices. Port authorities are focusing on an adaptation strategy for vital infrastructure.

Every person and company is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This is called compliance. No alcohol under the age of 18. No smoking in the workplace. Compliance with privacy legislation. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can lead to fines imposed by authorities responsible for monitoring compliance. Think of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA), the Dutch Central Bank (DNB), the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NVK), Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), Staatsbosbeheer (State Forestry Service), Water Boards, Land Registries, and many more. With so many supervisory bodies, it goes without saying that strict supervision and enforcement are in place, whether we like it or not. Worse than the fines imposed for enforcement is the revocation of a license or the reputation that is, or could be, damaged by non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Good governance—good management, proper oversight, and sound codes of conduct—can promote sufficient compliance. This reduces the likelihood of a claim being filed against you, lowers the risk of a fine or other severe sanction, and keeps you out of the public penalty box where everyone would otherwise see you sitting there, blushing with shame.

We help you with legal risk management . How do you prevent yourself from getting into a major mess? We don't approach this solely from a legal perspective , but from a business perspective . Together with you, we want to prevent you from having to solve a legal and social problem later on. We want to prevent this by considering it with you early on, organizing your governance, and getting and keeping your compliance in order. This allows you to continue doing business and not waste your precious time and valuable resources on clearing the mess and crisis management. We have previously successfully guided entrepreneurs and their businesses safely into port in high-profile cases, under the radar.

Let it flow. Let it blossom. Let it grow. Everything grows and blooms. But nothing lasts forever. From diapers to veils. Then we grow into adults, and with age comes wisdom. The Netherlands is aging. The number of seniors aged 75 and older is growing rapidly. By 2040, there will be 2.6 million people aged 75 and over. That's double the number in 2019. This aging population has consequences in many areas. Significant consequences. Especially for healthcare and the housing market.

The working population will have to support the generation that made our country great. Financially, but also with care. Informal care or purchased care. There will be a greater need for care and tailored facilities in the neighborhood. Homes and residential complexes must be developed and adapted to the needs of this group of seniors. It is anticipated that until 2030, it will be difficult for young people who want to live independently to find affordable housing. After all, many seniors are expected to remain in their current homes for a long time. This will cause congestion and make it more difficult to move on. That's why we want to start thinking about this now. With young people. With those over 75. And everyone in between. How will you manage things now? And for the future? Or would you rather not think about that yet? A good personal financial and care plan can bring you, your parents, or your children peace of mind and security. And entrepreneurial opportunities. We're seeing healthcare real estate boom as a real estate category, and we're seeing things like children's playgrounds being converted into elderly care gardens, where local seniors can do their daily exercises on all-weather fitness equipment and socialize. This helps combat loneliness.

Did you know that several municipalities offer the so-called "blijversregeling" (staying home scheme). This loan, provided by the municipality on favorable terms, allows you to make your home life-long, allowing you to live independently in your own home for longer? Would you like suggestions for a good personal financial and care plan? For yourself, your parents, your children, or your business? Come visit us and join us. Are you no longer as mobile due to the many steps you've already covered in your life? We'd be happy to come to you to listen and share our thoughts.