The Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO) assists in collecting maintenance in Utrecht when the payer does not pay voluntarily. This service is free of charge for the receiving party.
Role of the LBIO
The LBIO takes over the collection of maintenance if the paying party does not pay or only pays partially. They have extensive means to enforce payment.
Engaging the LBIO in Utrecht
You can call upon the LBIO if:
- There is a court judgment or notarial agreement regarding maintenance
- The paying party does not pay, does not pay in full, or does not pay on time
- There is an arrears of at least €10 or one instalment has not been paid
Powers of the LBIO
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wage garnishment | The employer deducts maintenance directly from the wages |
| Garnishment on benefits | UWV or municipality deducts maintenance from a benefit |
| Garnishment on bank account | Funds are transferred to the LBIO |
| Garnishment on assets | Sale of possessions to settle the debt |
| Seizure of driving licence | In case of persistent non-payment (possible since 2020) |
Costs for Maintenance Collection
For the maintenance entitled party in Utrecht, the assistance of the LBIO is free. The costs are recovered from the paying party:
- Start-up costs: one-time percentage of the arrears
- Monthly costs for collection and enforcement
- Costs for a bailiff if necessary
Step-by-Step Plan for Engagement
- Register via lbio.nl with the court judgment or agreement
- The LBIO sends a payment request to the paying party
- If payment is not forthcoming, enforcement measures are taken
- The LBIO collects monthly and transfers the amount to you
My ex lives abroad, what now?
The LBIO can also collect maintenance outside the Netherlands, especially within the EU. However, this process takes longer and is more complicated. For countries outside the EU, success depends on international agreements and local rules.Can I engage a bailiff myself in Utrecht?
Yes, that is possible. However, the LBIO has the advantage of being free and specialised in maintenance cases. With a bailiff, you often have to advance costs.What is the processing time for collection via LBIO?
After registration, the LBIO sends a payment request within a few weeks. If there is no response, enforcement measures follow. The total duration depends on the paying party's financial situation and whether garnishment is possible.Frequently Asked Questions about Maintenance in Utrecht
How can I register my ex with the LBIO for overdue payments?Register via lbio.nl with a copy of the judgment or agreement regarding maintenance. Provide proof of arrears, such as bank statements. The LBIO sends a payment request to your ex. This process takes a few weeks. Keep details such as your ex's address and employer at hand for smoother handling.
What if my ex has no job or income?The LBIO can garnish benefits such as unemployment benefits or social assistance. If that is not possible, assets or bank balances are considered. In case of persistent non-payment, the driving licence can even be seized. The LBIO always first investigates the financial situation.
Can the LBIO collect maintenance from an ex abroad?Yes, but it is more difficult and takes longer. Within the EU, the LBIO collaborates with local authorities. Outside the EU, it depends on treaties. The LBIO can inform you about the options. Ensure you have as much information as possible about your ex's place of residence.
Are there costs involved in engaging the LBIO?No, the service is free for the maintenance entitled party. All costs, such as start-up and enforcement costs, are recovered from the paying party. This makes the LBIO a cost-effective choice compared to a private bailiff.
How long does it take to receive maintenance via the LBIO?After registration, the paying party receives a demand within a few weeks. If payment is not forthcoming, enforcement measures follow. With wage garnishment, you often receive money within 4-8 weeks. In complicated cases, such as foreign situations, it may take longer.
What if the LBIO cannot collect the maintenance?If the LBIO fails, you can engage a bailiff yourself, but this incurs costs. You can also ask the court in Utrecht, such as the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, for a review of the situation. For advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55.