In Utrecht, the parental maintenance obligation for children ends automatically at the age of 21, but local case law provides crucial exceptions. Article 1:395a of the Dutch Civil Code allows continuation in case of study delay, for example due to congestion at Utrecht University or Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, or other circumstances.
Automatic Lapse in Utrecht
Without intervention by the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht, the obligation ceases exactly on the 21st birthday. Parents from neighbourhoods such as Lombok or Wittevrouwen no longer need to contribute, unless an ongoing judgment of this court provides otherwise.
Exceptions Specific to Utrecht
In cases of illness, disability or unforeseen study delay – think of the corona impact on UU campuses – the court may extend the obligation. In shared parenting situations, common in diverse Utrecht families, this applies equally to both parents. Utrecht District Court handles many such cases due to the large student population.
Transition to Partner Maintenance
After 21 years, a young adult in Utrecht may claim partner maintenance when cohabiting with a studying partner, for example in a student house in the Kanaleneiland neighbourhood. This requires a petition to the District Court of Midden-Nederland with proof of joint needs and incomes.
Practice example from Utrecht: In 2022, the District Court of Midden-Nederland extended the parental contribution until age 23 due to corona delay at Utrecht University, with €350 monthly. Advice: File disputes timely with the Utrecht court to secure payments and use local legal assistance such as the Juridisch Loket in Utrecht.