Child support concerns the financial support for the upbringing and care of children after a divorce. Both parents have the obligation to contribute according to their means.
Legal Responsibility
According to the law, parents must provide for the costs of upbringing and care of their minor children. This obligation remains in force after a divorce and continues until the child reaches the age of 21.
Age and Maintenance Obligation
| Child's Age | Parents' Obligation |
|---|---|
| 0 - 18 years | Full responsibility for maintenance |
| 18 - 21 years | Obligation for living expenses and study costs |
| 21+ years | No legal obligation anymore |
How is Child Support Calculated?
The calculation of child support proceeds in different phases:
- Determine the child's needs: Based on Nibud guidelines and family income
- Deduct child-related budget: This reduces the total need
- Determine parents' financial capacity: What can each parent contribute?
- Allocate costs according to capacity: Proportional distribution of costs
- Apply care discount: Reduction for the non-primary caregiver
Nibud Guidelines
The costs for children are determined using Nibud tables:
| Net monthly family income | Costs child 0-5 years | Costs child 12-17 years |
|---|---|---|
| € 2,500 | approximately € 400 | approximately € 550 |
| € 4,000 | approximately € 550 | approximately € 750 |
| € 6,000 | approximately € 700 | approximately € 950 |
Care Discount for Residence
The parent with whom the child does not primarily reside receives a care discount on the child support for the time the child is with him/her:
| Residence duration per week | Discount percentage |
|---|---|
| 1 day | 15% |
| 2 days | 25% |
| 3 days (co-parenting) | 35% |
When does child support end?
The obligation to pay child support generally ends upon reaching the age of 21. Earlier termination is possible if the child becomes financially independent through work. For studying children, the obligation often continues until 21 years of age.What must child support be spent on?
There are no strict rules on the spending of child support, but the money must be used for the benefit of the child. In case of misuse, you can involve the court for accountability, although this is legally complex.Can the support be revised?
Yes, in case of changes in circumstances, the support can be adjusted. Think of a changed income, the child's relocation, a different care division, or if the child starts working.Frequently Asked Questions about Child Support in Utrecht
How is the amount of child support determined?
The calculation includes five steps: determining costs via Nibud tables, deducting child-related budget, determining capacity per parent, allocating costs according to capacity, and applying care discount. For a precise calculation, consult a specialist or calculator.
What if my ex does not pay the support?
In case of non-payment, you can enlist the help of the Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO). They can levy attachments on income or accounts. You can also request a writ of execution via the court. Repeated non-payment may result in sanctions.
Can I stop paying if my child moves in with me?
If the care division changes because your child comes to live with you, you can request an adjustment of the support. In case of equally divided care (co-parenting), the obligation may lapse. However, this must be legally documented to avoid problems.
How long do I pay support for a studying child?
The support obligation continues until the child is 21 years old, even during studies. Only if the child is fully self-supporting (for example, through a permanent job), can the obligation end earlier. Always consult with your ex-partner or a legal advisor in case of changes.
Relevant Institutions in Utrecht:
- Rechtbank Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55