Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Utrecht
For Utrecht residents, wage garnishment for maintenance is a powerful legal measure whereby a portion of the non-paying parent or ex-partner's salary is withheld to cover outstanding maintenance payments. This option arises when voluntary payments cease and enables entitled parties, such as ex-partners in the Domstad, to effectively enforce maintenance contributions. It falls under family law and takes priority over other garnishments.
Why Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Utrecht?
Maintenance, such as child or spousal maintenance following a divorce, is a strict legal obligation in the Netherlands – and thus in Utrecht as well. When the paying party fails to pay or pays insufficiently, Utrecht residents can take action. Wage garnishment directly accesses income, preventing financial distress for the entitled party. It ensures prompt payments and protects children or ex-partners in the area.
Maintenance holds a unique status as a priority debt. It takes precedence over other obligations, such as loans. The National Service for the Collection of Maintenance Contributions (LBIO) often provides assistance, particularly for child support. In Utrecht, advice is available from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Legal Basis
The procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (Rv), articles 475a to 475n. Article 475d Rv covers garnishment on wages, while article 475e Rv grants priority to maintenance. The Maintenance provisions (Civil Code 1:404 et seq.) establish the obligation. A writ of execution (art. 430 Rv) issued by the District Court of Utrecht triggers the garnishment. The LBIO expedites this under the Act on Withholding and Forfeiture of Maintenance Contributions.
Under the Wage Garnishment Act, a garnishment-free foot for basic needs is preserved, but up to 50% of wages exceeding that foot may be withheld for maintenance.
How Does Wage Garnishment Work in Utrecht?
The process is structured and accessible for Utrecht residents:
- Establishment: Maintenance is set by court order or agreement.
- Report Non-Payment: Notify the LBIO or bailiff; the LBIO often assumes collection of child maintenance.
- Writ of Execution: Apply at the District Court of Utrecht (art. 430 Rv).
- Impose Garnishment: Bailiff notifies the employer to withhold payments.
- Execution: Employer calculates the garnishment-free foot based on income and household.
- Termination: Upon full repayment or changed circumstances.
From writ of execution to garnishment commencement: 4-8 weeks, faster via LBIO. The Municipality of Utrecht may provide additional support.
Rights and Obligations in Utrecht
Entitled parties are entitled to priority and free LBIO assistance. Payers must report income changes but may lodge an objection with the District Court of Utrecht (art. 438 Rv). Garnishment-free foot: approx. €1,342 net for singles (2023 figures, adjusted annually). Employers must comply without charging the employee; non-compliance incurs sanctions.
For personal advice: Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Examples from Utrecht Practice
Consider Jan from Kanaleneiland, divorced, owing €500 monthly child maintenance. After three months' arrears (€1,500), his ex Marie engages the LBIO. Garnishment on Jan's €2,500 gross salary: €300/month withheld after a €1,200 garnishment-free foot.
Or Anna from Wittevrouwen seeking spousal maintenance: a writ of execution from the District Court of Utrecht imposes garnishment on ex Tom’s salary, taking priority over his loan garnishment.
Differences with Other Garnishments
Maintenance garnishment takes precedence over regular debt garnishment:
| Aspect | Maintenance Garnishment | Regular Garnishment |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Highest (art. 475e Rv) | Lower |
| Collection | LBIO/bailiff | Bailiff |
| Max. Withholding | 50% above foot | 1/3-1/5 |
| Costs | Free via LBIO | For debtor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.