In Utrecht, with thousands of students at Utrecht University and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, partner maintenance is a crucial follow-up to the parental maintenance obligation. Article 1:157 CC regulates contributions between partners during their joint household, particularly relevant for student couples in student cities like Utrecht.
Conditions in Utrecht Context
Both partners must be studying full-time at a Utrecht educational institution or have an income shortfall due to study. The maintenance obligation continues for a maximum of 1 year after completion of the study, as confirmed in judgments of the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht.
Calculation with Utrecht Costs
The calculation is based on affordability and need. In case of equal income, a 50/50 division often applies. In Utrecht, high rental prices in neighbourhoods like Kanaleneiland (€800-€1,200/month), study books, OV-card and living expenses are taken into account. A local formula takes into account DUO student financing and side jobs in hospitality around the Neude.
Difference with Child Maintenance
In contrast to the child maintenance obligation until age 18-21, partner maintenance does not end at a fixed age, but upon self-sufficiency, such as a job with local employers like UMC Utrecht. Utrecht judges scrutinise more strictly in the case of cohabiting couples, with emphasis on joint households in student housing.
Example: A working partner in the Utrecht healthcare sector pays €450 monthly to the studying partner at UU, adjusted for job change or inflation. Upon divorce, the maintenance continues until graduation, as in recent cases before the Utrecht family judge.