Child support concerns the financial support for the upbringing and care of children after a divorce. Both parents have the duty to contribute to these costs according to their ability.
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' Responsibility |
|---|---|
| 0 - 18 years | Full responsibility for maintenance |
| 18 - 21 years | Responsibility for living expenses and study costs |
| 21+ years | No legal obligation anymore |
How is Child Support Calculated?
The calculation of child support proceeds through a number of steps:
- 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: Allocation based on financial possibilities
- Apply care discount: Reduction for the parent who does not have primary care
Nibud Guidelines
The costs for children are determined using Nibud tables:
| Net Family Income | Costs Child 0-5 years | Costs Child 12-17 years |
|---|---|---|
| € 2,500 per month | approx. € 400 | approx. € 550 |
| € 4,000 per month | approx. € 550 | approx. € 750 |
| € 6,000 per month | approx. € 700 | approx. € 950 |
Care Discount for Residence
The parent with whom the child does not primarily reside receives a care discount on the support for the period that the child is with him/her:
| Residence Duration | Discount on Support |
|---|---|
| 1 day per week | 15% |
| 2 days per week | 25% |
| 3 days per week (co-parenting) | 35% |
When does child support end?
The support stops when the child turns 21. This can happen earlier if the child is financially independent through work. For studying children, the obligation often continues until 21 years.Must my ex spend the support specifically?
There is no legal obligation on how support must be spent, but it must benefit the child. In case of misuse, you can involve the court, although this is often complex.Can I adjust the support?
Yes, in case of changed circumstances such as a different income, the child's move, or a new care arrangement, the support can be revised through the court or a mediator.Frequently Asked Questions about Child Support in Rijswijk
How is the exact support calculated?The calculation includes five steps: determining costs via Nibud tables, deducting child-related budget, determining capacity, allocating costs, and applying care discount. Use a support calculator or consult a lawyer for a precise calculation. What to do if my ex-partner does not pay?
In case of non-payment, you can involve the Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO) for assistance. They can levy on income or assets. A writ of execution can also be requested through the court. Contact the LBIO or a lawyer in Rijswijk. Can support stop if my child lives with me?
If the care arrangement changes, for example in co-parenting, you can request an adjustment of the support. This must be legally documented via a lawyer or mediator to prevent problems. How long do I pay support for a studying child?
The payment obligation continues until the child is 21, even during studies. Only if the child is fully self-supporting can the support stop earlier. Always discuss changes with your ex-partner or a legal advisor.
For legal assistance in Rijswijk, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. Cases are handled by the Rechtbank Den Haag.