Cycling through the narrow streets around the Oude Vest in Leiden, a parent may wonder how the upcoming changes in the maintenance standards will affect monthly expenses. As of 1 January 2026, the Expert Group on Maintenance Standards will again update the TREMA tables, with consequences for both ongoing proceedings and divorces that have not yet been finalised.
How do the TREMA guidelines actually work?
TREMA is not a statutory rule but a calculation method used by virtually all family court judges. The tables are revised every two years by an expert group of judges, lawyers and academics. Departures are possible, provided the judge gives adequate reasons.
Subsistence level 2026: an increase of 3.8 per cent
The amount that a maintenance debtor must retain at a minimum will rise by approximately 3.8 % this year. For a single person without children this amounts to roughly € 1,230 per month. Those on a low income will therefore have slightly less scope to pay maintenance.
Non-deductible items adjusted
The fixed allowances for housing costs, health-insurance premiums and child-related expenditure will be increased:
- Net rent or mortgage interest: € 870 → € 905
- Health-insurance premium: € 165 → € 178
- Non-discretionary child-related costs: € 89 → € 96
For middle-income earners this results in a slightly lower maintenance outcome.
Income-dependent combination tax credit reduced
The tax credit that is particularly relevant in shared parenting arrangements will fall from € 2,694 to € 2,481. Working parents with young children in a 50/50 arrangement will notice this most strongly in their financial capacity.
What does this mean for you?
If net disposable income has changed by more than 10 %, revision may be sought under Article 1:401 BW. A lawyer at Stationsweg 26 can prepare a new calculation and assess whether an application to the Rechtbank Den Haag is worthwhile.
Pending divorce proceedings
Cases that have not yet been concluded will almost always be decided on the basis of the new tables. Juridisch Loket Leiden can assist in finding a specialised mediator or lawyer to update the calculation.
Online TREMA calculation tools
Only authorised professionals may issue binding calculations. Online indicative tools provide a first impression but carry no weight in proceedings before the court.