The Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO) offers support in collecting maintenance when the payer does not pay voluntarily. This service is free of charge for the receiving party in Leiden and surrounding areas.
What is the role of the LBIO?
The LBIO takes on the task of collecting maintenance on behalf of the entitled party if the paying party does not pay or only pays partially. The bureau has extensive powers to enforce payment.
Engaging the LBIO in Leiden
You can call upon the LBIO under the following conditions:
- There is an official judicial decision or notarial agreement regarding maintenance.
- The paying party does not pay, does not pay in full or does not pay on time.
- There is an arrears of at least €10 or one instalment has not been paid.
Powers of the LBIO
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Wage garnishment | The employer deducts maintenance directly from the salary. |
| Garnishment on benefit | UWV or municipality deducts maintenance from a benefit. |
| Garnishment on bank account | Funds are transferred to the LBIO. |
| Garnishment on assets | Goods are sold to settle the debt. |
| Seizure of driving licence | In case of persistent non-payment (possible since 2020). |
Costs of the service
For the maintenance entitled party in Leiden, the assistance of the LBIO is completely free. The costs are recovered from the paying party:
- One-time start-up costs based on the arrears.
- Monthly costs for collection and enforcement.
- Costs for a bailiff if necessary.
Steps of the LBIO procedure
- Register via the website lbio.nl with a copy of the judicial decision or deed.
- The LBIO sends a payment request to the paying party.
- If payment is not forthcoming, enforcement measures are taken.
- The LBIO collects monthly and transfers the amount to you.
What if the ex-partner resides abroad?
The LBIO can also collect maintenance abroad, especially within the EU, although this process takes longer and is more complicated. Outside the EU, success depends on international agreements and local rules.Can I engage a bailiff myself?
Yes, that is possible. However, the LBIO has the advantage that it is free for you and specialised in maintenance issues. With a bailiff, you often have to advance costs yourself.How quickly does collection via the LBIO work?
After registration, the paying party receives a summons from the LBIO within a few weeks. If there is no response, enforcement measures follow. The total duration depends on the financial situation of the paying party.Frequently asked questions about LBIO in Leiden
How can I register my ex-partner with the LBIO for arrears maintenance?
Register via lbio.nl with a copy of the judicial decision or notarial deed. Provide proof of the arrears, such as bank statements. The LBIO sends a summons and the process usually takes a few weeks. Keep data such as address and employer of the paying party at hand.
What if my ex-partner has no job or income?
The LBIO can garnish benefits such as unemployment benefit or social assistance. If that is not possible, assets or bank accounts are examined. In case of persistent non-payment, the driving licence can be seized after investigation into income and assets.
Is collection possible if my ex-partner lives abroad?
Yes, although this is more complex and time-consuming. Within the EU, the LBIO collaborates with local authorities. Outside the EU, success depends on treaties. Provide as much information as possible about the residence and finances of your ex-partner.
Are there costs involved in engaging the LBIO?
No, for the maintenance entitled party in Leiden, the service is free. All costs, such as start-up and enforcement costs, are recovered from the paying party. This makes the LBIO more attractive than a private bailiff.
How long does it take before I receive maintenance via the LBIO?
After registration, a summons follows within a few weeks. If there is no response, enforcement measures are taken. With wage garnishment, you often receive money within 4-8 weeks. Complex cases, such as abroad, may take longer.
What if the LBIO cannot collect the maintenance?
If the LBIO achieves no result, you can engage a bailiff at your own expense. In addition, you can ask the court in Leiden (District Court of The Hague, Leiden location) for a revision of the maintenance arrangement.
Extra information for Leiden
For legal questions or support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases concerning maintenance and family law.