Child Support Calculation in Leiden
The child support calculation in Leiden determines the monthly amount one parent contributes to the children's upbringing costs after divorce or for unmarried parents. It is based on both parents' financial capacity and the child's needs, in line with national guidelines from the Judicial Council. In Leiden, this ensures a fair cost-sharing arrangement, supported by local institutions such as the District Court of Leiden.
Legal Basis in Leiden
Child support is governed by Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), particularly Article 1:404 BW. Parents must share the care and upbringing costs of minors according to their financial capacity. The District Court of Leiden applies the Tremarapportage (Trots Method for Minors Maintenance Guideline), a standardised approach from the judiciary.
Article 1:405 BW covers judicial determination, while Article 1:407 BW addresses adjustments for changed circumstances. The Tremarapportage 2023 (and updates) includes tables for child costs and social assistance norms, which are standard in Leiden proceedings.
Steps for Child Support Calculation in Leiden
The calculation follows a structured process. Try the online Quick Child Support Calculator on rechtspraak.nl, but for complex cases, contact Het Juridisch Loket Leiden for free advice.
- Determine incomes: Parents' gross incomes, including benefits, bonuses, and received maintenance. Assets exceeding €57,000 (2024) are treated as income.
- Calculate financial capacity: Net income after deducting living costs, healthcare expenses, and social assistance norm, which forms the basis for subsistence.
- Estimate child needs: Based on age and number of children using Trematables.
- Apply distribution key: Parents' financial capacity ratio multiplied by child needs = amount payable.
- Account for care discount: Caring parent receives a reduction for their own care contribution (often 50% in co-parenting).
Detailed Financial Capacity in Leiden
Financial capacity remains after deducting:
- Social assistance norm (age-specific).
- Housing costs (rent or mortgage in Leiden).
- Debts and additional expenses.
Needs per Child According to Tremarapportage
Standard tables from the Tremarapportage estimate the child needs. Simplified table for one child (2024, without indexation):
| Age | Needs per Month (€) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | 550 |
| 6 to 11 years | 650 |
| 12 to 15 years | 750 |
| 16 to 21 years | 850 |
For multiple children: apply correction factors.
Practical Examples for Leiden Parents
Example 1: Standard divorce. Father €4,000 net, mother €2,500 net (typical for Leiden). Child aged 10. Father's capacity €1,500, mother's €800. Total €2,300. Needs €650. Split 65/35: father pays €422.
Example 2: Co-parenting in Leiden. Equal 50/50 care, capacity €1,000 each. Needs €650 minus 50% care discount = €325. Maintenance often zero or equal.
Example 3: Low income. Capacity below social assistance norm: €0 maintenance. Self-employed: average profit over 3 years.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Caring parent: Enforce payment via LBIO.
- Paying parent: Access and adjustment for income drop.
Obligations:
- Annual indexation (CPI).
- Report income changes within one month.
Frequently Asked Questions for Leiden
How often to recalculate in Leiden?
Annual indexation or on changes. Use Quick Calculator or Het Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Does a new partner count?
No, only own income and assets.
Maintenance for studying children over 18?
Up to 21 years or end of studies, if studying and low income (art. 1:407(2) BW).
Can you calculate it yourself?
Yes via rechtspraak.nl, but binding via District Court of Leiden in disputes.
Tips for Leiden Parents
- Download current Tremarapportage from rechtspraak.nl.
- Parenting plan with maintenance for divorce via Municipality of Leiden.
- Mediation: Council for Legal Aid or lawyer in Leiden.
- See also: Child Support Leiden or Divorce Leiden.
- Tax-deductible for paying parent.
For tailored advice in Leiden: call Het Juridisch Loket Leiden or District Court of Leiden.
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