Capacity to Pay Maintenance in Leiden
For residents of Leiden, capacity to pay maintenance refers to the financial ability of the paying parent or ex-partner to contribute to spousal or child maintenance. The District Court of Leiden assesses this based on income, housing costs, and local living conditions, ensuring maintenance remains affordable and fair under Dutch family law.
What Does Capacity to Pay Mean for Maintenance for Leiden Residents?
In family law, capacity to pay is essential for determining maintenance. It evaluates whether someone can afford maintenance without jeopardizing their own basic needs. This includes not only salary but also fixed costs such as rent in Leiden (often €900-€1,200), debts, and NIBUD standards for living expenses. Both for spousal and child maintenance, a 'reasonable subsistence minimum' must remain, as set by the National Institute for Family Finance Information (NIBUD).
The District Court of Leiden deducts contributing elements from net income. If capacity to pay is too low, the court reduces maintenance or sets it at nil. For advice on capacity to pay and setting maintenance to nil, contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office.
Legal Rules for Capacity to Pay Maintenance
The foundation is in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). For spousal maintenance, Article 1:157 DCC establishes the duty to provide maintenance, with capacity to pay as the limit (Article 1:160 DCC): maintenance may not exceed what is reasonably possible.
For child maintenance (Article 1:404 DCC), Article 1:407 DCC divides child costs in proportion to both parents' capacity to pay. Supreme Court rulings, such as ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234, emphasize that capacity to pay is dynamic and can be reviewed in changed circumstances. The Child Maintenance Recalibration Act (effective January 1, 2023) simplifies this with standardized housing costs, relevant for Leiden's high housing prices.
The District Court of Leiden applies the reasonableness test under Article 1:158 DCC, including indexation under the Judicial Organization Act.
How Does the District Court of Leiden Calculate Capacity to Pay?
The calculation uses standards like the 'Tremarapportage' from the Council for the Judiciary. Steps for Leiden residents:
- Determine net income: Salary, benefits minus taxes.
- Deduct fixed expenses: Leiden rent, healthcare, transport (bike or public transport popular) per NIBUD.
- Estimate child contribution: Standardized per child based on age and income.
- Establish remaining capacity to pay: After deducting minimum (approx. €1,200 net for a single person in 2023).
For partners, new relationships are factored in; savings above €10,000 may count as income. The Leiden Legal Aid Office offers free calculations.
Comparison: Spousal vs. Child Maintenance
| Aspect | Spousal Maintenance | Child Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Article | 1:157-1:160 DCC | 1:404-1:407 DCC |
| Priority | After child maintenance | Highest priority |
| Capacity to Pay Threshold | Reasonable subsistence minimum | Pro rata division |
| Review | On co-parenting or remarriage | On income changes |
Examples of Capacity to Pay for Leiden Residents
A divorced father in Leiden earns €3,000 net, with two children (ages 10 and 12) and expenses of €1,600 (rent €1,000, Leiden public transport €250). Mother earns €2,000. He contributes €600, she €400. On job loss reducing income to €2,000, he requests review at the District Court of Leiden, potentially resulting in nil.
For spousal maintenance: Ex-husband with €4,000 net and €2,300 expenses can pay €800. Remarriage and a new child reduces this to €400 due to changed capacity to pay.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Capacity to Pay in Leiden
The paying party may submit changes to the District Court of Leiden (Article 1:160(2) DCC) but must disclose finances fully – concealment leads to sanctions. The recipient must pursue their own income.
Both parties must report changes within three months and cooperate. Via the Municipality of Leiden, you can check benefits that affect capacity to pay.
- Right to review: On income changes.
- Payment obligation: Until modified.
- Indexation right: Annual adjustment.
Contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office for personal guidance.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
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Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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