Parenting Plan Obligation in Leiden
The parenting plan obligation is a strict legal requirement for parents in Leiden who are divorcing or dissolving their registered partnership and have minor children. This plan is a written document that outlines agreements on the care, upbringing, and finances for the children, such as child support. It focuses on protecting the best interests of the child during a divorce. In this article for residents of Leiden, we explain what this obligation entails, the legal basis, and helpful tips, with attention to local support through institutions such as the Rechtbank Leiden and the Legal Aid Office in Leiden.
What does the parenting plan obligation involve?
A parenting plan is a joint agreement between divorcing parents regarding the future care and development of their children. This obligation is particularly relevant in cases of divorce or dissolution of partnerships involving minors in the Leiden area. The document must be in writing and covers topics such as care arrangements (for example, co-parenting or visitation rules), parenting decisions, information sharing, and cost sharing for the children.
Under the law, parents in Leiden must prepare this plan shortly after deciding on divorce to minimize tensions and ensure stability for the children. If parents cannot agree, the Rechtbank Leiden can mediate or make a decision. This article builds on our overview of the parenting plan and emphasizes the obligations and potential consequences, with tips for local application.
Legal basis of the parenting plan obligation
The parenting plan obligation is regulated in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 1. Article 1:247 DCC requires that parents submit a parenting plan with their divorce or dissolution request to the Rechtbank Leiden. The article specifies: "The court cannot pronounce the divorce or the dissolution of the registered partnership unless the parents have prepared a parenting plan and submitted it to the court."
Article 1:251 DCC further requires the inclusion of child support, tailored to the child’s needs and the parents’ financial capacity. If not complied with, the Rechtbank Leiden can delay the proceedings until the plan is submitted (Article 1:247, paragraph 2 DCC). For unmarried parents in Leiden, a similar requirement applies in cases of parental authority establishment, though it is less stringent without court involvement.
Since its introduction in 2009, inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the emphasis has been on child welfare. The Rechtbank Leiden reviews the plan for reasonableness; if necessary, the judge can enforce changes in the child’s best interest. For free advice in Leiden, you can contact the Legal Aid Office in Leiden.
When does the parenting plan obligation apply?
This obligation is mandatory in cases such as:
- Divorce or dissolution of a registered partnership with minor children.
- Requests for establishing or changing parental authority in cases of disagreement over minors.
In informal separations without court involvement in Leiden, there is no formal obligation, but creating a plan is strongly recommended to avoid disputes. The Municipality of Leiden offers support through the civil registry for reporting separations. For details on parental authority, see our article on parental authority.
Differences between married and unmarried parents
To clarify, here is an overview of the situations:
| Situation | Parenting Plan Obligation | Consequences of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Married parents with divorce | Required when filing for divorce | Proceedings suspended until submission |
| Unmarried parents in cases of authority change | Required if the court is involved | The court can impose its own plan |
| Informal separation | Not required, but recommended | No formal penalty, but risk of future conflicts |
Practical examples of the obligation in practice
Take Anna and Bert from Leiden, who are divorcing with two children aged 8 and 10. They create a parenting plan with alternating residence (co-parenting) and divide costs: Anna covers school fees, and Bert handles sports activities. This plan must be submitted to the Rechtbank Leiden. If they disagree on child support, they consult a mediator through the Legal Aid Office in Leiden. Without a plan, the Rechtbank Leiden delays the proceedings.
Another case: Tom and Lisa, unmarried in Leiden, apply for sole parental authority. The court requires a parenting plan to ensure contact with the other parent. If Lisa refuses, the Rechtbank Leiden can grant joint authority in the child’s best interest.
In Leiden, approximately 70% of divorce cases are resolved through mediation without court intervention (based on CBS data), often with help from local services.
Rights and obligations of parents
Parents in Leiden must jointly prepare the parenting plan, prioritizing the children. Key obligations include:
- Documenting the plan in writing and submitting it to the Rechtbank Leiden.
- Recording agreements on care, upbringing, and finances.
- Reviewing the plan periodically in case of changes, such as a move within or outside Leiden.
Rights include:
- Access to mediation or legal assistance through the Council for Legal Aid, or locally at the Legal Aid Office in Leiden for low-income individuals.
- The option to seek changes through the Rechtbank Leiden if a parent breaches the agreements.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.