Trema Norms in Family Law for Leiden
The Trema norms are guidelines that judges at the Leiden District Court and lawyers in the region use to determine partner alimony after a divorce or dissolution of a registered partnership. They ensure a balanced income distribution, considering the needs of the recipient and the financial capacity of the payer. Although these norms are not legally binding, they are often applied in Leiden for predictable and fair decisions, especially in local family law cases.
What are Trema Norms Exactly?
Named after the Trema Foundation, which focuses on mediation and family law, these norms provide a standardized approach for calculating partner alimony. They promote consistency in rulings from the Leiden District Court. Unlike child support, where the 'Van Mourik Broekman norms' enforce stricter rules, the Trema norms are adaptable to the unique situation of ex-partners in Leiden.
They take into account elements such as incomes, housing costs in the city, childcare, and additional expenses. This way, the partner with the lower income maintains an acceptable standard of living without overly burdening the payer. The norms are periodically updated for inflation and local changes, such as rising rents in Leiden.
Legal Basis of the Trema Norms
These norms are based on the Dutch Civil Code (BW), Book 1 on family law. Central to this is Article 1:157 BW, which requires judges at the Leiden District Court to ensure a fair income distribution for partner alimony, aligned with needs and financial capacity.
The Supreme Court supports similar approaches in rulings (e.g., ECLI:NL:HR:2012:BW1994 from April 20, 2012). They are supplemented by the National Expert Group on Partner Alimony (LEP). Relevant articles include Article 1:158 BW for the duration of alimony and Article 1:160 BW for adjustments. In Leiden, judges may deviate in special cases, such as inheritance or local health facilities; consult the Leiden Legal Aid Office for personalized advice.
How to Apply the Trema Norms?
The Trema calculation follows a step-by-step method. Start with net incomes, including taxes and benefits via the Leiden Municipality. Calculate a base by equalizing incomes, with a buffer for savings and unexpected costs (often 6% of income).
- Step 1: Determine Incomes. Include salary, benefits, child support, and business profits, relevant for entrepreneurs in Leiden.
- Step 2: Estimate Needs. For the recipient, perform a basic cost calculation based on local living expenses, such as rent in Leiden or mortgage, using standard tables for utilities.
- Step 3: Assess Capacity. The payer retains enough for their own living expenses; alimony is limited to a maximum of 70% of the available capacity.
- Step 4: Apply Corrections. Subtract child-related expenses and add specific costs, such as healthcare in the Leiden region.
Tools like 'Rechtspraak Alimentatie' or online calculators simplify this process. For complex cases in Leiden, engage a local lawyer through the Leiden Legal Aid Office.
Examples of Trema Norms in Practice
Consider partner A with a net monthly income of €3,000 and B with €1,500 in Leiden. After divorce, the Trema method levels to an average of €2,250, so A pays €750, but with higher local rent for B, this could increase to €900.
If two children live with B: First, €400 in child support per child, which reduces partner alimony. With A's mortgage in Leiden, their capacity decreases, resulting in €600. These examples illustrate the flexibility for households in Leiden.
| Aspect | Trema Norms (Partner) | Van Mourik Norms (Children) |
|---|---|---|
| Binding? | No, guideline | Yes, legally prescribed |
| Focus | Fair income distribution | Child's needs central |
| Duration | Max. 5 years (depending on marriage length) | Until 21 years or independence |
| Calculation | 70% of capacity | Pro rata incomes |
Rights and Obligations under Trema Norms
The recipient can expect a standard of living close to that during the marriage, provided the payer's capacity allows it. The payer must share transparent income data; hiding information could lead to fines or back payments at the Leiden District Court. For assistance in Leiden, contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office for free guidance on your rights.
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.