Paying Capacity for Maintenance in Den Haag
Paying capacity for maintenance determines whether a maintenance payer in Den Haag can afford spousal or child maintenance, taking local incomes and costs into account. The Den Haag District Court assesses this based on income, expenses, and living conditions in Den Haag, to ensure a fair and feasible amount.
What does paying capacity mean for maintenance in Den Haag?
In Dutch family law, paying capacity is essential when setting maintenance. It evaluates whether someone can pay maintenance without facing their own financial hardship. This includes not only income but also fixed expenses such as rent in Den Haag, debts, and NIBUD standards for living costs. For spousal and child maintenance, a 'reasonable minimum standard of living' must remain. You can get free advice on your situation at the Den Haag Legal Aid Office. See also zero maintenance assessment if paying capacity is nil.
Legal rules on paying capacity at the Den Haag District Court
The foundation is in Book 1 of the Civil Code (CC). For spousal maintenance, Article 1:157 CC governs the duty to provide maintenance, with paying capacity under Article 1:160 CC: maintenance may not exceed reasonable paying capacity. The Den Haag District Court applies this to local cases.
For child maintenance (Article 1:404 CC), Article 1:407 CC divides costs according to parents' paying capacity. Supreme Court rulings such as ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234 emphasize dynamic review in case of changes. From 1 January 2023, the Child Maintenance Recalibration Act simplifies calculations with standardized living expenses, relevant for high rents in Den Haag. Indexation follows the Judicial Power Act and equity (Article 1:158 CC).
How does the Den Haag District Court calculate your paying capacity?
The Den Haag District Court uses standards such as the 'Tremarapportage' or Council for the Judiciary software. Steps:
- Determine net income: Salary, benefits minus taxes.
- Deduct fixed expenses: Rent/mortgage in Den Haag (often €1,000+), healthcare, transport, and NIBUD living costs.
- Calculate child contribution: Standardized per child based on age and income.
- Establish paying capacity: Remainder after minimum (approx. €1,200 net for a single person in 2023).
For couples, new relationships are factored in; assets over €10,000 may count as income. The Municipality of Den Haag sometimes offers budget advice for debts.
Comparison: Spousal vs. Child Maintenance
| Aspect | Spousal Maintenance | Child Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Provision | 1:157-1:160 CC | 1:404-1:407 CC |
| Priority | After child maintenance | Highest priority |
| Paying Capacity Threshold | Reasonable minimum standard of living | Pro rata division |
| Review | On co-parenting or remarriage | On income changes |
Examples of paying capacity in Den Haag practice
A divorced father from Den Haag with €3,000 net income, two children (ages 10/12), and €1,600 expenses (rent €950 in Schilderswijk, transport €350). Mother earns €2,000. He contributes €550, she €450. On job loss reducing income to €2,000, he requests review at the Den Haag District Court, possibly resulting in nil.
For spousal maintenance: Ex-husband with €4,000 net, €2,400 expenses (mortgage €1,200). He pays €750, but after remarriage and a child, it drops to €450 due to reduced paying capacity.
Rights and obligations regarding paying capacity in Den Haag
Maintenance payers may have their paying capacity reviewed by the Den Haag District Court (Article 1:160(2) CC) and must report changes. Transparency is required; concealment leads to sanctions. Recipients must seek their own income. Report changes within three months. Contact the Den Haag Legal Aid Office for assistance.
- Right to review: On income changes.
- Payment obligation: Until modified.
- Right to indexation: Annual adjustment.
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.