Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Den Haag
In Den Haag, wage garnishment for maintenance is a powerful legal tool to enforce overdue payments. A bailiff withholds part of the debtor's salary, ensuring the entitled party – often an ex-partner from areas like Scheveningen or the Centrum – receives their maintenance. This family law measure takes absolute priority over other garnishments and is ideal when voluntary payments fail. Residents of Den Haag can turn to the Rechtbank Den Haag for this.
Why Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Den Haag?
Maintenance, such as child maintenance or spousal maintenance after a divorce, is a strict obligation in the Netherlands – and thus in Den Haag. When the paying party fails to pay, it creates financial hardship for the entitled party. Wage garnishment directly taps into the salary for swift collection. It is a priority debt that takes precedence over other obligations like loans. The National Maintenance Collection Service (LBIO) often assists, particularly with child maintenance. Local residents can get free advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Legal Basis
The procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (Rv), articles 475a to 475n. Article 475d Rv addresses wage garnishment, while article 475e Rv establishes priority for maintenance. The Maintenance Act (Civil Code art. 1:404 et seq.) sets out the obligation. A writ of execution (art. 430 Rv) is obtained from the Rechtbank Den Haag. For government collection, the Act on Quartering and Forfeiture of Maintenance Contributions applies. Garnishment respects the Wage Garnishment Act, including the protected minimum income and a maximum 50% withholding for maintenance.
How Does Wage Garnishment Work in Den Haag?
The process is structured and efficient for Den Haag residents:
- Establishment: Maintenance set by court order from the Rechtbank Den Haag or agreement.
- Report Non-Payment: To LBIO or bailiff; LBIO often takes over child maintenance.
- Writ of Execution: Apply for at the Rechtbank Den Haag (art. 430 Rv).
- Impose Garnishment: Bailiff notifies employer to withhold funds.
- Execution: Employer calculates protected minimum income based on income and household.
- Termination: Upon full repayment or change in circumstances.
From writ of execution to garnishment typically takes 4-8 weeks, faster via LBIO. The Municipality of Den Haag sometimes offers additional debt assistance.
Rights and Obligations in Den Haag
Entitled parties have priority rights and free LBIO collection for child maintenance. Paying parties must report salary changes but can object at the Rechtbank Den Haag (art. 438 Rv). The protected minimum income (e.g., €1,342 net for singles in 2023) safeguards basic needs. Employers must comply without charge; violations lead to penalties. Consult the Juridisch Loket Den Haag for personal assistance.
Real-Life Examples from Den Haag
Take Peter from Laan van Wateringsveld, divorced from Lisa: €450 monthly child maintenance. After three months in arrears (€1,350), Lisa engages LBIO. Garnishment on Peter's €2,400 gross salary: after protected minimum (€1,150), €280 withheld monthly.
For spousal maintenance: Sophie from Haagse Bos obtains a writ of execution from the Rechtbank Den Haag and garnishes ex-partner Mark's salary. His loan garnishment is paused due to maintenance priority.
Differences from Other Garnishments
Maintenance garnishment takes precedence over regular garnishment:
| Aspect | Maintenance Garnishment | Regular Garnishment |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Highest (art. 475e Rv) | Lower |
| Collection | LBIO or bailiff | Bailiff |
| Max. Withholding | Up to 50% above threshold | 1/3-1/5 |
| Costs | Free via LBIO | Charged to debtor |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.