Parenting Plan upon Divorce in Den Haag
For residents of Den Haag, a parenting plan in divorce proceedings is an essential document in which separated parents make arrangements about the care, upbringing, and financial support of their minor children. This plan provides clarity and stability for the child and helps prevent conflicts in the region, for example through support from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What is a Parenting Plan in Den Haag?
The parenting plan for divorce is a written agreement that parents in Den Haag draw up when divorcing with minor children. It outlines how parents will continue to cooperate after the divorce for the child's well-being. This document must be submitted to the District Court Den Haag during the divorce proceedings and forms part of the divorce settlement agreement.
In Den Haag, the plan focuses on the care and upbringing plan and financial arrangements regarding child support. The goal is to protect children by encouraging parents to plan ahead, with local assistance from organizations such as the Municipality of Den Haag.
Legal Basis of the Parenting Plan
The obligation is set out in Article 1:251 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC) and applies in cases of:
- Divorce;
- Dissolution of a registered partnership;
- Division of community property with minors.
Without a parenting plan, the District Court Den Haag cannot approve the divorce. The court will then offer an opportunity to amend the plan or consult an expert. In cases of joint custody, both parents remain responsible; in sole custody, it applies to the non-custodial parent.
Content of the Parenting Plan in Den Haag
The plan must be detailed and specific. Mandatory elements:
Care and Upbringing Plan
- Who has day-to-day custody?
- Schedule for sharing care (e.g., alternating model or co-parenting in Den Haag neighborhoods);
- Arrangements for holidays and public holidays;
- Contact with grandparents;
- Agreements on relocation within Den Haag, school choice (e.g., Den Haag primary schools), and medical care;
- Communication via apps or local co-parenting platforms.
Financial Arrangements
This covers child support, based on Trema norms. Including:
- Amount and payment method;
- Settlement of costs for school, sports, and healthcare in Den Haag;
- Indexation and adjustments for changes in income.
Table: Overview of Care Models for Den Haag Families
| Care Model | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternating Model (50/50) | Child alternates between parents, ideal for Den Haag | Balanced bond with both parents | |
| Weekends Model | Primarily with one parent, weekends with the other | Predictability for the child | Less balance in care |
| Co-Parenting | Flexible, joint approach | Tailored to Den Haag lifestyle | Requires good communication between parents |
Practical Examples of Parenting Plans in Den Haag
Example 1: Alternating Model in Den Haag
Anna and Bert from Schilderswijk are divorcing with children aged 4 and 7. Their plan: Mon-Wed with Anna, Thu-Fri with Bert, alternating weekends. Holidays shared equally. Child support: €400/month from Bert, suited to Anna's part-time job.
Example 2: High Tensions
Carla and David from Ypenburg opt for a mediation clause in disputes. Contact: every other weekend + Wednesdays. Costs shared via joint account, with reference to Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
These examples illustrate customized solutions that prevent typical Den Haag issues.
Rights and Obligations under the Parenting Plan
Rights:
- Input in upbringing under joint custody;
- Access to school and healthcare information;
- Request for modification at the District Court Den Haag (Art. 1:253a DCC).
Obligations:
- Put the child first;
- Comply with arrangements;
- Keep the child out of conflicts;
- Pay child support (punishable if in arrears).
Violations may result in fines or custody adjustments via the local court.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parenting Plans in Den Haag
Mandatory for every divorce in Den Haag?
No, only with minors and joint custody. In sole custody, a contact arrangement suffices, but consult Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
No agreement? What then?
The District Court Den Haag offers a chance to amend or involves an expert (e.g., Child Care and Protection Board). Local mediation services often help.
Can the plan be changed?
Yes, in case of changes (relocation in Den Haag, job change) via a request to the court (Art. 1:253a DCC). Always in writing.
Costs of drafting in Den Haag?
Mediation €500-€1500; lawyer €1000-€3000. Subsidies via legal aid or allowances from the Municipality of Den Haag.
Tips for a Successful Parenting Plan in Den Haag
For a strong plan:
- Use mediation: Neutral support from Den Haag mediators;
- Free advice from Juridisch Loket Den Haag;
- Put the child first, with local school and sports arrangements;
- Flexible for Den Haag's dynamic lifestyle.