Trema standards maintenance in The Hague: how is the maintenance contribution calculated?
The Trema standards form the standard in the Netherlands, including The Hague, for calculating maintenance (maintenance contribution) in divorces or after the termination of cohabitation. They ensure a fair distribution of costs based on incomes, care percentages, and personal circumstances. In the District Court The Hague, these standards are frequently applied. Visit the District Court The Hague at Prins Clauslaan 60 for hearings or advice.
What are the Trema standards in The Hague?
The Trema standards are government guidelines for maintenance calculations, laid down in the Maintenance Act (art. 1:270-1:285 CC). They are updated via the Trema scheme and used by judges in The Hague to set objective amounts. This prevents disputes.
Applicable to:
- Child maintenance (parents-children).
- Partner maintenance (ex-partners).
- Adult children with care needs.
Factors:
- Net incomes of both parties.
- Care time for children.
- Living circumstances such as health and housing.
For free advice: Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Legal basis Trema standards
No separate act, but ministerial guideline based on:
- Art. 1:270 CC: Maintenance obligation of parents.
- Art. 1:272 CC: Amount based on income and need.
- Art. 1:274 CC: Partner maintenance in case of dependency.
Judges in District Court The Hague (Prins Clauslaan 60) apply these standards, updated annually by the Ministry of Justice. Not binding, but standard. Deviating agreements must be reasonable.
Calculation Trema standards: step-by-step plan
Step-by-step method for child and partner maintenance.
1. Determine net income
From gross to available income:
- Gross salary, benefit or pension.
- Minus taxes and premiums.
- Minus standard living and housing costs (rent, food, etc.).
Example: €4,000 gross becomes €2,500 available after deductions.
2. Care division
Examine who provides how much care:
- 50/50 care: Equal division.
- Majority (>35%): Lower payment.
- Primary caregiver: Highest amount.
3. Capacity to pay and need
Compare available incomes and divide the difference. Use online calculation tools or consult the Legal Aid Office The Hague.
4. Adjustments
For special costs such as school or medical care. Annual indexation follows inflation.
Maintenance in The Hague: local help
- District Court The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60 – for proceedings.
- Legal Aid Office: Lutherse Burgwal 10 – free intake.
Tools: Court Calculation Tool.
Change maintenance?
Significant change? Request modification at the District Court The Hague.