Child maintenance

Parents remain responsible for the costs of raising their children, also after a separation. Child maintenance makes sure those costs are shared fairly between both parents. In practice there is a lot of discussion about the amount, about which costs are included and about what happens when circumstances change.

How is child maintenance calculated?

The starting point is what the children cost, based on the income the family had before the separation. Then the ability of each parent to contribute is assessed. Finally the care arrangement is taken into account, because a parent who cares for the children part of the week already pays part of the costs directly.

Who pays for what?

Sports clubs, school trips, new shoes, a phone: practical questions often cause the most friction. We advise you to record clear agreements about this in the parenting plan, so that everyone knows where they stand.

• Daily living costs
• School and childcare costs
• Clubs, hobbies and holidays
• Clothing and medical costs

Changing child maintenance

If the income of one of the parents changes, or the care arrangement changes, child maintenance can be changed. A new partner of one of the parents can also affect the calculation. We look at whether a change makes sense in your situation.

Child maintenance after the age of 18

In many cases the obligation to contribute continues while a child is still in full-time education. The contribution is then often paid to the young adult directly. We are happy to explain what applies to you.