Paying Capacity for Maintenance in Delft
For residents of Delft, paying capacity for maintenance refers to the financial ability of the paying parent or ex-partner to contribute to spousal or child maintenance. In Dutch family law, assessed by the District Court of The Hague, the judge considers income, housing costs, and local living conditions. This ensures maintenance remains feasible, accounting for the high rents and study costs in Delft.
What does paying capacity for maintenance mean for Delft residents?
In family law, paying capacity is key to determining maintenance amounts. It evaluates whether someone can afford maintenance without compromising their own basic needs. This covers not only salary but also expenses like rent in Delft (often €900-€1,200), healthcare, transport, and debts. For both spousal and child maintenance, a 'reasonable subsistence minimum' must remain, based on NIBUD standards.
Paying capacity is calculated by subtracting expenses from net income. If it is too low, the court reduces or sets the maintenance to nil. This article explains the process, including reference to setting maintenance to nil when payment is impossible. Delft residents can get personal guidance from the Juridisch Loket Delft.
Legal rules on paying capacity in the Delft region
The foundation is in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). For spousal maintenance (Article 1:157 DCC), Article 1:160 DCC weighs the paying party's capacity: maintenance may not exceed what is reasonably affordable. For child maintenance (Article 1:404 DCC), Article 1:407 DCC divides child costs according to both parents' capacity.
The Supreme Court (e.g., ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234) views paying capacity as flexible and revisable upon changes. The Judicial Organisation Act governs indexation, with equity under Article 1:158 DCC. Since January 1, 2023, the Child Maintenance Recalibration Act simplifies the method, using standard living costs relevant for Delft renters.
How to calculate paying capacity in Delft?
Courts like The Hague use the 'Tremar report' or Raad voor de Rechtspraak software. Steps:
- Determine net income: Salary, benefits minus taxes.
- Subtract expenses: Delft rent/mortgage, healthcare, bike/public transport, and NIBUD living costs.
- Estimate child contribution: Standard amount per child based on age and income.
- Establish surplus capacity: Remainder after minimum (approx. €1,200 net for a single person in 2023).
For couples, own family and assets over €10,000 count as income. The Municipality of Delft offers budget support for debts in some cases.
Comparison: spousal vs. child maintenance
| Aspect | Spousal maintenance | Child maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal article | 1:157-1:160 DCC | 1:404-1:407 DCC |
| Priority | After child maintenance | Highest priority |
| Paying capacity threshold | Reasonable subsistence minimum | Pro rata division |
| Revision | On co-parenting or remarriage | On income changes |
Examples of paying capacity for Delft residents
A divorced father in Delft with €3,000 net income, two children (ages 10 and 12), and €1,600 expenses (rent €950 near the center, public transport €250). Mother earns €2,000. He contributes €550, she €450. On job loss reducing income to €2,000, he requests revision at the District Court of The Hague, potentially resulting in nil.
For spousal maintenance: Ex-husband with €4,000 net, €2,300 expenses can pay €750. Remarriage and a new child in Delft reduces it to €450 due to higher costs.
Rights and obligations regarding paying capacity in Delft
The paying party may have their capacity assessed and request changes (Article 1:160(2) DCC), but must disclose finances—failure incurs penalties. The recipient gets reasonable support but must seek income themselves.
Both parties must report changes within three months and cooperate.
- Revision right: On income changes.
- Payment obligation: Until revised.
- Indexation right: Annual adjustment.
Seek help from Juridisch Loket Delft or the District Court of The Hague for Delft matters.
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.