Partner maintenance is a logical follow-up to the parental maintenance obligation, especially for studying couples in Delft, where many young people study at TU Delft. Article 1:157 DCC regulates contributions between partners in a joint household, taking into account the high study costs in this student city.
Conditions in Delft
Both partners must be studying or have a gap in income, for example due to a master's at TU Delft or an internship at local tech companies. The maintenance obligation applies until 1 year after the last study, taking into account Delft's rental prices of around €800-€1200 for a student room.
Calculation
Based on capacity to pay and need, often 50/50 with equal income. Rent in neighborhoods like the Hof van Delft, study books for technical programs and living expenses at the market on the Markt are taken into account. A realistic amount: €450-€600 per month.
Difference with child maintenance
In contrast to the 18-21 obligation, partner maintenance does not end at a fixed age, but upon self-sufficiency. Judges at the District Court of The Hague, which handles Delft, scrutinize more strictly for cohabiting couples in student housing.
Example: A working partner at a Delft startup pays €450 to the studying TU Delft student, adjusted upon job change or graduation. Divorce? Maintenance continues until the end of studies, even at the busy faculties in the city center.