Capacity to Pay Maintenance in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, capacity to pay maintenance refers to the financial capacity of the paying parent or ex-partner to cover spousal or child maintenance. The Amsterdam District Court assesses this based on income, high housing costs, and local living conditions to ensure maintenance remains affordable for Amsterdam residents.
What does capacity to pay mean for maintenance in Amsterdam?
Within Dutch family law, as applied by the Amsterdam District Court, capacity to pay is key to determining maintenance amounts. It assesses whether someone can afford maintenance without facing financial hardship, factoring in Amsterdam-specific realities like sky-high rents and daily living expenses. Capacity to pay is calculated as net income minus fixed costs, debts, and a 'reasonable subsistence minimum' based on NIBUD standards. For Amsterdam residents with spousal or child maintenance, this creates a balanced arrangement. If capacity to pay is insufficient, the Amsterdam District Court may reduce maintenance or set it to nil. Contact the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for personal advice; see also setting maintenance to nil.
Legal rules for capacity to pay at the Amsterdam District Court
The foundation is Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). For spousal maintenance (article 1:157 DCC), article 1:160 DCC accounts for capacity to pay: maintenance must not exceed what is reasonably necessary. For child maintenance (articles 1:404 and 1:407 DCC), parents share costs proportionate to their capacity to pay. Supreme Court rulings, such as ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234, highlight that capacity to pay is dynamic and subject to review upon changes. Since January 1, 2023, the Child Maintenance Recalibration Act simplifies calculations, emphasizing standard costs—particularly relevant for Amsterdam residents facing high mortgage or rental pressures through the Municipality of Amsterdam.
How does the Amsterdam District Court calculate capacity to pay?
The Amsterdam District Court applies standards like the Tremarapportage or Council for the Judiciary software. Steps:
- Determine net income: Salary, benefits minus taxes.
- Deduct fixed costs: High Amsterdam rents (often €1,200+), healthcare, public transport, and NIBUD living expenses.
- Estimate child contribution: Standard amount per child based on age and income.
- Establish remaining capacity: After deducting the minimum subsistence level (approx. €1,200 net for singles in 2023).
For partners, new relationships factor in; savings over €10,000 may count as income. In Amsterdam, urban living costs carry significant weight.
Comparison: Spousal vs. Child Maintenance
| Aspect | Spousal Maintenance | Child Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Article | 1:157-1:160 DCC | 1:404-1:407 DCC |
| Priority | After children | Primary |
| Capacity Threshold | Subsistence minimum | Pro rata |
| Review | Upon new partner | Upon job change |
Examples of capacity to pay for Amsterdam residents
A divorced Amsterdam father earning €3,000 net, with two children (ages 10/12) and €1,800 in expenses (rent €1,200 in De Pijp, bike/public transport €250). Mother earns €2,000. He contributes €550, she €450. After job loss dropping his income to €2,000, he requests a review at the Amsterdam District Court: his contribution decreases.
For spousal maintenance: Ex-husband with €4,000 net and €2,500 expenses (mortgage in Amsterdam-South). He pays €700, but after remarriage and a new child, it is reduced to €350 due to lower capacity to pay.
Rights and obligations regarding capacity to pay in Amsterdam
The paying party can request changes at the Amsterdam District Court (article 1:160(2) DCC) but must fully disclose finances—failure to do so incurs penalties. Recipients must pursue their own income. Report changes within three months. Assistance is available via the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office or Municipality of Amsterdam.
- Right to review: Upon income changes.
- Payment obligation: Until modified.
- Indexation: Annually based on inflation.
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.