In Amsterdam, the parental maintenance obligation ends automatically at the age of 21, but local young people must know the exceptions. Article 1:395a of the Dutch Civil Code provides for continuation in case of study delay, for example due to the high pressure on studies at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) or Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA).
Automatic lapse in Amsterdam cases
Without intervention by the Rechtbank Amsterdam, the obligation stops on the 21st birthday. Parents from neighbourhoods such as De Pijp or Oud-Zuid no longer need to contribute, unless an ongoing judgment by the Amsterdam family court judge provides otherwise.
Exceptions for Amsterdammers
In cases of illness, disability or unforeseen study delay – think of delay due to housing shortage or the flourishing Amsterdam art scene – the court may extend the obligation. In shared parenting situations, which are common in diverse Amsterdam families, this applies equally to both parents. The Rechtbank Amsterdam handles many such cases due to the young population.
Transition to partner maintenance in the city
After 21 years, a young adult in Amsterdam can claim partner maintenance if cohabiting with a studying partner, for example in a canal house or student accommodation. This requires a petition with proof of joint need, filed with the Amsterdam court.
Practice example: The Rechtbank Amsterdam extended the parental contribution to 23 years in a recent case due to corona-related delay at the HvA, with €350 monthly taking into account the high cost of living in Amsterdam. Advice: file disputes in time with the family court judge at the Palace of Justice on the Prinsengracht to secure payments.