Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, wage garnishment for maintenance is a powerful legal tool to enforce overdue maintenance payments. A bailiff withholds a portion of the debtor's salary, ensuring the entitled party – often an ex-partner from the city – receives what they are owed. This family law remedy takes priority over other garnishments and is ideal when voluntary payments are not forthcoming.
Why Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam experiences many divorces, often involving child maintenance or spousal maintenance. When the ex-partner fails to pay, it creates financial hardship for the custodial parent. Wage garnishment directly accesses the income source for prompt payment. Maintenance constitutes a priority debt, superseding loans or regular bills. The National Service for the Collection of Maintenance Contributions (LBIO) provides frequent assistance, especially for child support involving Amsterdam residents.
Legal Basis
The procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (Rv), Articles 475a to 475n. Article 475d Rv covers wage garnishment, with maintenance priority under Article 475e Rv. The Maintenance provisions (Civil Code Book 1:404 et seq.) establish the obligation. An enforcement order is obtained from the District Court of Amsterdam (Art. 430 Rv). LBIO collection is expedited by the Act on Advance Payment and Forfeiture of Maintenance Contributions. Garnishment complies with the Wage Garnishment Act, incorporating a garnishment-free amount and maximum 50% withholding.
How Does Wage Garnishment Work in Amsterdam?
The process is structured and efficient for Amsterdam residents:
- Establishment: Maintenance set by District Court of Amsterdam judgment or agreement.
- Report Non-Payment: To LBIO or bailiff; LBIO assumes child maintenance collection.
- Enforcement Order: Apply at the District Court of Amsterdam.
- Levy Garnishment: Bailiff notifies employer to withhold funds.
- Execution: Withholding above the garnishment-free amount, based on income and Amsterdam living costs.
- Termination: Upon repayment or changed circumstances.
From enforcement order to garnishment commencement: 4-8 weeks, faster via LBIO. Consult the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for guidance.
Rights and Obligations in Amsterdam
Entitled parties may engage LBIO free of charge for priority collection. Debtors must report income changes but may object at the District Court of Amsterdam (Art. 438 Rv). The garnishment-free amount (e.g., €1,342 net for singles in 2023) protects basic needs. Employers must comply immediately, without charging the employee.
Practice in Amsterdam
Example: Amsterdam resident Karel divorces Lisa; he owes €500 in child maintenance. After three months' arrears (€1,500), Lisa engages LBIO. Garnishment on Karel's €2,500 gross salary: €300 monthly withheld after €1,200 garnishment-free amount.
Another case: For spousal maintenance, Sophie secures an enforcement order from the District Court of Amsterdam to garnish ex-partner Piet's salary. Her claim takes priority, pausing his loan garnishment.
Differences with Other Garnishments
Maintenance garnishment takes precedence over regular debt garnishment:
| Aspect | Maintenance Garnishment | Regular Garnishment |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Highest (Art. 475e Rv) | Lower |
| Collection | LBIO or bailiff | Bailiff |
| Max. Withholding | 50% above garnishment-free amount | 1/3-1/5 |
| Costs | Free via LBIO | Charged to debtor |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.