{"id":24926,"date":"2024-08-25T13:11:49","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T12:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/alimony\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T14:00:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T13:00:59","slug":"alimony","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/","title":{"rendered":"Alimony"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#What_is_alimony\" >What is alimony?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#Is_a_parent_obliged_to_pay_alimony\" >Is a parent obliged to pay alimony?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#What_types_of_alimony_are_there\" >What types of alimony are there?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#How_much_alimony_do_I_have_to_pay\" >How much alimony do I have to pay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#How_long_does_the_alimony_obligation_last\" >How long does the alimony obligation last?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#Modifying_or_terminating_alimony\" >Modifying or terminating alimony<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#How_is_alimony_arranged_consultation_mediation_or_court\" >How is alimony arranged: consultation, mediation, or court?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#The_role_of_a_lawyer_in_alimony_matters\" >The role of a lawyer in alimony matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#Practical_examples\" >Practical examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alimony is a legal maintenance obligation where one partner contributes financially to the living expenses of the other partner or the children after divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Child support is a contribution toward the costs of care and upbringing of children after divorce. Both parents are always liable for maintenance according to their financial capacity (Art. 1:404 Dutch Civil Code).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spousal maintenance is a contribution to the living expenses of an ex-partner who has insufficient income of their own. The maximum duration is five years in many cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The amount is determined based on need, financial capacity, and the division of care for children (Trema standards\/LOVF guidelines).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Established amounts are automatically increased on January 1st by the statutory indexation: in 2026, this is 4.6%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When circumstances change significantly, an existing alimony arrangement can be modified through the court or by mutual agreement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_alimony\"><\/span>What is alimony?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alimony is the legal obligation to contribute financially to the maintenance of a former partner or children after a divorce. There are two forms: <strong>child support<\/strong> (costs of care and upbringing) and <strong>spousal maintenance<\/strong> (maintenance of the former partner). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount depends on two factors: the need of the recipient and the financial capacity of the payer. This principle is laid down in Art. 1:397 Dutch Civil Code. For children, it additionally applies that both parents are always liable for maintenance according to their capacity, even after divorce (Art. 1:404 Dutch Civil Code).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Established alimony amounts are automatically increased on January 1st by the statutory indexation (Art. 1:402a Dutch Civil Code). In 2025, the indexation was 6.5%; in 2026, it is 4.6%. You can read more about the consequences for children on the page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce\/kinderen\/\">divorcing with children<\/a>.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_parent_obliged_to_pay_alimony\"><\/span>Is a parent obliged to pay alimony?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Een ouder is wettelijk verplicht bij te dragen aan de kosten van verzorging en opvoeding van zijn of haar kinderen. Deze verplichting geldt voor beide ouders, ongeacht of zij ooit getrouwd zijn geweest of hebben samengewoond (art. 1:404 BW). De hoogte van de bijdrage kan wel verschillen, afhankelijk van draagkracht en zorgverdeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no automatic obligation for spousal maintenance. The court assesses whether an obligation arises based on the financial position of both partners. When one partner has insufficient personal income after the divorce to provide for their own maintenance independently, a maintenance obligation can be established.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a parent liable for maintenance fails to pay, the recipient can engage the Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO) for the collection of <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support\/\">child support<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_types_of_alimony_are_there\"><\/span>What types of alimony are there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Child support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Child support is the contribution of a parent toward the costs of care and upbringing of children after a divorce. The calculation follows the Trema standards (LOVF guidelines) and proceeds in three steps: determining the child&#8217;s need, calculating the financial capacity of both parents, and applying the care discount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>need<\/strong> is determined based on the former net family income and the number of children. The NIBUD tables provide the corresponding amounts per income and family category. The <strong>financial capacity<\/strong> indicates what a parent can afford to pay, taking into account income and fixed expenses. The <strong>care discount<\/strong> is 15%, 25%, or 35%, depending on how much care a parent provides (at least 25% of the time).   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maintenance obligation continues until the child is 18 years old. If your child is studying or does not yet have an independent income after their eighteenth birthday, you may remain obliged to contribute until age 21 (Art. 1:395a Dutch Civil Code). More information is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support\/\">child support<\/a> page.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spousal support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal maintenance is a contribution toward the maintenance of a former partner who has insufficient personal income after the divorce. Since January 1, 2020, the Spousal Maintenance Revision Act has been in effect: the maximum duration is in many cases equal to half the duration of the marriage, with a maximum of five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are exceptions. When the marriage lasted longer than 15 years <strong>and<\/strong> the person entitled to alimony reaches the state pension (AOW) age within 10 years, the alimony continues until the state pension age. If there are minor children, the alimony continues until the youngest child turns 12. These exceptions are set out in Art. 1:157 paragraphs 3 to 6 Dutch Civil Code.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More information, including calculation and duration, can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/spousal-maintenance\/\">spousal maintenance<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_alimony_do_I_have_to_pay\"><\/span>How much alimony do I have to pay?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of alimony is not the same for everyone: the amount always results from a calculation based on need and financial capacity. Judges use the Trema standards (LOVF guidelines) for this, which are republished every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>child support<\/strong>, the NIBUD tables determine the child&#8217;s need based on the former net family income. A family with a net monthly income of \u20ac4,000 and two children typically calculates with a joint need of approximately \u20ac900\u2013\u20ac1,100 per month, divided according to financial capacity. This is a general indication; the outcome in your situation may be higher or lower. For <strong>spousal maintenance<\/strong>, the standard of living during the marriage is considered, alongside the income and fixed expenses of both partners.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases of fluctuating income, self-employment, or international situations, calculating alimony becomes more complex. In such instances, ensure a calculation is prepared by a specialized lawyer before finalizing any agreements. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_the_alimony_obligation_last\"><\/span>How long does the alimony obligation last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The duration of alimony varies by type. Child support generally runs until the child is 18 years old and can continue until 21 if the child is studying or does not yet have an independent income (Art. 1:395a Dutch Civil Code). Spousal maintenance has a statutory maximum of five years in most cases, with the exceptions described under spousal maintenance above.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Established amounts do not remain static: they are indexed every year on January 1st. In 2026, the statutory indexation is 4.6%; in 2025, it was 6.5%. If you take no action, the amount increases automatically. You can read more about the annual adjustment on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/familierecht\/alimentatie\/indexering\/\">alimony indexation<\/a> page.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modifying_or_terminating_alimony\"><\/span>Modifying or terminating alimony<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An established alimony amount can be modified when circumstances have changed significantly. This applies both shortly after the divorce and years later. The law refers to a &#8216;change of circumstances&#8217; (Art. 1:401 Dutch Civil Code). Common grounds include:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>loss of employment or a significant drop in income for the payer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a significant increase in income for the payer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>change in the care arrangement for children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a new family situation or remarriage of the recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reaching the maximum duration for spousal maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When partners are unable to reach new agreements together, the court can be requested to redetermine the alimony. More information can be found on the pages <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/familierecht\/alimentatie\/wijzigen\/\">modifying alimony<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/familierecht\/alimentatie\/kinderalimentatie\/wijzigen\/\">modifying child alimony<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_alimony_arranged_consultation_mediation_or_court\"><\/span>How is alimony arranged: consultation, mediation, or court?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alimony can be arranged in three ways, depending on the extent to which partners can reach agreements together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Agreements through mutual consultation.<\/strong> Partners record the agreements they have made in a divorce settlement agreement or parenting plan. This is the most direct route and avoids legal proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mediation.<\/strong> A mediator helps partners reach agreements on maintenance, the division of care, and assets. Mediation can prevent legal proceedings and gives both partners more control over the outcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal proceedings at the court.<\/strong> If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court can determine the maintenance. A petition is filed, the other party may file a defense, and the judge makes a decision following a hearing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Which route is most appropriate depends, among other things, on your mutual communication, financial complexity, and any international aspects. You can read more about applying for alimony on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/aanvragen\/\">applying for alimony<\/a> page. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_role_of_a_lawyer_in_alimony_matters\"><\/span>The role of a lawyer in alimony matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alimony is usually discussed as part of the financial settlement of a divorce. Multiple factors often play a role simultaneously: income, housing costs, division of care, and sometimes a business structure or international situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> can assist with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>assessing the financial situation of both partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>preparing an alimony calculation based on the Trema standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recording agreements in a divorce settlement or parenting plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>guiding negotiations or a mediation process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conducting legal proceedings at the court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessing international jurisdiction and applicable law in cross-border situations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already have an alimony arrangement but doubt whether it still fits your current situation, we would be happy to discuss this with you in an <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/advice\/\">advisory meeting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_examples\"><\/span>Practical examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modification for entrepreneurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central question was whether an established child support amount could be revised after the paying parent had started a sole proprietorship and his income had consequently become less predictable. For entrepreneurs, the court does not determine financial capacity solely based on current income, but also looks at the average profit over several years and whether there is a realistic business result.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We mapped out the financial structure, assessed the annual accounts over the relevant period, and prepared a revision calculation based on the Trema standards. The findings were subsequently introduced into a consultation procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central question was which law applied to spousal maintenance after a divorce where one partner lived in the Netherlands and the other partner had moved to another EU member state. Under the EU Maintenance Regulation (No. 4\/2009) and the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol, the applicable law in these types of situations is determined by the habitual residence of the maintenance creditor, unless a choice of law has been made.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We determined which court had jurisdiction and which law applied, so that the client knew on what basis the calculation would take place and which procedure was most appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modification years after divorce due to new family situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central question was whether spousal maintenance could be reduced after the paying parent had started a new family and thereby entered into additional maintenance obligations. A new family situation can constitute a change of circumstances under Art. 1:401 Dutch Civil Code, but the court also weighs the interest of the existing alimony obligations. We re-mapped the financial capacity, including the relationship between the existing and new maintenance obligations, and assessed which route was most appropriate.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Content verified by the team at <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/\">Simmelink Lawyers<\/a>, specialized in family law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Simmelink Lawyers, you work with lawyers specialized in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. We work intensively together on solutions that are legally sound and do personal justice to your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<p>Do you have questions about alimony in your divorce? We would be happy to think along with you in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simmelink.nl\/werkwijze\/advies\/\">consultation<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you exploring your options regarding alimony but do not yet have an active file? Read more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">consultation<\/a> at Simmelink Lawyers. It is an accessible first step to discuss your situation.  <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Do I always have to pay alimony after a divorce?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">No. Whether an alimony obligation exists depends on the circumstances. For children, a maintenance obligation almost always applies, but the amount can vary greatly depending on financial capacity and the division of care. For spousal maintenance, the court assesses whether an obligation arises based on the financial position of both partners.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2712f11d gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-17f3fa07 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-17f3fa07\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How much alimony do I have to pay?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-061dc4a6\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-061dc4a6\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-98660516 gb-headline-text\">The amount of alimony always follows from a calculation based on the Trema standards (LOVF guidelines). For child support, the NIBUD tables and the former net family income are the starting points. For spousal maintenance, the standard of living during the marriage and the financial capacity of both partners play a role. The final contribution always depends on your specific income, expenses, and family situation; a customized calculation provides clarity.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-88866d7b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1365ae94 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1365ae94\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How long does spousal maintenance last?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-433b3ebd\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-433b3ebd\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d0db8993 gb-headline-text\">In many cases, a maximum duration of five years applies (half the duration of the marriage). There are statutory exceptions, including for a long marriage in combination with approaching the state pension age, or when there are minor children. This main rule and the exceptions are laid down in Art. 1:157 Dutch Civil Code. The exact duration depends on the specific circumstances of the case.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7afb061f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-f5653bff gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-f5653bff\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can alimony be modified?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-e59cd61c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e59cd61c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e246ca56 gb-headline-text\">Yes. When circumstances have changed significantly, alimony can be re-established (Art. 1:401 Dutch Civil Code). This means that the situation has demonstrably changed compared to the previous agreements, for example due to job loss, a different care arrangement, or a new marriage. This can be done through mutual consultation or via the court. More information is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/familierecht\/alimentatie\/wijzigen\/\">modifying alimony<\/a> page.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-10f01657 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-f4919907 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-f4919907\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Does alimony also apply in international situations?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-90cf0b29\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-90cf0b29\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-841d47bf gb-headline-text\">In international situations, questions may arise regarding which court has jurisdiction and which law is applicable. This depends, among other things, on the place of residence of the parties, their nationality, and international regulations such as the EU Maintenance Regulation (No. 4\/2009) and the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol. In an international situation, a customized approach is required: a lawyer assesses per case which court has jurisdiction and which law applies.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<p>Do you have a question about alimony? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simmelink.nl\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> and discuss your situation with one of our lawyers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief Alimony is a legal maintenance obligation where one partner contributes financially to the living expenses of the other partner or the children after divorce. What is alimony? Alimony is the legal obligation to contribute financially to the maintenance of a former partner or children after a divorce. There are two &#8230; <a title=\"Alimony\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Alimony\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19097,"parent":24947,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-24926","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24926"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37075,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24926\/revisions\/37075"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24947"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}