{"id":36848,"date":"2026-04-01T19:44:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T18:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T13:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:43:41","slug":"calculate-spousal-alimony","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/","title":{"rendered":"Calculating spousal maintenance"},"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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#What_is_spousal_maintenance_and_when_are_you_obliged_to_pay\" >What is spousal maintenance and when are you obliged to pay?<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#How_is_spousal_maintenance_calculated_The_two-step_model\" >How is spousal maintenance calculated? The two-step model<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#What_are_the_Trema_standards_and_how_does_the_court_use_them\" >What are the Trema standards and how does the court use them?<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Equalization_of_disposable_income_when_does_this_apply_to_your_situation\" >Equalization of disposable income: when does this apply to your situation?<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#How_long_does_the_maintenance_obligation_last\" >How long does the maintenance 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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Special_situations_affecting_the_calculation\" >Special situations affecting the calculation<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Case_Example\" >Case Example<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#When_can_you_request_a_recalculation\" >When can you request a recalculation?<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Tax_consequences_of_spousal_maintenance\" >Tax consequences of spousal maintenance<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Settlement_agreement_or_court_order_what_is_the_difference\" >Settlement agreement or court order: what is the difference?<\/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\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#How_do_you_calculate_an_indication_yourself\" >How do you calculate an indication yourself?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-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-13\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/#Do_you_want_to_know_where_you_stand_as_a_payer_or_recipient\" >Do you want to know where you stand as a payer or recipient?<\/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<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spousal maintenance is a periodic contribution toward the living costs of an ex-partner who cannot independently provide for their own income after the divorce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The court calculates the amount based on two criteria: the recipient&#8217;s need and the payer&#8217;s capacity; the lower of the two is decisive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lawyers and courts use the Trema standards (LOVF guidelines) as a calculation method; for a current calculation, always check whether the most recent version of the Maintenance Standards report from the Maintenance Standards Expert Group is being applied; the 2023 version introduced a fixed housing budget of 30% and an adjusted equalization of disposable income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For marriages dissolved after January 1, 2020, the general rule is a maximum maintenance duration equal to half the duration of the marriage, with an absolute maximum of five years; only in legally defined exceptional situations can the duration extend to a maximum of twelve years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recalculation is possible in the event of changed circumstances based on Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code, even if maintenance has been established in a divorce settlement agreement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article provides general legal information and does not constitute individual advice.<\/em><\/p>\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_spousal_maintenance_and_when_are_you_obliged_to_pay\"><\/span>What is spousal maintenance and when are you obliged to pay?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal maintenance is only due if there was a marriage or registered partnership. Cohabiting partners have no legal maintenance obligation toward each other unless they have explicitly established this in a cohabitation agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maintenance obligation after divorce is regulated in <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/\">Article 1:157 of the Dutch Civil Code<\/a>. Whether maintenance is due depends on two conditions: the recipient has a demonstrable need, and the payer has the financial capacity. If both conditions are met, the court can determine the maintenance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this explanation, we assume Dutch law. The court also looks at the recipient&#8217;s own earning capacity. If someone is able to earn more but fails to do so, the court will in many cases take into account the income that could reasonably have been earned.  <\/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_spousal_maintenance_calculated_The_two-step_model\"><\/span>How is spousal maintenance calculated? The two-step model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The calculation of spousal maintenance proceeds in two steps: first, the recipient&#8217;s need is determined, then the payer&#8217;s capacity. The final maintenance amount is never higher than the lower of the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Determining the receiving partner&#8217;s need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The need is the amount the recipient requires to maintain the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage. This is not a subjective amount: in practice, judges use the &#8216;Hofnorm&#8217; (Court Standard) as a starting point, a calculation method that roughly determines the need based on family income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Hofnorm, the need is generally set at 60% of the joint net disposable family income in the final years of the marriage, after deducting the costs of the children. That percentage is higher than 50% because running two separate households is more expensive in total than one joint household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the recipient have their own income? If so, this is deducted from the calculated need. If the own income is equal to or higher than the calculated need, there is in principle no right to maintenance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the Hofnorm, the need can also be substantiated with a detailed list of requirements: an overview of all monthly expenses of the maintenance creditor. This approach allows for customization but requires careful substantiation and often leads to discussion about individual items in legal proceedings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Calculating the paying partner&#8217;s capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The capacity determines how much the payer can afford after deducting fixed costs. The starting point is the net disposable income, minus the &#8216;capacity-free&#8217; income: the social assistance standard plus fixed costs for housing, healthcare, and work-related expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the 2023 Trema standards, a fixed housing budget of 30% of the net income is used for housing costs instead of actual housing costs. In some cases, this can lead to a higher or lower capacity than one based on actual rent or mortgage payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are children, child support takes precedence over spousal maintenance. The capacity is first allocated to child support; only any remaining space becomes available for spousal maintenance. <\/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_are_the_Trema_standards_and_how_does_the_court_use_them\"><\/span>What are the Trema standards and how does the court use them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Trema standards are guidelines from the Judiciary&#8217;s Maintenance Standards Expert Group, drawn up within the framework of the National Consultation on Family Law (LOVF). Courts and lawyers throughout the Netherlands use these standards as the calculation method for maintenance calculations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Trema standards are not law, but recommendations from the Maintenance Standards Expert Group that are widely followed by judges and lawyers in practice. Deviation is possible if the facts of a specific case warrant it, but must be explicitly justified by the judge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Important changes in the 2023 Trema standards include: (1) the introduction of the 30% fixed housing budget for both partners, (2) an adjustment to the equalization of disposable income where special costs for children are also included.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Equalization_of_disposable_income_when_does_this_apply_to_your_situation\"><\/span>Equalization of disposable income: when does this apply to your situation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The equalization of disposable income (&#8216;jusvergelijking&#8217;) is a check calculation that prevents the recipient of maintenance from having more net disposable income than the payer. The term &#8216;jus&#8217; refers to the free spending room remaining after all fixed costs have been met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the calculation shows that the recipient has more free room than the payer after the maintenance contribution, the maintenance amount is reduced to the point where both ex-partners have equal free room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The equalization of disposable income particularly plays a role in situations with relatively high capacity and limited need, or when the recipient has their own income. In more complex situations, such as DGA income or significant assets, this equalization can have a significant influence on the final amount. Example: if the payer has 600 euros of free room left after maintenance and the recipient has 750 euros after receipt, the maintenance amount is reduced until both ex-partners reach 675 euros of free room. The goal is to prevent the maintenance creditor from having more free spending room than the maintenance debtor after payment.   <\/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_maintenance_obligation_last\"><\/span>How long does the maintenance obligation last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the Spousal Maintenance Revision Act (Stb. 2019\/475), the general rule is that spousal maintenance lasts for a maximum of half the duration of the marriage, with an absolute maximum of five years. Only in a number of legally defined exceptional situations can the duration extend to a maximum of twelve years. For marriages dissolved before January 1, 2020, the maximum term of twelve years was the general rule.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marriages dissolved after January 1, 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The general rule is: a maximum of half the duration of the marriage, with an absolute maximum of five years. In three legally defined exceptional situations, the duration can extend to a maximum of twelve years: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Children under twelve: the maintenance obligation continues until the youngest child turns twelve, with a maximum of twelve years in total.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term marriage with an older maintenance creditor: in a marriage of fifteen years or longer where the recipient was born before January 1, 1970, maintenance can continue until the state pension (AOW) age, with a maximum of twelve years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transitional and special situations: the law includes additional exceptions for specific circumstances that the court assesses on a case-by-case basis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the maintenance obligation always ends if the recipient remarries, enters into a registered partnership, or starts cohabiting as if they were married, pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/\">Article 1:160 of the Dutch Civil Code<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marriages dissolved before January 1, 2020<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For marriages dissolved before January 1, 2020, the maximum term of twelve years applies under the old legislation. Extension was possible in that situation via a court petition. In practice, many of these situations are now eligible for revision if circumstances have changed.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_situations_affecting_the_calculation\"><\/span>Special situations affecting the calculation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DGA, own business, or freelancer (ZZP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone who must pay maintenance as a director-major shareholder (DGA) or freelancer (ZZP) faces a more complex income determination. A DGA&#8217;s income consists not only of salary but also of dividend payments, company cars, bonuses, and pension accrual under own management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of a DGA, judges look at the total financial benefit the shareholder enjoys from their BV, including amounts settled through the company. In practice, this leads to discussion about which income concept forms the basis for the capacity calculation. In these types of cases, lawyers often work with an accountant or financial expert to reconstruct the relevant income.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blended family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A blended family reduces the capacity for spousal maintenance because the judge weighs all of the payer&#8217;s maintenance obligations against each other. The Trema standards use a fixed order of priority: child support takes precedence over spousal maintenance. Child support for children from a new relationship therefore competes directly with the existing spousal maintenance obligation. The costs of new children are first deducted from the available capacity; only what remains becomes available for spousal maintenance.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International situations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If one of the ex-partners resides abroad, or if the divorce took place abroad, Dutch maintenance law does not automatically apply. Which court has jurisdiction and which law applies is determined by European maintenance regulations and the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol. It should be noted that even if one of the parties lives abroad, the Dutch court may still have jurisdiction in many cases; however, this is a matter of customization for which legal advice is required.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more information about the international aspects of divorce on our page about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international divorce<\/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=\"Case_Example\"><\/span>Case Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DGA income and the basis for capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central legal question was whether dividends and retained earnings from an IT company counted as income for the capacity calculation. The paying partner paid himself a relatively low DGA salary, while the company structurally made a profit and built up extensive reserves. Based on the Trema standards, we mapped out the total economic benefit the shareholder actually enjoyed from his BV to create a realistic capacity calculation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recalculation after income change for the payer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal question was whether a significant drop in income due to forced redundancy constituted a relevant change in circumstances within the meaning of Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code, justifying a recalculation of the established spousal maintenance. The established maintenance was based on a management position that the payer no longer held; his current income was well below the income on which the original capacity calculation was based. We analyzed whether the income drop had occurred through no fault of the payer and what consequences this had for the capacity under the Trema standards.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blended family and competing maintenance obligations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The question was how the capacity should be divided now that the paying partner had children from a new relationship, in addition to the ongoing spousal maintenance obligation toward his ex-wife. Under the Trema standards, child support for children from the new relationship takes precedence over spousal maintenance, reducing the available space for the ex-wife. We mapped out all maintenance obligations and examined the order in which priorities were applied during the recalculation of the maintenance amount.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>These examples have been anonymized and are based on multiple cases from our practice. No conclusions can be drawn regarding outcomes in individual cases. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_can_you_request_a_recalculation\"><\/span>When can you request a recalculation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Established spousal maintenance is not unchangeable. Based on <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/\">Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code<\/a>, a recalculation can be requested if circumstances have changed such that the established contribution no longer meets legal standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Relevant changes include: a significant change in the income of either party, the recipient starting to cohabit, remarriage, termination of employment, or a substantial change in housing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note: if a non-modification clause is included in the settlement agreement, recalculation via the court is only possible in exceptional cases. The court is cautious with such a clause but can still intervene in the event of drastic circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more information on our page about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change-spousal-maintenance\/\">changing spousal maintenance<\/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=\"Tax_consequences_of_spousal_maintenance\"><\/span>Tax consequences of spousal maintenance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal maintenance has tax consequences for both parties. The recipient pays income tax on the maintenance received. The payer can deduct the paid maintenance as a personal deduction in Box 1.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For agreements made before January 1, 2020, the deductibility of paid spousal maintenance has been phased out in recent years to the low rate in Box 1. In 2026, paid spousal maintenance for higher incomes will still be deductible at a maximum of approximately 37.5%. As a result, a maintenance amount that has remained the same on paper may have started to cost the payer more in net terms. A recalculation may be useful in that case.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For current percentages, consult the information from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belastingdienst.nl\/wps\/wcm\/connect\/bldcontentnl\/belastingdienst\/prive\/relatie_familie_en_gezondheid\/relatie\/scheiden\/alimentatie\/\">Tax Authorities regarding maintenance<\/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=\"Settlement_agreement_or_court_order_what_is_the_difference\"><\/span>Settlement agreement or court order: what is the difference?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal maintenance can be established in a divorce settlement agreement that is included by the judge in the order, or established directly by the judge through a legal procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A settlement agreement without judicial ratification has limited legal force. If your ex-partner fails to comply with the agreements, you have no direct means of enforcement without an order and will be dependent on a new procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A court order provides the possibility to involve the LBIO (Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen) for collection in the event of non-payment. This is an important practical difference that deserves attention when recording 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_do_you_calculate_an_indication_yourself\"><\/span>How do you calculate an indication yourself?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Online calculation tools such as the tool on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.berekenhet.nl\/gezin-en-relatie\/partneralimentatie.html\">berekenhet.nl<\/a> or the calculation via the <a href=\"https:\/\/lbio.nl\/berekenen-partneralimentatie\/\">LBIO<\/a> provide an indication based on the Trema standards. Online calculation tools simplify the calculation and do not always fully take into account all income, expenses, and special circumstances in your situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An official calculation is always based on the gross method and is performed using specialized calculation software. Courts work with the same software. A self-calculated indication provides a direction, but negotiations and procedures are always based on a full, up-to-date calculation using specialized software.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\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>The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.<br\/>The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.<br\/>Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In complex financial matters or an international component, a specialized lawyer is important.<br\/>We strive for legally correct, practically feasible agreements that give you predictability and peace of mind.<\/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<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\">Can I calculate spousal maintenance myself?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/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\">You can get a rough indication yourself using online calculation tools that align with the Trema standards, but those calculations do not replace a professional maintenance calculation. You can calculate the need indicatively based on 60% of the family income minus your own income. The capacity calculation is more complex and requires an accurate statement of all income and expenses. An official calculation, such as one a court would use, is always performed by a lawyer or mediator using specialized calculation software.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Is partneralimentatie altijd verplicht?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">No. Spousal maintenance is only relevant if there is a need on the part of the recipient and capacity on the part of the payer. If neither applies, or if you have agreed together to waive maintenance, then there is no obligation. Note: for cohabiting partners, there is no legal maintenance obligation unless this is contractually established.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>How long must I pay spousal maintenance?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">For marriages dissolved after January 1, 2020, a maximum term of twelve years applies, with shorter terms for short marriages or if there are no children. The maintenance obligation always ends upon remarriage or cohabitation of the recipient. Depending on the circumstances, the court may also determine a different term.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I have spousal maintenance recalculated?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">Yes, based on Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code, recalculation is possible in the event of a relevant change in circumstances. This includes a drop in income, unemployment, a new partner for the recipient, or a drastic change in housing costs. If a non-modification clause has been agreed upon, the court is cautious but can still intervene in special cases.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2769f6b3 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1983797d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1983797d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is the difference between need and capacity?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7c18bfac\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7c18bfac\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ee70b14f gb-headline-text\">Need is the amount the recipient requires to continue the standard of living from the marriage. Capacity is the amount the payer can afford after deducting fixed costs. The court determines the maintenance at the lower of the two: a high need does not result in higher maintenance if the capacity is more limited.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f4401301 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-66160d37 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-66160d37\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What changed in the 2023 Trema standards?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-b4fa714b\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b4fa714b\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e09e651d gb-headline-text\">The two most important changes are: (1) housing costs are no longer calculated based on actual costs but are fixed at 30% of the net income of both partners; (2) the equalization of disposable income has been adjusted so that special costs for children are also included when determining the free spending room of both ex-partners. These changes may mean that existing maintenance agreements no longer align with current standards. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7da559d8 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-2d9070a7 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-2d9070a7\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What if my ex-partner has their own business?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-9183464b\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9183464b\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-cab5bac6 gb-headline-text\">Determining income for a DGA or freelancer (ZZP) is more complex than for someone in salaried employment. Judges look at the total financial benefit from the business, including dividends, company cars, and other allowances. Deductions that are not business-essential but reduce capacity are corrected in some cases. This usually requires an analysis of the annual accounts over several years.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-757c0d54 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-d199d887 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-d199d887\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What does a maintenance calculation cost and what do I need to provide?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-8d8420c6\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8d8420c6\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-8f46c731 gb-headline-text\">The costs of a maintenance calculation depend on the complexity of your situation. For two partners in salaried employment without special expenses, the calculation is usually straightforward. For a DGA, freelancer, blended family, or international component, the analysis takes more time. For a calculation, you must at least provide: recent payslips or annual statements, the income tax return for the past two years, an overview of fixed costs (housing, health insurance, current debts) and, if applicable, the annual accounts of the business. Consult us for an indication of the costs in your situation.    <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_and_quality\"><\/span>Trust and quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatenorde.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dutch Bar Association<\/a>.<br\/>Read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">reviews<\/a> or see how we work via our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/\">working method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-eab29512\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_want_to_know_where_you_stand_as_a_payer_or_recipient\"><\/span>Do you want to know where you stand as a payer or recipient?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">After a consultation, we can provide insight into approximately what a maintenance calculation will result in based on your data. Even in the case of an international divorce or if one of you lives abroad, we can assess whether Dutch law applies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\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 This article provides general legal information and does not constitute individual advice. What is spousal maintenance and when are you obliged to pay? Spousal maintenance is only due if there was a marriage or registered partnership. Cohabiting partners have no legal maintenance obligation toward each other unless they have explicitly &#8230; <a title=\"Calculating spousal maintenance\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/calculate-spousal-alimony\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Calculating spousal maintenance\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19097,"parent":24926,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-36848","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\/36848","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\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36848"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36848\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37047,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36848\/revisions\/37047"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24926"}],"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=36848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}