{"id":37041,"date":"2026-04-19T13:43:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/alimony\/change-spousal-maintenance\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T13:43:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:43:09","slug":"change-spousal-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change-spousal-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Changing 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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#When_can_spousal_maintenance_be_changed\" >When can spousal maintenance be changed?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#What_if_a_non-modification_clause_has_been_agreed_upon\" >What if a non-modification clause has been agreed upon?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#In_what_ways_can_you_have_spousal_maintenance_changed\" >In what ways can you have spousal maintenance changed?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#What_if_too_much_maintenance_has_been_paid\" >What if too much maintenance has been paid?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Which_documents_do_you_need_for_a_request_for_change\" >Which documents do you need for a request for change?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Special_situations_entrepreneur_director-major_shareholder_DGA_or_fluctuating_income\" >Special situations: entrepreneur, director-major shareholder (DGA), or fluctuating income<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Changing_spousal_maintenance_in_an_international_situation\" >Changing spousal maintenance in an international situation<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#What_does_Simmelink_Lawyers_do_in_the_event_of_a_request_for_change\" >What does Simmelink Lawyers do in the event of a request for change?<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/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\/change-spousal-maintenance\/#Discuss_your_situation_with_us\" >Discuss your situation with us<\/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>Changing spousal maintenance is possible if circumstances have changed substantially after the divorce (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling2_Artikel401\">Art. 1:401 BW<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typical grounds include a significant loss of income, disability, retirement, or the recipient cohabiting or remarrying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A non-modification clause in the divorce agreement (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling1_Artikel159\">Art. 1:159 BW<\/a>) can strictly limit a request for change; the court can only overturn this in exceptional cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cohabiting as if married (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling1_Artikel160\">Art. 1:160 BW<\/a>) can terminate the right to maintenance, but the court applies strict criteria: there must be a long-term relationship, a joint household, and mutual care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can adjust spousal maintenance in three ways: by mutual agreement, through mediation, or via a legal procedure at the court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The effective date of a change is usually the date the petition is filed; the judge has discretionary power here and can also determine an earlier or later date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In international situations, jurisdictional rules (Hague Maintenance Convention 2007, EU Maintenance Regulation No. 4\/2009) determine which court has jurisdiction and which law applies.<\/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=\"When_can_spousal_maintenance_be_changed\"><\/span>When can spousal maintenance be changed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spousal maintenance can be changed or terminated if circumstances have changed substantially since it was established. The legal basis is <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling2_Artikel401\">Art. 1:401 BW<\/a>: anyone wishing to adjust a maintenance arrangement must demonstrate that the situation was incorrectly established at the time, or that a relevant change has occurred since then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A relevant change is a change so significant that the previous agreements are no longer reasonable. Examples include a substantial loss of income for the paying partner, a significant increase in the recipient&#8217;s income, or a structural change in the childcare arrangements. Depending on the circumstances, the court assesses whether the change is sufficiently weighty.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common grounds for change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Substantial loss of income for the paying partner due to dismissal, disability, or retirement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Significant increase in the recipient&#8217;s income, reducing the need for maintenance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remarriage or entering into a registered partnership by the recipient: the maintenance obligation ends in principle by operation of law (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling1_Artikel160\">Art. 1:160 BW<\/a>). In practice, a legal step is often still required to stop payment and arrange for any potential recovery of funds. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cohabitation by the recipient as if they were married (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling1_Artikel160\">Art. 1:160 BW<\/a>): maintenance can end, but the court strictly assesses whether there is a long-term relationship, joint household, and mutual care. This must be substantiated with concrete facts and documents. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term unemployment or illness that structurally affects financial capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expiration of the statutory maximum maintenance duration (in many cases five years after the marriage, depending on the situation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_a_non-modification_clause_has_been_agreed_upon\"><\/span>What if a non-modification clause has been agreed upon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-modification clause is a provision in the divorce agreement in which parties agree that the maintenance can no longer be changed via the court. This clause is in principle legally valid and binds both parties, even if the financial situation changes drastically later, unless invoking the clause is unacceptable according to standards of reasonableness and fairness (<a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel8_Afdeling1_Artikel159\">Art. 1:159 BW<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The threshold for setting aside a non-modification clause is high. Only if the changed circumstances are so drastic that maintaining the clause unchanged is unacceptable according to standards of reasonableness and fairness can the court intervene. Financial setbacks or a limited decline in income are insufficient in most cases.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you still wish to request a change despite a non-modification clause, a well-substantiated file is crucial. A specialized <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce lawyer<\/a> can assess in advance whether your circumstances are serious enough for a procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_what_ways_can_you_have_spousal_maintenance_changed\"><\/span>In what ways can you have spousal maintenance changed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can have spousal maintenance adjusted in three ways: by mutual agreement, through mediation, or via a court procedure. Which route is appropriate depends on your ex-partner&#8217;s willingness to cooperate and the complexity of your situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mutual consultation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you and your ex-partner agree on a new arrangement, you can record the change in writing in a supplemental agreement. Preferably record the agreements in writing and, where necessary, have them ratified by the court. A verbal agreement can in principle be legally valid, but is difficult to prove and generally not enforceable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Mediation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you and your ex-partner cannot reach an agreement yourselves but would prefer to avoid a procedure, <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/mediation\/\">mediation<\/a> can offer a solution. An MfN-registered mediator facilitates the discussion. The agreements made are recorded in writing, potentially with ratification by the court.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Legal procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your ex-partner does not cooperate with a change, you can file a petition with the court. A lawyer is mandatory for this. The procedure begins with a petition; the opposing party is then given a period determined by the court to file a defense. This period depends on the procedure and the place of residence of the parties.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep procedural risk in mind: the judge can also maintain the maintenance or adjust it in a way that does not correspond to your request. A lawyer helps you to assess this risk in advance. <\/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_if_too_much_maintenance_has_been_paid\"><\/span>What if too much maintenance has been paid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the paying partner has paid too much maintenance over a longer period, legal recovery may be possible. In practice, the court looks at, among other things, the duration of the overpayment, the financial situation of both parties, and whether the recipient has already spent the money on living expenses. Full recovery is therefore regularly limited or rejected.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no fixed statutory period after which recovery is no longer possible; the judge weighs all circumstances of the case. This underscores the importance of acting promptly: the sooner a request for change is filed, the smaller the risk of unrecoverable overpayment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_documents_do_you_need_for_a_request_for_change\"><\/span>Which documents do you need for a request for change?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The court wants to see what your income, expenses, and health look like now. Missing or incomplete evidence delays the procedure and weakens your position. Your lawyer will help you collect all relevant documents in time and present them clearly to the court.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common pieces of evidence include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent payslips or, for entrepreneurs, annual figures for the past two to three years and an accountant&#8217;s statement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax returns and assessments for the relevant period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical information in case of disability or illness (documents from an occupational physician or specialist).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of cohabitation or remarriage of the recipient (e.g., BRP extract, rental contract, statements).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The original divorce agreement including any modification clauses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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_entrepreneur_director-major_shareholder_DGA_or_fluctuating_income\"><\/span>Special situations: entrepreneur, director-major shareholder (DGA), or fluctuating income<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For entrepreneurs, director-major shareholders (DGA), and freelancers, the court assesses income based on normalized business results over several years. Incidental high profits or dividend payments are not always included as structurally available income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the circumstances, the court may also look at the customary salary at a private limited company (BV), undistributed profit reserves, or assets within the company. A solid financial file, potentially substantiated by an accountant, is indispensable in these cases for a strong request for change. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Changing_spousal_maintenance_in_an_international_situation\"><\/span>Changing spousal maintenance in an international situation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If one of the parties lives abroad or if the spousal maintenance was established by a foreign court, the case quickly becomes more legally complex. In international cases, we first assess which court has jurisdiction and which law applies before advising on a procedure. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcch.net\/en\/instruments\/conventions\/full-text\/?cid=131\">Hague Maintenance Convention 2007<\/a> broadly regulates the recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions between a large number of contracting states. Within the EU, the <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/NL\/TXT\/?uri=celex%3A32009R0004\">EU Maintenance Regulation (No. 4\/2009)<\/a> also applies, which regulates, among other things, the jurisdiction of the court and the cross-border recognition of maintenance decisions. Which regulation exactly applies depends on the countries involved in your case.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it is important to investigate early on which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. Those who wait too long may sometimes no longer be able to choose the most favorable route. Both the Hague Maintenance Convention 2007 and the EU Maintenance Regulation play a role in the recognition of a foreign maintenance order.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers assists both expats in the Netherlands and Dutch nationals living abroad with international maintenance issues. Even in an international situation, we can assess whether Dutch law applies or whether it is wiser to start a procedure abroad. You can read more about our approach on the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/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=\"What_does_Simmelink_Lawyers_do_in_the_event_of_a_request_for_change\"><\/span>What does Simmelink Lawyers do in the event of a request for change?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In complex financial matters or international elements, the help of a specialized lawyer is essential. Simmelink Lawyers translates the rules into clear agreements, so you know where you stand. We specialize in <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">family law<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/a> and work exclusively within these legal areas.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our approach to a request for change typically includes: an assessment of the grounds for change and the file, an estimation of the chances and risks of a procedure, guidance during consultations or mediation, and if necessary, filing a petition with the court. We also indicate when a procedure is strategically less wise, for example, if the change is too minor or the file is not strong enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you like an <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">advisory meeting<\/a> about your situation? After your registration, our secretariat will contact you within one working day. <\/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 change spousal maintenance retroactively?<\/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\">In most cases, a change takes effect on the date the petition is filed. Retroactive effect to before the filing is possible but not automatic; the judge assesses this based on the circumstances, including the duration of the overpayment and the spending of the money by the recipient. Acting promptly limits the risk of unrecoverable overpayment.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-db07fb25 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-35e5d2ca gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-76958cc4 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-76958cc4\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What if my ex-partner does not agree to a change?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-9ea83d14\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9ea83d14\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-49c3d963 gb-headline-text\">If your ex-partner does not want to cooperate with a change, you can start a legal procedure by filing a petition with the court. A lawyer is mandatory for this. The procedure via <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">the court<\/a> offers a binding solution but also entails procedural risk: the judge can also maintain the maintenance or establish it differently than you had requested.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-a528ebe8 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-48a436ce gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-fcf745e0 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-fcf745e0\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How long does a procedure to change maintenance take?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-3d8460a5\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3d8460a5\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-73f44b80 gb-headline-text\">De doorlooptijd varieert sterk. Een ongecompliceerde zaak waarbij beide partijen meewerken kan binnen enkele maanden worden afgerond. Bij een gerechtelijke procedure, zeker als er verweer wordt gevoerd of een deskundigenbericht nodig is, kan dit oplopen tot een jaar of langer. Uw advocaat kan op basis van uw specifieke situatie een realistisch tijdspad schetsen.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5f812935 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9d379a13 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-3172c8b0 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-3172c8b0\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I stop spousal maintenance if my ex-partner lives abroad?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-46811506\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-46811506\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d1908a20 gb-headline-text\">That depends on the question of which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. In international situations, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcch.net\/en\/instruments\/conventions\/full-text\/?cid=131\">Hague Maintenance Convention 2007<\/a> and the EU Maintenance Regulation play a role. In any case, we first assess the jurisdictional question before advising on a procedure.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4f6a2df7 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e61ad146 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-83374039 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-83374039\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What costs are associated with a modification procedure?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-79c278fa\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-79c278fa\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ffe8fa1d gb-headline-text\">The costs consist of legal fees (at an hourly rate) and any court fees. In an <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/advice\/\">advisory meeting<\/a> at an hourly rate, we discuss your situation and provide an indication of the expected time investment. This allows you to make an informed decision about the route to follow.  <\/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=\"Discuss_your_situation_with_us\"><\/span>Discuss your situation with us<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">At Simmelink Lawyers, you receive legal advice on maintenance and a fixed contact person who knows your situation well. This allows you to make an informed decision about a request for change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">During an intake interview, we start the legal guidance and a file is opened. During an advisory meeting, you discuss your situation legally at an hourly rate, without further work following.  <br \/>Our secretariat will contact you within one working day.<\/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 When can spousal maintenance be changed? Spousal maintenance can be changed or terminated if circumstances have changed substantially since it was established. The legal basis is Art. 1:401 BW: anyone wishing to adjust a maintenance arrangement must demonstrate that the situation was incorrectly established at the time, or that a &#8230; <a title=\"Changing spousal maintenance\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change-spousal-maintenance\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Changing 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-37041","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\/37041","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=37041"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37041\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37043,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37041\/revisions\/37043"}],"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=37041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}