{"id":37736,"date":"2026-05-02T20:48:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T19:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/alimony\/change\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T10:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:00:24","slug":"change","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change\/","title":{"rendered":"Modifying 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\/change\/#In_brief\" >In brief<\/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\/#When_can_alimony_be_modified\" >When can alimony be modified?<\/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\/#How_does_the_modification_procedure_work\" >How does the modification procedure work?<\/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\/#What_specifically_applies_to_modifying_spousal_maintenance\" >What specifically applies to modifying spousal maintenance?<\/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\/#What_specifically_applies_to_modifying_child_alimony\" >What specifically applies to modifying child alimony?<\/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\/#What_does_an_alimony_modification_procedure_cost\" >What does an alimony modification procedure cost?<\/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\/#How_does_modifying_alimony_work_in_international_situations\" >How does modifying alimony work in international situations?<\/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\/#Practical_examples\" >Practical examples<\/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\/#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\/#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\/#Discuss_your_situation_with_us\" >Discuss your situation with us<\/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\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifying alimony is possible when circumstances have changed substantially compared to the original order or agreement (Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code). Modification can take place by mutual agreement or via a petition to the court, with retroactive effect to the date the petition was filed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_brief\"><\/span>In brief<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alimony can be modified in the event of a substantial change in income, care distribution, family situation, or upon reaching the statutory maximum duration (Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change-spousal-maintenance\/\">spousal maintenance<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support-change\/\">child alimony<\/a> can be adjusted through consultation, mediation, or court proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The court assesses whether there is a sufficiently drastic change in circumstances, using the Trema standards as a calculation framework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modification can be granted with retroactive effect to the date the petition was filed, provided it was submitted in a timely manner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In international situations, the EC Maintenance Regulation (EC No. 4\/2009) and the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol determine which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\">alimony<\/a>.<\/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_alimony_be_modified\"><\/span>When can alimony be modified?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alimony can be modified when circumstances have changed substantially compared to the situation on which the original order or agreement was based. The legal basis is Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code. The court tests whether the change is structural and affects the payer&#8217;s financial capacity or the recipient&#8217;s need.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common grounds for modification:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Change in income. <\/strong>A significant decrease in income due to unemployment, disability, or business loss. Or a significant increase due to promotion, a new job, or business results. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Change in care distribution. <\/strong>A changed distribution of care for the children, for example due to a shift to co-parenting or a change in primary residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New family situation. <\/strong>Remarriage of the recipient terminates the spousal maintenance obligation by operation of law (Article 1:160 of the Dutch Civil Code). A new family for the payer can affect financial capacity due to additional maintenance obligations. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reaching maximum duration. <\/strong>Since January 1, 2020, a maximum duration of five years or half the duration of the marriage applies to spousal maintenance, with exceptions for long marriages and young children (Spousal Maintenance Revision Act).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cohabitation as if married. <\/strong>Cohabitation of the alimony recipient with a new partner as if they were married terminates the spousal maintenance obligation (Article 1:160 of the Dutch Civil Code).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Simmelink files, we see that evidence in the event of a change in income is often more decisive than the legal qualification alone: annual accounts, salary slips, income tax returns and, for entrepreneurs, a multi-year overview of business results. A demonstrable average over several years carries more weight than a snapshot of a single year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_modification_procedure_work\"><\/span>How does the modification procedure work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The modification procedure takes place in four steps, depending on the degree of agreement between ex-partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mutual consultation or mediation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When ex-partners can agree on the changed situation, they can make new agreements through mutual consultation or via a mediator. These are recorded in a new covenant or an addendum to the existing arrangement. This is the fastest and cheapest route and avoids court proceedings.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Legal assessment and recalculation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When consultation does not lead directly to agreements, a lawyer can draw up a new alimony calculation based on the Trema standards. This recalculation serves as substantiation for further consultation or, in the absence of agreement, for the petition to the court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Petition to the court<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of a previous court order, a new petition is required if ex-partners cannot reach an agreement. The lawyer submits the request to the court in the defendant&#8217;s place of residence. The other party is given the opportunity to submit a statement of defense, after which the court assesses the changed circumstances and, if necessary, re-establishes the alimony.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Order and execution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The modified alimony applies from a date determined by the court, often the date the petition was filed. Timely filing is important to achieve adjustment with retroactive effect: late filing can result in the old alimony remaining due for the intervening period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_specifically_applies_to_modifying_spousal_maintenance\"><\/span>What specifically applies to modifying spousal maintenance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifying spousal maintenance has its own legal grounds that are separate from child alimony. In addition to the general ground for modification in Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code, specific provisions apply regarding duration and termination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since January 1, 2020, the Spousal Maintenance Revision Act has applied to new spousal maintenance obligations: a maximum of five years or half the duration of the marriage, with exceptions for marriages longer than fifteen years in combination with the approaching state pension (AOW) age, and for minor children until the youngest child is twelve years old. Transitional law applies to marriages that had already lasted longer than fifteen years on January 1, 2020.  Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/spousal-maintenance\/\">spousal support<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, when considering requests to modify spousal maintenance, judges weigh three factors: the demonstrability of the changed circumstances, the extent to which the change is structural, and the balanced relationship between the changed need and financial capacity. A temporary dip in income is rarely sufficient for modification; a demonstrably structural drop in income often is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_specifically_applies_to_modifying_child_alimony\"><\/span>What specifically applies to modifying child alimony?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of child alimony, the best interests of the child are paramount. The court applies the Trema standards (LOVF guidelines) and weighs the financial capacity of both parents, the child&#8217;s needs according to the NIBUD tables, and the care discount of fifteen, twenty-five, or thirty-five percent based on the actual distribution of care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The statutory maintenance obligation runs until the child is eighteen years old, with an extension to twenty-one years in the event of studies or no independent income (Article 1:395a of the Dutch Civil Code). Modification can also be prompted by a change in the child&#8217;s needs, for example in the event of a move, a new school, or special care costs. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support-change\/\">modifying child alimony<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_an_alimony_modification_procedure_cost\"><\/span>What does an alimony modification procedure cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The costs of a modification procedure consist of the lawyer&#8217;s fee and the court fee (griffierecht). The 2026 court fee for a petition in alimony cases is \u20ac341 for individuals with an income above the legal aid threshold; for lower incomes, a lower court fee or possibly funded legal aid via the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand) applies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawyer costs depend on the complexity of the case and the degree of agreement. In the case of a mutual arrangement with legal assessment and recording, the costs are lower than in a court procedure. For entrepreneurs, international aspects, or complex care distributions, costs increase due to additional analyses. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/rates\/\">rates and costs<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_modifying_alimony_work_in_international_situations\"><\/span>How does modifying alimony work in international situations?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In international situations, two independent questions arise: which court has jurisdiction, and which law applies to the alimony. The <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/NL\/TXT\/?uri=CELEX:32009R0004\">EC Maintenance Regulation (EC No. 4\/2009)<\/a> determines jurisdiction within the EU; for the applicable law, the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol applies. The habitual residence of the alimony recipient is decisive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In files with an international component, we see that the choice of forum is more often decisive for the final outcome than the substantive calculation: different legal systems have varying rules for maximum duration, indexation, and the effects of cohabitation. An initial legal analysis of jurisdiction and applicable law prevents a modification procedure from being started in the wrong country. <\/p>\n\n\n\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\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Income drop after dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A client lost his job and could no longer pay the established spousal maintenance of \u20ac1,800 per month. The financial situation had changed structurally compared to the original order, with a new job at a significantly lower salary level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal assessment focused on whether there was a substantial change within the meaning of Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code, and what substantiation was needed to support the modification through the court. A recalculation according to the Trema standards, with salary slips, income tax returns, and the employment contract as evidence, formed the basis of the modification request. The adjusted alimony was granted with retroactive effect to the date of filing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modification of care distribution to co-parenting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A parent with a primary residence arrangement wanted to move to equal co-parenting, where the children would stay with both parents for approximately the same amount of time. The existing child alimony was tailored to the old care distribution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal elaboration focused on the application of the care discount according to the Trema standards and the consequences for meeting the child&#8217;s needs. With the help of mediation, new agreements were recorded in a modified parenting plan, without court intervention. The adjusted child alimony reflected the new care discount of thirty-five percent.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New family situation and additional maintenance obligation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A paying ex-partner started living with a new partner and had a child from that relationship. The additional maintenance obligation towards the new child affected the available financial capacity for the existing spousal maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal assessment focused on the balance between existing and new maintenance obligations, in accordance with established case law in which the interests of all maintenance creditors are weighed. A recalculation of the financial capacity, with the additional obligation explicitly included, formed the basis for a request to reduce the spousal maintenance. <\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\">When can alimony be modified?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><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 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\">Alimony can be modified in the event of a substantial change in circumstances compared to the original order or agreement (Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code). Common grounds include a demonstrable change in income, a changed care distribution, a new family situation, remarriage of the recipient, or reaching the statutory maximum duration for spousal maintenance. The court assesses whether the change is structural and demonstrable.  <\/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\">Do I always have to go to court to modify alimony?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><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 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. When ex-partners can agree on the changed situation, they can record new agreements through mutual consultation or mediation. A new covenant or addendum is then sufficient. In the case of a previous court order and a lack of agreement, a new petition to the court is required. A lawyer can assess which route suits your situation.    <\/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\">What is the difference between modifying spousal maintenance and child alimony?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><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 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\">Yes, in many cases alimony can be modified if circumstances have changed substantially. Whether that is the case and what the legal options are depends on the specific facts.  This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. More about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change\/\">modifying alimony<\/a>.<\/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 a modification be granted with retroactive effect?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><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 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, often from the date the modification request was filed with the court. Timely filing is therefore important: the later the request is filed, the more the old alimony remains due for the intervening period. In exceptional cases, a judge may set an earlier effective date, for example in the case of demonstrable and previously reported changed circumstances.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2191c498 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-6cfa744c gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-6cfa744c\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How does modifying alimony work in an international situation?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><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 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-3ecf938b\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3ecf938b\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6bc463d5 gb-headline-text\">In international situations, the EC Maintenance Regulation (EC No. 4\/2009) and the 2007 Hague Maintenance Protocol determine which court has jurisdiction and which law applies. The place of residence of the alimony recipient, their nationality, and any choice of law in a covenant are decisive factors. In international situations, a specific legal assessment is required before a modification request is submitted.   Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/\">alimony<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 s-fs-h5 wp-block-paragraph\">An early advisory meeting provides clarity on your legal position and the routes that suit your situation. For those who are already being assisted by another firm and have doubts about the route followed, a second opinion offers an independent legal judgment. After your registration, our secretariat will contact you within one business day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/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 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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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><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\/2024\/05\/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 Modifying alimony is possible when circumstances have changed substantially compared to the original order or agreement (Article 1:401 of the Dutch Civil Code). Modification can take place by mutual agreement or via a petition to the court, with retroactive effect to the date the petition was filed. In brief When can alimony &#8230; <a title=\"Modifying alimony\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/change\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Modifying alimony\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19097,"parent":24926,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-37736","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","infinite-scroll-item","resize-featured-image"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37736","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=37736"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37736\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38152,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37736\/revisions\/38152"}],"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=37736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}