Child Support Calculation in Tilburg
For parents in Tilburg, the child support calculation determines the monthly amount one parent contributes to the children's upbringing costs after a divorce or for unmarried parents. This is tailored to both parents' financial capacity and the child's needs, following the guidelines of the Council for the Judiciary. This ensures a fair cost-sharing arrangement for families in Tilburg and surrounding areas.
Legal Basis
Child support in the Netherlands, including Tilburg, is governed by Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). Central provision is Article 1:404 DCC, which requires parents to contribute to the care and upbringing of minors based on their financial capacity. The District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda location) applies the Tremarapportage, the national TROTS Method for Child Support Guidelines.
Article 1:405 DCC covers judicial determination, while Article 1:407 DCC addresses adjustments due to changed circumstances. The 2023 Tremarapportage (with updates) includes tables for child costs and welfare standards, relevant to Tilburg's welfare norms via the Municipality of Tilburg.
Steps in the Child Support Calculation
The child support calculation follows standardized steps. Try the online Child Support Quick Calculator on rechtspraak.nl, but consult the Legal Aid Office Tilburg for complex cases.
- Determine incomes: Parents' gross incomes, including benefits, bonuses, and received support. Assets exceeding €57,000 (2024) are treated as income.
- Calculate financial capacity: Net income after deducting living costs, healthcare expenses, and welfare standard – the basic subsistence level in Tilburg.
- Estimate child needs: Based on age and number of children using Trematables.
- Apply distribution key: Financial capacity ratio multiplied by child needs yields the support amount.
- Account for care discount: Custodial parent receives a reduction for their own care costs (often 50% lower in co-parenting).
Detailed Financial Capacity Calculation
Financial capacity remains after deducting:
- Welfare standard (age-specific, via Municipality of Tilburg).
- Housing costs (rent or mortgage).
- Debts and additional expenses.
Cost Estimate per Child
The Tremarapportage uses tables for child needs. Simplified table for one child (2024, pre-indexation):
| Age | Needs per Month (€) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | 550 |
| 6 to 11 years | 650 |
| 12 to 15 years | 750 |
| 16 to 21 years | 850 |
For multiple children: apply correction factors.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Basic case. Father net €4,000, mother €2,500. Child age 10. Father capacity €1,500, mother €800. Total €2,300. Needs €650. Distribution 65/35: father pays €422.
Example 2: Co-parenting. 50/50 care, capacity €1,000 each. Needs €650 minus 50% care discount = €325. Support often zero or equalized.
Example 3: Low income. Capacity below welfare standard: €0 support. Self-employed: average profit over 3 years.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Custodial parent: Enforce payment via LBIO.
- Paying parent: Access to details and adjustments for income drop.
Obligations:
- Annual indexation (CPI).
- Report income changes within one month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often to recalculate in Tilburg?
Annual indexation or upon changes. Use Quick Calculator or Legal Aid Office Tilburg.
Does a new partner count?
No, only own income and assets.
Studying child over 18?
Until age 21 or end of studies, if studying and low income (Art. 1:407(2) DCC).
Calculate it yourself?
Yes, via rechtspraak.nl, but court ruling is binding in disputes.
Tips and Recommendations
- Download latest Tremarapportage from rechtspraak.nl.
- Include support in parenting plan for divorce.
- Mediation via Council for Legal Aid or Legal Aid Office Tilburg.
- See also: Child Support or Spousal Support.
- Tax-deductible for paying parent.
For tailored advice in Tilburg: contact the Legal Aid Office Tilburg or a local specialist.