Partner spousal maintenance is a logical continuation of the parental maintenance obligation, especially for student couples in Tilburg. With thousands of students at Tilburg University and Fontys University of Applied Sciences, where many couples cohabit in neighbourhoods such as Heyhoef or around the Spoorzone, Article 1:157 DCC regulates contributions between partners during their joint life path.
Conditions in Tilburg
Both partners must be studying or have an income shortfall, such as from a part-time job at a Tilburg café or an internship at local companies. The maintenance obligation applies until 1 year after the last study, taking into account the sluggish labour market in the region.
Calculation
Based on capacity to pay and need, often 50/50 for equal incomes. In Tilburg, specific costs are taken into account such as rent in student housing (€500-€700/month), study books for programmes at TiU, and living expenses including bicycle repair or public transport subscription for the city centre.
Difference from Child Maintenance
In contrast to the parental obligation for 18-21 year olds, partner spousal maintenance does not end at a fixed age, but upon self-sufficiency. Judges at the District Court of East Brabant, 's-Hertogenbosch location, scrutinise more strictly for cohabiting couples in Tilburg, with attention to local rental prices and side jobs.
Example: A working partner at a Tilburg company such as ASML pays €450 to the studying partner at TiU, adjusted upon job change. Upon divorce, maintenance continues until the end of studies, as ruled in recent cases from the region.