Best Child Support Lawyers in Ommen

About Child Support Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Child support in the Netherlands - often called kinderalimentatie - is the legal obligation of parents to contribute to the costs of care and upbringing of their children. This obligation applies regardless of whether the parents were married or living together and continues after separation. In Ommen, as everywhere in the Netherlands, child support is determined by the needs of the child and the financial capacity of each parent. Parents can record agreements in a parenting plan and have the court approve them, or a judge can set the amount if there is no agreement. Dutch courts use nationally applied guidelines to calculate support so outcomes are as consistent and fair as possible.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Reaching a fair and workable child support arrangement can be straightforward, but legal help is valuable in many situations. You may need a lawyer if you are divorcing or separating and must prepare a parenting plan that includes child support. You may need help when you cannot agree on the amount or the care schedule. Legal advice is helpful if your income is complex - for example if you are self-employed, have variable bonuses, or own a business - or if there are special costs for a child such as medical or educational needs.

Other common reasons include requesting a change in an existing order because circumstances have changed, enforcing payment when support is overdue, handling cross-border issues when one parent lives abroad, preparing an enforceable notarial deed, or seeking temporary support during divorce proceedings. A lawyer can also guide you through mediation, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you at the Rechtbank Overijssel, which serves Ommen.

Local Laws Overview

Who owes support and for how long. Both parents are responsible for child support. As a rule, support is owed until a child turns 18. From 18 to 21, parents must still contribute to the costs of living and education. Support beyond 21 can apply only in limited cases, for example when agreed in writing or when a child cannot support themselves because of a disability.

Calculation method. Dutch courts and practitioners follow national guidelines often referred to as the Tremanormen. Broadly, the process has two steps. First, the child’s need is assessed using standardized cost tables based on the parents combined net income during the relationship and the number and ages of the children. Second, each parent’s ability to pay is determined from their current net disposable income, while safeguarding a reasonable minimum to live on. Child support has priority over partner maintenance. When care is shared, a care discount is applied based on the number of days the paying parent cares for the child.

Indexation. Child support amounts are automatically adjusted every 1 January by a statutory index percentage set by the Ministry of Justice. The indexation applies unless the court or a binding agreement explicitly excludes it.

Parenting plan. In divorces and relationship breakdowns with minor children, parents must prepare a parenting plan. This addresses care arrangements, decision making, and financial contributions such as child support. The court will review and can approve the plan, making it enforceable.

Enforcement. If support is not paid, enforcement can proceed under a court order or a notarial deed with an execution clause. The Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen - LBIO - can collect overdue maintenance inside the Netherlands and, as the designated central authority, can assist with cross-border recovery under the EU Maintenance Regulation and the 2007 Hague Child Support Convention.

Modification. Child support can be changed if there is a relevant change in circumstances, such as a significant income change, new children in either household, or a substantial change in the care schedule. Changes usually take effect from the date of the request.

Limitation and arrears. Each monthly installment of child support has a limitation period. As a general rule, claims for periodic payments expire after five years if not interrupted by a timely action.

Tax treatment. Child support is not tax deductible for the payer and not taxable income for the recipient.

Court with local jurisdiction. Ommen falls within the district of the Rechtbank Overijssel, with family law cases typically handled in the locations Zwolle or Almelo.

Legal aid. If your income and assets are modest, you may qualify for subsidized legal aid - toevoeging - through the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. You pay a contribution, and the state covers the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to pay child support after separation

Both parents remain financially responsible. The amount each parent contributes is based on the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to pay. If the child lives mostly with one parent, the other parent often pays a monthly contribution. In shared care, a care discount is applied to recognize costs paid directly during contact days.

Until what age is child support owed

Normally until the child turns 18. From 18 to 21 the obligation continues for costs of living and education. Support after 21 is only possible in limited situations, such as a disability that prevents self-sufficiency or if parents have explicitly agreed to a longer period.

How is the amount calculated

Professionals use national guidelines. First they determine the child’s need using standardized tables that reflect the parents combined income when together. Then they assess each parent’s current financial capacity and split the obligation accordingly, applying a care discount if relevant. The result should be reasonable and proportionate.

Can we agree on child support without going to court

Yes. Parents can make written agreements and include them in a parenting plan. For enforceability it is recommended to have the court approve the plan, or to record the agreement in a notarial deed with an execution clause.

What if the paying parent stops paying

Keep records of missed payments and contact the other parent quickly. If payment does not resume, you can enforce the order or deed through a bailiff. The LBIO can collect overdue maintenance once conditions are met. Interest and collection costs may be added.

Can child support be changed later

Yes. If there is a substantial change in income, living situation, the care schedule, or the needs of the child, you can request a modification. Adjustments are not automatic and usually require a new agreement or a court decision.

How does shared care affect child support

When the paying parent has regular contact days, a care discount is applied that reduces the payment to reflect direct costs on those days. The percentage depends on the number of care days per week.

Does a new partner or new children change the amount

Possibly. The guidelines consider the paying parent’s duty to support children in their household. A new partner’s income is generally not counted for child support, but shared household costs can influence the paying parent’s disposable income. Each case is fact specific.

Is child support indexed every year

Yes. On 1 January of each year, amounts are automatically increased by a statutory percentage unless indexation has been validly excluded. The Ministry of Justice publishes the percentage annually.

What if one parent lives abroad

International rules apply. The Netherlands participates in the EU Maintenance Regulation and the 2007 Hague Child Support Convention. The LBIO acts as the central authority for cross-border recovery and can help with recognition, enforcement, and exchange of information.

Additional Resources

Rechtbank Overijssel - family law division handling child support matters for Ommen.

Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen - LBIO - national agency for collection and international recovery of maintenance.

Het Juridisch Loket - free basic legal information and referrals for residents.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - information on eligibility for subsidized legal aid - toevoeging.

Mediatorsfederatie Nederland - register of certified family mediators.

Gemeente Ommen - Sociaal Wijkteam and Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin for local family support and parenting assistance.

Raad voor de Kinderbescherming - involved when a child’s safety or development is at risk.

Veilig Thuis Overijssel - advice and reporting center for domestic violence and child abuse.

NIBUD - independent institute that provides cost of living data used in child cost tables.

Expertgroep Alimentatienormen - publishes the national guidelines used by courts and practitioners.

Next Steps

Clarify your situation. Write down your care schedule, the child’s needs, and any special costs such as healthcare, childcare, and education. Gather proof of income and expenses for both parents if available.

Try to reach agreement. Consider mediation to discuss the care schedule and child support calmly and efficiently. Agreements should be realistic and focused on the child’s interests.

Formalize the arrangement. Ask a lawyer to draft or review a parenting plan. For enforceability, submit it to the court with your divorce or separation documents, or have a notarial deed prepared.

Calculate a fair amount. Use the national method as a reference. A lawyer or mediator familiar with the Tremanormen can prepare a calculation and explain the care discount and indexation.

Seek legal help when needed. Contact a family lawyer in or near Ommen for tailored advice. Ask about eligibility for subsidized legal aid if your means are limited.

Enforce or modify if circumstances change. If payments stop, act quickly and consider involving a bailiff or the LBIO. If income or care arrangements change, request a modification sooner rather than later.

Keep records. Maintain clear records of payments, communications, and any changes in circumstances. This helps prevent disputes and supports any future court application.

Important note - this guide provides general information. Child support outcomes depend on the facts of your case. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified family lawyer.