Parental custody for unmarried parents in The Netherlands: FAQs
This article answers some frequently asked questions we are regularly asked about parental custody and paternity in The Netherlands for unmarried parents.
How to get a passport for a child after divorce when the other parent is not cooperating
In The Netherlands, joint custody requires both parents’ consent to apply for a child’s passport. If one parent is uncooperative or unreachable, judicial consent can be sought to bypass this. The process varies for applications made domestically versus from abroad, necessitating legal advice in contested cases. Starting early is essential.
Read moreEnding a civil partnership in The Netherlands
The Netherlands facilitates both marriage and civil partnerships for heterosexual and same sex couples. A civil partnership is also known as a registered partnership (‘geregistreerd partnerschap’) In The Netherlands. This article discusses how to dissolve civil partnerships and the legal consequences of ending the partnership.
Maintenance increase of 4.6 % for 2026
The Dutch government indexes all maintenance / alimony obligations in line with inflation every year. In 2026, the maintenance increase will be 4.6 %.
The role of child protection services in Dutch divorce and child custody cases
In The Netherlands, if a child is deemed at risk, child protection services (CPS) can be called in. This can range from voluntary help to forced interventions. However, it is a stubborn myth that the authorities take children out of their homes easily. This article examines the role of different partsRead more
Dividing foreign pensions after divorce in The Netherlands
In a previous blog we discussed some of the difficulties of dividing foreign pensions after a divorce in The Netherlands. In two recent cases the Dutch courts highlight the need to assess each pension individually for a fair division of foreign pensions.
I am paying maintenance, but my ex-spouse does not want to work
You are paying maintenance to your ex-partner, but they do not want to work. What legal action can you take to reduce maintenance?
Read moreCan you forfeit spousal maintenance due to bad behaviour?
This blog deals with the tricky question whether a spouse can forfeit spousal maintenance in The Netherlands due to bad behaviour.
Read moreMaintenance increase for 2025
The Dutch government indexes all maintenance / alimony obligations in line with inflation every year. Another big increase of 6.5 % has been announced for 2025.
Adoption by a step-parent in The Netherlands
What if the biological parent is not a feature in the children’s lives but your new partner is? Sometimes after a divorce the other parent disappears and is not there to make the important decisions and a new partner is the ‘Dad’ in the children’s lives. Or the biological parentRead more