A crane operator from the Waalhaven who, after an international secondment, wishes to have his maintenance revised, will be faced with new calculation rules in 2026. The Expert Group on Maintenance Standards adjusts the tables for inflation and tax changes. Three specific changes apply both to ongoing proceedings and to divorces that have not yet been finalised.
TREMA as a Calculation Standard in Family Law
TREMA is not a law but a widely applied method of the courts. Family court judges, lawyers and academics compile the tables. Judges generally follow these guidelines; deviations require clear reasoning.
Social Assistance Standard 2026: Less Room for Low Incomes
The guaranteed disposable minimum for the paying parent rises by approximately 3.8 per cent. For a single person without children, this amounts to around € 1,230 per month. Those working in the port or on the A15 with a modest salary will therefore have slightly less left over for maintenance.
Adjustments to Non-Ability-to-Pay Expenses
The fixed allowances for housing costs, health insurance premiums and child-related expenses are increased:
- Maximum housing costs: € 870 to € 905
- Health insurance premium: € 165 to € 178
- Non-avoidable child expenses: € 89 to € 96
The result is that maintenance amounts for middle incomes often turn out slightly lower.
Lower Combination Tax Credit in Shared Parenting Arrangements
The income-dependent combination tax credit decreases from € 2,694 to € 2,481. This mainly affects working parents in 50/50 arrangements, including many international employees in Rotterdam's shipping industry. Their net ability to pay therefore changes noticeably.
Applying for Revision at the Rechtbank Rotterdam
A change of more than 10 per cent in disposable income may be grounds for adjustment (article 1:401 BW). Proceedings still pending before the Rechtbank Rotterdam are almost always calculated using the new tables. Ask your lawyer for an updated calculation.
Obtaining Advice at Wilhelminaplein
For a concrete calculation, you can turn to specialised firms such as Arslan at Wilhelminaplein 100. The Juridisch Loket Rotterdam also offers initial assistance with questions about revision. Online tools provide only an indication and are not binding.