Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, wage garnishment for maintenance can be a crucial step to collect overdue payments. This measure involves withholding a portion of the debtor's salary directly for outstanding maintenance, such as child maintenance. For residents of Rotterdam, it offers a reliable solution when voluntary payments fail, with priority in family law over other debts.
Why Wage Garnishment for Maintenance in Rotterdam?
Maintenance obligations, such as after a divorce in the port city, are strictly regulated in the Netherlands. When an ex-partner in Rotterdam fails to pay spousal or child maintenance, the entitled party can take action. Wage garnishment directly targets income and prevents financial hardship for families in neighborhoods like Rotterdam-South or Centrum. Maintenance enjoys statutory priority as a priority debt, ahead of loans or bills. The National Service for the Collection of Maintenance Contributions (LBIO) often provides assistance, especially for child maintenance.
Legal Basis
The procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (Rv), Articles 475a to 475n. Article 475d Rv covers garnishment on wages, with priority for maintenance under Article 475e Rv. The Maintenance Act (Civil Code Book 1:404 et seq.) establishes the obligation. In cases of non-payment, apply to the District Court of Rotterdam for an enforcement order (Art. 430 Rv), followed by garnishment. The LBIO expedites this under the Maintenance Contributions Advance Payment Act. Garnishment complies with the Wage Garnishment Act, including a garnishment-free amount and maximum 50% withholding.
How Does Wage Garnishment Work in Rotterdam?
The process is structured and efficient for local residents:
- Establishment: Maintenance set by court order or agreement at the District Court of Rotterdam.
- Report Non-Payment: To the LBIO or bailiff; LBIO takes over child maintenance collection.
- Enforcement Order: Apply at the District Court of Rotterdam (Art. 430 Rv).
- Levy Garnishment: Bailiff notifies employer to withhold payments.
- Execution: Withholding after calculating the garnishment-free amount based on income and household.
- Termination: Upon full repayment or change in circumstances.
From enforcement order to garnishment start: 4-8 weeks, faster via LBIO. Contact the Rotterdam Legal Aid Desk for guidance.
Rights and Obligations in Rotterdam
Entitled parties have priority rights and free LBIO support. Debtors must report income changes and may object at the District Court of Rotterdam (Art. 438 Rv). The garnishment-free amount protects basic needs, such as €1,342 net for singles (2023 figures, adjusted annually). Employers must comply without charging the employee, facing fines for non-compliance. The Municipality of Rotterdam offers additional debt relief in some cases.
Practical Examples from Rotterdam
Ahmed from Feijenoord divorces and pays €450 monthly child maintenance. After three months of arrears (€1,350), his ex engages the LBIO. Garnishment on Ahmed's €2,800 gross salary: after €1,200 garnishment-free amount, €250 withheld monthly.
For spousal maintenance, Lisa obtains an enforcement order from the District Court of Rotterdam against ex-Pieter. Her claim takes priority over his credit garnishment.
Differences with Other Garnishments
Maintenance garnishment takes precedence over regular garnishment:
| Aspect | Maintenance Garnishment | Regular Garnishment |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Highest (Art. 475e Rv) | Lower |
| Collection | LBIO or bailiff | Bailiff |
| Max. Withholding | 50% above garnishment-free amount | 1/3-1/5 |
| Costs | Free via LBIO | Charged to debtor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.