In Rotterdam, with its vibrant student population at Erasmus University and Hogeschool Rotterdam, partner maintenance is a crucial follow-up to the parental maintenance obligation for studying couples. Article 1:157 CC regulates contributions between partners during their joint household, taking into account the high cost of living in neighborhoods such as Kralingen or the city centers.
Conditions in Rotterdam Context
Both partners must be studying full-time or have an income shortfall due to study. The maintenance obligation continues for a maximum of 1 year after completion of the study, as confirmed in recent judgments of the District Court of Rotterdam. Local judges pay extra attention to Rotterdam rental prices, which average €1,200 per month for student rooms.
Calculation with Local Factors
The calculation is based on capacity to pay and need, often a 50/50 division with equal income. In Rotterdam, specific costs are taken into account such as rent in Delfshaven, study books for Erasmus programs and OV-chipkaart subscriptions for public transport. A typical need is around €1,000-€1,500 per month.
Difference with Child Maintenance
In contrast to the child maintenance obligation until 18-21 years, partner maintenance does not end at a fixed age but upon self-sufficiency, such as a job with Rotterdam employers like the port companies. Rotterdam judges scrutinize more strictly in the case of cohabiting couples, with emphasis on joint accounts and local living situations.
Example: A working partner at the Rotterdam port pays €450 to the studying partner at Erasmus University, adjusted for job change or inflation. Upon separation, the maintenance continues until the end of the study, as decided in a recent case at the District Court of Rotterdam.