Recalculating or indexing — which do you need?
The two are often confused, but they do different things.
Indexation adjusts an existing amount each year by a percentage set by the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security (art. 1:402a of the Dutch Civil Code). Your situation plays no part; only the amount moves. If that is all you need, use the indexation tool — it saves you a whole calculation.
Recalculating works out the amount again from your current details: incomes, care arrangement, household. The outcome may be higher or lower than what is in place now, or stay about the same.
When is recalculating worthwhile?
- Your income or your ex-partner's income has changed, for instance through illness or a WGA benefit (the Dutch partial-incapacity benefit)
- You changed jobs, or a benefit started or ended
- The care arrangement is different: more or fewer days with one of you
- A child has arrived, or your household has changed
- The child-related budget or an allowance has changed
- The old calculation simply no longer matches how things are now
What you get
You go through the same calculation as the first time, with your current details. Enter the amount currently in place and the result shows it alongside the new indication, with the difference. That amount does not feed into the calculation itself — it is there only to compare.
Important to know
A different outcome does not mean your arrangement or the court's decision changes automatically. That requires agreement with the other party, or a court procedure. The calculation is indicative: treat it as a reasoned starting point for that conversation, and have the outcome reviewed by a lawyer or mediator.
Start with the type of maintenance
Recalculate child maintenance Recalculate spousal maintenance
Making a calculation for the first time? Start with child maintenance or spousal maintenance.