Each morning, traffic jams on the A12, IT employees from Oosterheem or Buytenpark commuting to Den Haag: a divorce can suddenly entail additional calculations. As of 1 January 2026, updated TREMA tables will apply to child and spousal maintenance. Three specific adjustments affect both new and ongoing proceedings.
How Do the TREMA Guidelines Operate in Practice?
TREMA is not legislation but a widely followed calculation method of the Expert Group on Maintenance Standards (Expertgroep Alimentatienormen). Family law judges, lawyers and academics compile the tables. Judges use them as a starting point; deviations require clear reasoning.
Increase of the Social Assistance Norm in 2026
The minimum disposable amount for the maintenance debtor rises by approximately 3.8 per cent. For a single person without children this amounts to around € 1,230 per month. Lower incomes therefore retain slightly less to pay maintenance.
Adjustments to the Income Exempt from Financial Capacity Assessment
The amount that remains available for housing costs, health insurance premiums and unavoidable expenses is increased:
- Fixed housing costs: € 870 → € 905
- Health insurance premium: € 165 → € 178
- Unavoidable child-related expenses: € 89 → € 96
For middle incomes this often results in a lower maintenance outcome.
Reduction of the Income-Dependent Combination Tax Credit
The tax credit for shared parenting decreases from € 2,694 to € 2,481. Working parents with young children in a 50/50 arrangement will see their net disposable income change and, consequently, their financial capacity.
Consequences for Ongoing Cases in the Region
Proceedings still pending are usually recalculated using the new tables. A change of more than ten per cent in net income may constitute grounds for revision pursuant to Article 1:401 BW. Via the A12 you can quickly reach the Rechtbank Den Haag to submit a new application.
Applying for Revision at the Rechtbank Den Haag
Anyone wishing to have an existing maintenance order adjusted can obtain initial information from the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. This is often followed by a visit to our office at Argonstraat 26, 2718 SN Zoetermeer (070 - 4500 300) for an up-to-date calculation.
Assistance via Online Tools or Local Advice
Only authorised lawyers or mediators can produce binding calculations. Systems such as ALIMOREN provide indications but carry little weight in proceedings. Local advice prevents surprises in the long term.