Cross-border alimony: how to receive or pay maintenance across borders
When a relationship ends, financial support doesn’t always stop – especially if children are involved. Dutch law holds both parents jointly responsible for their children’s care and upbringing until the age of 21. In some cases, one partner is also legally obliged to support the other after separation. These financial obligations are formalised as child maintenance or partner maintenance – together commonly referred to as alimony.
While these arrangements are often managed directly between former partners, things become more complicated when one of them lives abroad – or when international cooperation is needed to ensure payments are made.
This article explains
- what to do when you are entitled to receive alimony from abroad, and do not receive payment and
- what happens if you live in the Netherlands and are required to pay alimony to someone abroad, but don’t.
The focus of the article is to explain how the LBIO (Dutch National Maintenance Collection Agency) can support you.
When your ex-partner lives abroad and stops paying
If your ex-partner lives outside the Netherlands and does not comply with a court-ordered alimony decision, recovering your money can be difficult. Different legal systems, currencies and procedures can slow the process.
Fortunately, the Netherlands is party to various international treaties and EU regulations that enable cooperation between central authorities – including the LBIO – to collect alimony across borders.
How the LBIO can support you
If you live in the Netherlands and your ex-partner lives abroad, the LBIO can:
- Contact the relevant authority in the other country
- Help arrange a payment plan
- Initiate legal proceedings if necessary
- Transfer received payments directly to your bank account
This is possible only if the country where your ex-partner lives is part of an international agreement or EU regulation with the Netherlands. If you’re unsure whether this applies to your situation, the LBIO can help you find out.
Assuming this is the case, the first step is to submit an online request. After that, you will need to send original legal documents (such as a court judgment or notarial deed), along with any referenced divorce agreements or parenting plans.
What if you are the one who must pay – and you live in the Netherlands?
If you live in the Netherlands and your ex-partner has filed a request through their country’s central authority, the LBIO will handle the case on their behalf. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – The LBIO receives a formal request
The LBIO accepts the request from the foreign authority and contacts you with a proposal to arrange payment. If no agreement is reached, court proceedings may follow.
Step 2 – You make the payments via the LBIO
Once payments begin, the LBIO transfers the money to the foreign central authority, which then sends it on to your ex-partner.
The legal obligations remain the same whether your ex-partner lives in the Netherlands or abroad: the amount must be paid in full and on time, according to the original court decision. If not, the LBIO can take enforcement steps.
What does it cost?
If your case falls under one of the recognised international agreements, the LBIO’s services are free of charge. However, if a foreign lawyer or bailiff needs to be involved, any extra costs may be passed on to you. You will be informed in advance if this applies.
Note: the LBIO can only recover the amount mentioned in the official judgment – not exchange rate losses or international banking fees. The final amount received may therefore be slightly lower.
No formal judgment yet?
If you don’t have a court decision or notarial deed, the LBIO might still be able to advise you. It’s worth contacting them directly for guidance on how to proceed.
When legal advice is worth considering
Although the LBIO can handle many practical steps, you may benefit from legal advice in certain situations:
- If you’d like to explore faster or alternative routes (such as private enforcement)
- If legal action is likely and you want to be well-prepared
- If your case involves complications such as changing payment amounts or conflicting court decisions
An experienced family law lawyer can help assess your case, prepare documents and advise you on the best course of action.
How long does it take?
The timeframe for international alimony enforcement varies. If your ex-partner cooperates, payments may resume quickly. But if legal steps are needed abroad or the person avoids payment, it can take several months or even longer. Patience is key – and legal support may help move things along.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to receive alimony from an ex living abroad or are required to pay from within the Netherlands, cross-border maintenance comes with challenges – but also with solutions.
The LBIO plays a vital role in enforcing and transferring alimony payments between countries. If you’re unsure how to proceed, or if you’re facing delays or legal obstacles, consulting a legal expert can offer valuable clarity and speed up the process.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legally binding. Although we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know by contacting us via the contact form located at the bottom of the page.
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