As of January 1, 2024, significant changes in maintenance law will come into force, which are set out in the updated Düsseldorf table. These changes have far-reaching effects both on the amount of child support and on the deductibles of maintenance obligations and reflect adjustments to current economic conditions.
Child Support Adjustments
Child support claims, which are dynamically based on the currently valid Düsseldorf table, will be significantly increased from 01.01.2024. The requirement rates for minor children before deduction of half child benefit (currently €125.00 per child) are rising significantly. For children of the 1st age group (up to the age of 6), the requirement rate increases from 437.00€ to 480.00€, for the 2nd age group (up to the age of 12) from 502.00€ to 551.00€ and for the 3rd age group (up to the age of 18) from 588.00€ to 645.00€. These increases reflect increased living costs and are intended to ensure that children's needs are adequately met. The adjustments concern the minimum maintenance of the first income group, which now ranges up to an income of 2,100.00€ (previously 1,900.00€) and extends to the 15th income group.
Requirements for adults and students
In addition to the changes for minor children, the requirement rates for children over the age of 18 will also be increased and now amount to 689.00€ (previously 628.00€). This takes into account increased spending on young adults. The requirement rate for student children who do not live in their parents' household remains stable at 930.00€, but can be adjusted to the specific needs and life situations of students.
Changes in deductibles
The deductibles are also adjusted to enable maintenance payers to live a decent life despite the maintenance obligations. The necessary personal needs for minors and full-age unmarried children up to the age of 21 who live in the household of their parents or one parent and are in general education increases from €1,120.00 to €1,200.00 for non-working maintenance payers and from €1,370.00 to €1,450.00 for working maintenance debtors. This increase reflects inflation and rising living costs. As of 01.01.2024, the monthly personal consumption (excess) against spouses' maintenance claims rises from 1,510.00€ to 1,600.00€ for employed persons and from 1,385.00€ to 1,475.00€ for non-employed persons. These amounts include up to 580.00€ for housing costs and ancillary expenses.
Information for maintenance creditors and debtors:
It is important for maintenance creditors to check from 01.01.2024 whether the correct increase in child support has been made. In the event of discrepancies, they should alert the maintenance debtor to the increase owed and demand an additional payment based on the new Düsseldorf table. Maintenance debtors should act proactively and increase child support from 01.01.2024, even without asking the other parent. This avoids potential foreclosure if there is an enforceable title.
Legal notice:
It is important to stress that this article provides a general overview and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. For specific questions and individual situations, we recommend that you contact a specialist lawyer.
