Assistance with changing visitation arrangements and alimony

Questioner

My daughter comes to live with us years after the divorce. This of course changes some things regarding the visitation arrangements and alimony. The new agreements on this have been put on paper by the Youth Care Agency. Where can I make it legally valid, without additional costs for lawyers? My ex does not want to contribute to any costs.

Lawyer

In principle, good agreements signed by both parties should be sufficient. However, if it really has to be enforced, you cannot avoid going to court (with the help of a lawyer). Regardless of whether or not your ex wants to incur costs. It is possible that you (both) qualify for legal aid. In that case, the costs can remain limited.

Questioner

Thanks for the explanation. Could an addition be made by yourself? So suppose I deliver the covenant as it was, plus the adjustment incorporated in it, ready-made to a lawyer? Can I reduce the costs that way? And what does it cost to pass through a judge?

Lawyer

If you have reached an agreement with your ex-partner, you do not need to go to a lawyer, but you can sign a document together. When enforcing agreements, the judge must be involved. A petition must then be submitted and the judge is asked to record this in a decision. The lawyer must make and submit that decision. The court charges court fees. And if your ex puts up a defense, there will also be a hearing. Unfortunately, this entails all kinds of costs (quickly several thousand euros). You can request (via a lawyer) legal aid. Depending on your income, you then pay a fixed amount as a personal contribution (hundreds of euros) and then the lawyer can take up the matter for you. If you want to know whether you qualify for this, you can contact me personally and I can check that for you.