Child support when a parent has children from two relationships
When one parent owes support to two homes, the table does not tell the whole story: here is what it gives depending on how it is read.
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy
The Ministry of Justice reference table was designed for one family: it asks for the paying parent’s income and the number of children in common. When that parent has children from two relationships, two readings are possible. The first works out each family separately, as if the other did not exist: on €3,000 with one child on each side and standard visiting, that is €634 a month in total. The second counts all the children together and applies the two-child rate to each (11.5 % instead of 13.5 %): €540 in total. The gap, €94 a month, measures what the judge has to decide. Neither reading is the official rule: the judge looks at the actual resources and costs of each home, which is common in blended and international families.
Two families: two readings of the table
Total, each family worked out on its own
€634
| Total, all children counted together | €540 |
| Gap between the two readings | €94 |
| First family, combined reading | €270 |
The two readings at several incomes
| Net income | Each family separately | All children together | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| €1,800 | €310 | €264 | €46 |
| €2,400 | €472 | €402 | €70 |
| €3,000 | €634 | €540 | €94 |
| €4,000 | €904 | €770 | €134 |
| €5,000 | €1,174 | €1,000 | €174 |
| Net income | Each family separately | All children together | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| €2,000 | €492 | €404 | €88 |
| €3,000 | €857 | €704 | €153 |
| €4,000 | €1,222 | €1,004 | €218 |
What to put before the judge
A parent asking for a reduction after a child is born in the new home must show a real cost: childcare, a bigger home, the new couple’s income. The parent receiving support can answer that the new partner’s income lightens the paying parent’s costs. Both arguments are accepted, which is why it pays to calculate both readings before the hearing. The procedure is on changing the amount, and the new partner’s role on child support and a new partner.