Divorce with children in Belgium: parental authority and residence arrangements
A divorce or de facto separation with children requires a clear arrangement regarding parental authority, the primary residence of the children and access arrangements. Novex Lawyers guides you through the entire procedure before the family court in Brussels.
Joint or exclusive parental authority
In Belgium, the rule is that both parents exercise joint parental authority after divorce. This means that both parents make joint decisions about the children's upbringing, school, health and place of residence. An exception is possible when exclusive parental authority is in the best interest of the child.
Principal residence and secondary residence
The court determines with which parent the children have their primary residence (the parent with whom the child is officially registered). The other parent has secondary residence - usually the child spends half the time with each parent (co-parenting) or a smaller period each month.
Maintenance contribution and extraordinary expenses
The maintenance contribution is calculated based on the costs for the child and the income situation of both parents. Extraordinary costs (medical expenses, school expenses, hobbies) are basically shared based on the respective incomes.
Divorce with children? Contact Novex Lawyers for guidance at the family court in Brussels.