Child Custody in Belgium: Accommodation, Parental Rights, and Child Support (2025)

Child custody in Belgium is an area of family law that raises many questions among parents undergoing separation or divorce. This introduction aims to clarify the main aspects of this subject, including accommodation, parental rights, and child support, based on Belgian legal provisions.

Child Accommodation

In Belgium, child accommodation after a separation can be organized in different ways. The Belgian Civil Code, notably Article 374, provides for two main types of accommodation: equal accommodation and primary accommodation. Equal accommodation, where the child spends an equivalent amount of time with each parent, is increasingly favored by courts as it promotes the child's balance and well-being. However, depending on the circumstances, one parent may be granted primary accommodation, with the other parent having visitation rights. A concrete example is a child living mainly with their mother in Brussels but spending every other weekend and half of the school holidays with their father residing in Antwerp.

Parental Rights

Parental rights, often referred to as parental authority, are generally exercised jointly by both parents, whether they are married, separated, or divorced. Article 373 of the Civil Code stipulates that important decisions regarding the child's health, education, and activities must be made by mutual agreement. For example, if a child needs to change schools, both parents must consent to this decision. In case of persistent disagreement, the family court can be called upon to decide.

Child Support

Child support is a legal obligation in Belgium, intended to cover the child's needs. It is calculated based on each parent's income and the child's specific needs. The average child support in Belgium varies depending on the parents' incomes and the child's specific circumstances, typically ranging from €150 to €400 per month per child. Parents can agree on an amount between themselves or, in case of disagreement, the family court will intervene to set this amount. For example, a parent earning €3,000 per month might be required to pay child support of €200 monthly for a child.

In conclusion, child custody in Belgium is governed by clear rules aimed at protecting the child's well-being while respecting the parents' rights. It is essential for parents to familiarize themselves with these legal provisions to navigate this often delicate period of their lives as best as possible.

The Service of Alimony Claims (SECAL) plays a crucial role in Belgium in supporting families facing difficulties in paying child support. Created in 2003, SECAL intervenes to ensure the payment of this support, essential for children's well-being.

Functioning of SECAL

SECAL intervenes when the debtor parent does not pay the child support decided by the court. According to Article 1322bis of the Judicial Code, the creditor parent can request SECAL's assistance if the child support payment is more than two months overdue. SECAL can advance unpaid amounts up to a ceiling of €194.80 per month per child (indexed annually as of January 1st each year to account for inflation). This advance provides temporary support to the creditor parent while initiating steps to recover the amounts due from the debtor.

Conditions for Intervention

To benefit from SECAL's support, several conditions must be met. The creditor parent must prove that amicable steps have been taken, such as sending reminders or formal notices to the debtor. Furthermore, SECAL only intervenes if the judgment or order setting the child support has been served on the debtor by bailiff's exploit, in accordance with Article 1494 of the Judicial Code. It is also imperative that the creditor parent resides in Belgium.

Concrete Examples

Imagine the case of Sophie, a mother of two children, who has not received child support for three months. After several unsuccessful attempts to obtain payment from her ex-partner, she contacts SECAL. After verifying the documents and preliminary steps, SECAL starts paying her approximately €389.60 per month (corresponding to €194.80 per child), while initiating a recovery procedure for the arrears from the debtor.

Recovery Procedure

SECAL can use various methods to recover the advanced amounts, including wage garnishment or seizing the debtor's benefits. According to Article 1445 of the Judicial Code, these procedures can be launched quickly, often within four to six weeks after the creditor parent's request.

Thus, SECAL represents a safety net for Belgian families, guaranteeing them financial support in case of the debtor parent's default, while ensuring the recovery of advanced amounts. This intervention is crucial for maintaining financial stability within the affected households, ensuring that children's needs remain prioritized.

Children's rights in matters of custody and child support are paramount in Belgium, and the general delegate for children's rights plays a crucial role in ensuring them. One of the main missions of this delegate is to ensure compliance with children's rights as defined by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as by Belgian legislation.

Role of the General Delegate

The general delegate for children's rights in Belgium is a key interlocutor for all issues affecting children's rights and well-being. In case of disputes concerning custody or child support, the delegate can be approached by families or the children themselves. For example, if a child feels that their interests are not being considered during a custody procedure, they can contact the general delegate for advice or intervention. The general delegate can then propose solutions or mediations to resolve the conflict amicably.

Interventions and Mediations

In matters of child custody, the Belgian Civil Code (Article 374) stipulates that both parents must make decisions together concerning the children, unless otherwise provided. The general delegate can act as a mediator when parents cannot reach an agreement on shared custody. For example, in a case where a parent refuses to comply with the custody arrangements set by the court, the delegate can suggest mediation sessions to restore constructive dialogue between the parents.

Concrete Examples

Consider a situation where a parent does not comply with the child support amount set by the court. Child support amounts in Belgium typically range from €150 to €400 per child depending on the parents' incomes and the child's specific circumstances. If a parent pays less than the amount ordered, the general delegate can help remind the parent of their legal obligations and direct the creditor to services like SECAL to recover the arrears.

Conclusion

The general delegate for children's rights is an indispensable actor in ensuring the respect of children's rights in custody and child support situations in Belgium. By offering mediation services and ensuring that legislations such as the Belgian Civil Code are respected, they contribute to creating an environment where children's rights are protected and valued.