Can I reduce child support?

Questioner

My son will be 18 on January 3, is following a BBL-2 training and I receive €295 in alimony for him every month. My ex-partner has stopped the alimony without consultation as of January 1 because according to him he no longer has to pay it. My son earns a maximum of between 800-900,- per month. Is this also legally the case? He cannot yet provide for his own livelihood, which means that I as the recipient now have to bear all costs myself until he is 21. What is realistic in this? Am I or my son still entitled to the full alimony or is it realistic to reduce the amount by 50% per month?

Lawyer

It is possible to reduce child support, but how realistic this is depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is the change in financial circumstances. If the person liable for maintenance can show that his or her income has dropped significantly since the original maintenance agreement was established, this may be a valid reason to adjust the amount of child support. In addition, the child's needs play a role. For example, if the child becomes an adult or there is another change in the child's needs or costs, this can also lead to a review of the maintenance. In general, a modification of child support is assessed using the following three steps: 1. Is there a change in circumstances? 2. If so, does this change lead to a reassessment of the child's needs? 3. If so, what is the maintenance debtor's capacity to pay? It is often advisable to seek legal advice if you believe that a change in child support may be justified. A professional can help you form a realistic picture of the possibilities.