As of 1 January 2022, child and spousal support is to be indexed again. The indexation percentage for 2022 has been set at 1.9%.

As wages and living costs rise, the amount of alimony you pay or receive will be increased every year in January.

Indexation is not automatic. The payer needs to keep an eye on this himself and needs to look up the percentage each year. If the payer does not do this, then there is arrears in payment and the ex-partner has the opportunity to collect the alimony for five years. This usually involves a lot of extra costs for the payer. After 5 years, the possibility of claiming maintenance arrears is time-barred.

The payer is legally obliged to implement the indexation, even in the event that the salary has not increased or the own costs have risen.

If your circumstances have changed in recent months, or if you have been paying alimony for several years while your salary has remained the same, the implementation of indexation may lead to an unreasonable outcome. In that case, it is wise to have a new calculation made and to try to reach new agreements with your ex-partner. If the latter does not work out, you can apply to the court for a reduction in child and/or spousal support.

Do you have questions about alimony or do you need advice on a change in the amount? Please feel free to contact one of our lawyers without any obligation. We will be happy to assist you!