Fewer women receive alimony, lower amounts involved

Today, Statistics Netherlands announced that one in six women who got divorced last year were granted partner alimony.  The average amount involved was 980 euros and has declined marginally since 2009. In the period 2001-2009, partner alimony was raised each year. 

One in every six divorced women receive alimony

Last year, 35.2 thousand women filed for divorce, an increase by 2 percent relative to 2012.  In 16 percent of cases, the women were granted alimony. In 2001, nearly 18 percent of divorced women received alimony, versus 20 percent in 2007.  The decrease in the percentage of women receiving alimony could partly be caused by the fact that a growing number of women are financially independent. In 1 percent of divorce cases, the man is granted alimony.

Partner alimony (average) in euros

Alimony marginally down after rapid increase

The average amount of partner alimony was 715 euros a month in 2001. Subsequently, the amount was raised to 1,035 euros in 2009. After 2009, the amount ordered by the courts was lowered again. The average alimony payment was 980 euros a month in 2013.

Nearly one in five women receive 1,600 euros a month or more

Depending on the woman’s personal financial situation and the ex-partner’s income, there are substantial differences in the amounts of alimony paid.  Approximately one in three women received 400 euros a month or less and nearly one in five received 1,600 euros a month or more.

Monthly partner alimony payments by amount, 2013