Child Maintenance Calculator 2026 — Düsseldorf Table (from 486 €)
Child support for one or more children under the 2026 Düsseldorfer Tabelle: net income and each child's age give the income bracket, table amounts and payments.
Details
Total Maintenance / Month
€942.00
Total per Year: €11,304.00
Income Level
Level 4
Net up to €3,300.00
You keep
€2,058.00
needs-control amount: €1,950.00
| Child | Age | Table amount | Child benefit | Amount payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child 1 | 5 (0-5 years) | €559.00 | -€129.50half (minor) | €429.50 |
| Child 2 | 10 (6-11 years) | €642.00 | -€129.50half (minor) | €512.50 |
Note: Calculation based on the Düsseldorf Table 2026. Minor children: table amount minus half the child benefit (§ 1612b (1) no. 1 BGB). If the needs-control amount is undercut, the calculator moves down a level; if the income is insufficient, payments are reduced proportionally. Not included: spousal maintenance, shared-care arrangements, additional and special needs, and moving up or down a level because of the number of dependants (note A I). Actual amounts may differ.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Düsseldorf Table?
The Düsseldorf Table is a guideline issued by the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf for child maintenance. It sets the minimum maintenance based on the paying parent's net income and the child's age. Updated annually.
What is the self-provision minimum?
The self-provision minimum is the amount that must remain with the paying parent. In 2026 it is 1,450 EUR/month for employed obligors and 1,200 EUR/month for non-employed.
Is child benefit offset against maintenance?
Yes. For minor children cared for by the other parent, child benefit (259 EUR/child/month in 2026) is offset at 50 %: table amount − 129.50 EUR = cash maintenance (§ 1612b (1) no. 1 BGB). For adult children it is offset in full, because no parent provides maintenance through care any more: table amount − 259 EUR (§ 1612b (1) no. 2 BGB).
What happens if the paying parent does not pay?
Maintenance is legally enforceable. Options: advance maintenance from the youth welfare office (until the child turns 18, from age 12 under extra conditions), wage and bank account garnishment, and for a criminal breach of the maintenance duty a driving ban as an ancillary penalty. Ongoing maintenance claims become time-barred after 3 years, but between parent and child the limitation period is suspended until the child turns 21 (Section 207 BGB).
Guide
What is the Child Maintenance Calculator 2026 — Düsseldorf Table (from 486 €)?
The child maintenance calculator computes child support under the Düsseldorf Table 2026. It factors in the paying parent's net income, the child's age and child benefit.
How does the Child Maintenance Calculator 2026 — Düsseldorf Table (from 486 €) work?
Enter the paying parent's adjusted net income, whether they are employed, and each child's age – for adult children also their living situation. The calculator finds the table amount under the 2026 Düsseldorf Table, deducts child benefit (half for minors, in full for adult children) and checks the needs-control amount and the self-provision minimum; if the income is not enough, it moves down a level or reduces payments proportionally.
Key Data and Facts
Düsseldorf Table 2026 – base amounts (income group 1, up to 2,100 EUR net): ages 0–5: 486 EUR, 6–11: 558 EUR, 12–17: 653 EUR, 18+: 698 EUR. Child benefit 2026: 259 EUR/child/month – offset at half (129.50 EUR) for minors and in full for adult children (§ 1612b (1) BGB). Minimum self-provision for working obligors: 1,450 EUR/month.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-step: 1. Adjusted net income: gross minus taxes/social contributions, minus work-related costs (5 %, min. 50 EUR). 2. Find income group in Düsseldorf Table. 3. Read table amount. 4. Deduct child benefit: minors – maintenance = table amount − 50 % child benefit (129.50 EUR); adult children – table amount − full child benefit (259 EUR, § 1612b (1) no. 2 BGB). 5. Check the needs-control amount and the self-provision minimum: if less than the group's needs-control amount remains after all payments, move down a level; the obligor must keep at least 1,450 EUR (working), 1,750 EUR towards non-privileged adult children. 6. If income insufficient: proportional reduction (hardship case).
Calculation Example
Net income 2,800 EUR, child aged 8: income group 3 (2,501–2,900 EUR). Table amount 614 EUR. Child benefit deduction −129.50 EUR. Maintenance payable = 484.50 EUR/month. Same income, child aged 19 living with a parent: table amount 18+ 768 EUR − full child benefit 259 EUR = 509 EUR/month.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG)
- Bundesministerium der Finanzen (BMF)
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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