Net income of the cash support debtor
The child support is calculated on the basis of the net income of the person liable for cash support. Work-related expenses that can be clearly distinguished from private living expenses are to be deducted from this income. This amount can also be estimated at a flat rate of 5 percent of the net income, with a minimum of 50 euros (or less in the case of minor part-time work) and a maximum of 150 euros per month. If the work-related expenses exceed the flat rate, then these must be documented in total.
Debts, insofar as they are “eligible for consideration”, are generally to be deducted from income. Among other things, debts incurred while the parents were living together can be taken into account. These are deductible as long as at least the minimum maintenance (lowest rate in the Düsseldorf table) is guaranteed.
Debts incurred before the child was born are also eligible. This can be, for example, BAföG debts of a parent or debts for furnishing the apartment. In the case of debts that were later accumulated, the reason for the obligation is decisive. Debts incurred to buy an (unnecessarily) expensive car or for a trip around the world are not deductible.
Tip: You can get an overview of the guidelines for maintaining the Düsseldorf table on the Website of the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. There you will find information on maintenance income, child support, spousal support and so-called shortages.