Additional and special needs in child maintenance
Regular child maintenance under the Düsseldorf Table does not cover everything. For certain additional costs there are additional needs and special needs. Both are separate claims that can go beyond the table maintenance.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Create letter →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Classify the need
Clarify whether it is regular additional needs or one-off special needs.
- 2
2. Document the costs
Collect evidence of the extra expenses.
- 3
3. Calculate the share
Determine the split according to both parents' income.
- 4
4. Assert the claim
Claim the share in writing; special needs promptly after they arise.
How to spot the scam
- Special needs are asserted too late.
- Additional needs and special needs are confused.
- Evidence of the extra costs is missing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between additional needs and special needs?
Additional needs are regular extra costs such as daycare fees or illness-related needs. Special needs are irregular, exceptionally high, and unforeseeable needs, such as an expensive class trip. Both go beyond the table maintenance.
Who bears these extra costs?
Generally both parents proportionally according to their income. The caring parent often bears their share through the care itself; the additional monetary costs are split according to the income ratio.
By when do I have to claim special needs?
Special needs should be claimed promptly. For the past, they exist only to a limited extent; in principle they can be claimed within one year of arising (§ 1613 Abs. 2 BGB). So do not wait too long.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.