The Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO) provides support for collecting maintenance in Westland when the payer does not pay voluntarily. This service is free of charge for the maintenance beneficiary.
What is the role of the LBIO?
The LBIO takes over the collection of maintenance if the maintenance obligor does not pay or only pays partially. The bureau has extensive powers to enforce payment.
How do I engage the LBIO?
You can call upon the LBIO in Westland under the following conditions:
- There is a court judgment or notarial agreement on maintenance.
- The maintenance obligor does not pay, does not pay in full or pays late.
- There is an arrears of at least €10 or one instalment has not been paid.
Powers of the LBIO
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wage garnishment | The employer deducts maintenance from the salary. |
| Garnishment on benefit | UWV or municipality deducts maintenance from a benefit. |
| Garnishment on bank account | Money is transferred to the LBIO. |
| Garnishment on assets | Goods are sold to pay the debt. |
| Seizure of driving licence | Possible in case of prolonged non-payment (since 2020). |
Costs for maintenance collection
For the maintenance beneficiary in Westland, the services of the LBIO are free. The costs are recovered from the maintenance obligor, such as:
- One-time start-up costs based on the arrears.
- Monthly costs for collection and debt recovery.
- Costs of a bailiff if necessary.
LBIO step-by-step plan
- Register via lbio.nl with the required documents (judgment or deed).
- The LBIO sends a payment request to the maintenance obligor.
- If payment is not forthcoming, enforcement measures are taken.
- The LBIO collects monthly and transfers the amount to you.
My ex lives abroad, can the LBIO help?
The LBIO can collect maintenance abroad, especially within the EU, although this takes more time and effort. Outside the EU, it depends on international agreements and local rules.Can I engage a bailiff myself instead of the LBIO?
Yes, that is possible. However, the LBIO is free and specialised in maintenance cases. A bailiff incurs costs that you often have to pay upfront yourself.How long does the process via the LBIO take?
After registration, the LBIO sends a payment request within a few weeks. If payment does not follow, enforcement measures are taken. The duration depends on the financial situation of the maintenance obligor.Frequently asked questions about maintenance in Westland
How can I register my ex with the LBIO for unpaid maintenance?
Register via lbio.nl with a copy of the court judgment or agreement. Provide proof of the arrears, such as bank statements. The LBIO starts the process with a demand letter. This usually takes a few weeks. Keep your ex's details (address, work) at hand for smoother processing.
What if my ex has no job or income?
The LBIO can garnish benefits such as unemployment benefit or social assistance. If that is not possible, assets or bank accounts are examined. In case of persistent non-payment, the driving licence can be seized.
Can the LBIO help if my ex resides abroad?
Yes, although this is more complicated and takes longer. Within the EU, the LBIO collaborates with local authorities. Outside the EU, it depends on treaties. The LBIO can inform you about this.
Are there costs involved in engaging the LBIO?
No, for the maintenance beneficiary, the LBIO is free of charge. All costs are recovered from the maintenance obligor, which is an advantage compared to a private bailiff.
How quickly do I receive maintenance after registering with the LBIO?
After registration, the maintenance obligor receives a demand letter within a few weeks. If there is no response, enforcement measures follow. With wage garnishment, you often receive money within 4-8 weeks. Complex cases, such as abroad, take longer.
What if the LBIO cannot collect the maintenance?
If the LBIO achieves no result, you can engage your own bailiff (at your own expense). In addition, you can request the District Court of The Hague to revise the maintenance arrangement.