Separation &
Co-Parenting
After a separation, you fall under the regulation of co-parenting. We help you find the best solution in terms of child benefits.
How do you receive child benefits after a separation?
We receive the necessary information from the Crossroads Bank automatically if parents legally or actually separate. We then investigate who is entitled to the child benefits. You therefore need not do anything yourself.
Who receives the child benefits?
We determine who receives the child benefit based on the legislation. The regulation differentiates between minors and adult children.
Minors
In the case of minors, we automatically assume co-parenting, whereby both parents jointly hold parental authority. The mother automatically continues to receive the child benefit, except in the following cases:
- If the family court exclusively gives parental authority to one of the parents, provide us with this decision as soon as possible. The parent with parental authority and with whom the child lives therefore receives the child benefit.
- If the child is registered at the father’s address, he may receive the child benefit. In this case, send us a simple request in writing and we will pay the child benefit to you the following month.
When determining the status of other children for a higher amount, minors with co-parents are only considered as part of the family of the parent receiving the child benefit, even if we pay the benefit into a joint account.
Adults and emancipated children
If your child is an adult or emancipated, the parental authority ceases. From that time, we look at the actual situation within the family. We look at where the child is registered and pay the child benefit to that parent.
You may maintain the regulation of co-parenting if at least one parent declares that the child stays with each parent for an equal amount of time. We provide you with a document three months before your child’s 18th birthday so as to make the declaration. If you wish to stop co-parenting, you can simply ignore the document. Should the other parent submit a declaration to continue co-parenting, we will continue to apply the co-parenting regulation. Should the parents disagree, a social worker will visit to assess your situation.
How can you appeal against the payment decision?
Should you disagree with the payment to the other parent, you may file a complaint in this regard with the family court.
What do our families say about Brussels Family?
“Very satisfied with the service. I automatically receive child benefits for each child every month! Easy application and fast payments.”
Gabriella, 31
“My family benefits fund for years. I’m very satisfied. They respond very quickly and you can ask any questions.”
Mitch, 29
“Excellent service, regular payments every month.”
Fatima, 34
“Great team, fantastic consultants, attentive, quick, and very pleasant.”
Sarine, 27Specific family situations
Frequently asked questions
We are happy to help you understand how to modify your household composition. We know that changes in family life can be complicated, but we will explain everything you need to know.
New birth: You simply need to register your child with the civil registry office of your municipality. This will automatically update your household composition and Brussels Family will be informed of this change.
Divorce: Anyone who has left the household (your ex-spouse or yourself) must register their new address with the civil registry office of their municipality. From that moment on, they will no longer be considered part of your household composition and your file will be updated by Brussels Family.
If an additional person comes to live with you, the local police officer will need to verify their presence before your household composition can be updated. Brussels Family will then automatically be informed of this change.
Finally, if a person leaves your household, you simply need to inform the civil registry office again. If this person provides their new address to the civil registry office, no further formalities are required and your household composition will be automatically updated.
If you have any questions about how to modify your household composition, feel free to contact the civil registry office of your municipality. And if you want to know more about social supplements in the context of family allowances, you can find all the information you need on our website.
You can submit your application for the adoption allowance once the adoption request has been filed with the court and the child is living with the adoptive parent. If you meet these conditions, follow these steps:
- Send us a copy of the adoption request that you filed with the court. For adopted children from abroad, also send us a copy of the adoption certificate from the respective country.
- Generally, we automatically verify your eligibility for an adoption allowance. However, submitting an application can speed up this process. Feel free to call us or send us an email regarding this matter.
Your eligibility for monthly family allowances is automatically assessed at the same time as your eligibility for the adoption allowance. Therefore, you do not need to send a separate application.