How do I arrange a BEM account for my child?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A BEM clause blocks funds in a minor's bank account. Withdrawal or removal before age 18 requires the subdistrict judge's permission. A legal representative can apply personally.
On this page
1. Choose the action
Ask the bank which opening documents it needs, such as a settlement, will/inheritance certificate or court authorisation. Explain why the restriction is needed when seeking permission to impose it.
2. Check legal representation
Only the child's legal representative, usually a parent with parental authority or guardian, can apply. Identify the child and all representatives. A lawyer is not compulsory.
3. Collect bank evidence
For an existing account or a withdrawal, attach a recent statement showing account holder, date and balance. Specify the withdrawal amount and purpose and explain the child's interests. For early removal, explain why the restriction should end.
4. Complete the request
Include full names, dates of birth, addresses and telephone numbers for the child and representative(s). Date and sign the letter; any second legal representative must also sign. Check all supporting documents.
5. Use the correct court
Send it to the subdistrict section of the court for your residence. If representatives live apart, use the residence of the representative with whom the child stays. No court fee applies to these authorisations. Most requests are decided on paper; a hearing is possible. There is no guaranteed decision date.
6. Act on the decision
Take permission to the bank and carry out only the authorised action. The BEM restriction ends automatically at 18, when the child can operate the account independently. Check tax and benefits separately: blocked funds are not automatically exempt. Retain the request, decision and statements.
Draft BEM request — complete first
Choose one action and delete the others. Complete all details and attachments, obtain both representatives' signatures and check the court. Nothing is submitted automatically.
Edit your draftWord
Your edits stay on this page and are not automatically saved or sent. Complete every placeholder.
Can I use the money for my child immediately?
Not without prior authorisation while the BEM restriction applies. Even a useful purpose does not itself authorise withdrawal. Ask the judge for the specific amount and purpose.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
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Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Impose, withdraw or remove
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View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Impose, withdraw or remove
- Parental authority and representatives
- Complete details and signatures
- Recent statement and supporting papers
- Amount, purpose and child's interests
- Correct court and bank confirmation
Contact with a lawyer
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View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Rechtspraak · BEM-clausule ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.