Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance and child support are often confused. Quite simply, maintenance assists in the daily living expenses from one spouse to another whilst child support is paid for the benefit and maintenance of the children.

The court can order one party pay the other Spousal Maintenance, Child Support or both, but only if the recipient cannot adequately support him/herself (whether it is due to age, ill health, lack of marketable job skills or dependents such as children under 18 years of age) and the spouse is financially able to do so. This applies to both married and de facto, including same sex couples.

Time limits apply regarding how soon after separation one can claim for spousal maintenance. If you believe you should be receiving spousal maintenance or have any further queries regarding Spousal Maintenance, please Contact Us now for initial free legal advice.