Spousal Maintenance | De Facto Spousal Maintenance

Spouse maintenance is financial support paid by a party to a marriage to their husband or wife (or their former husband or wife) in circumstances where they are unable to adequately support themselves.

De facto spouse maintenance is financial support paid by a party to a de facto relationship that has broken down to their former de facto partner in circumstances where they are unable to adequately support themselves.

The Family Court or Federal Magistrates Court can deal with spouse maintenance applications. Essentially, the extent of the support depends on the following:

One spouse (the applicant) is unable to adequately meet his or her own reasonable needs; and The other spouse (the respondent) has the capacity to pay.

When deciding any financial disputes after a divorce, the Court bases its decisions on the general principles set out in Sections 79(4)FLA and 75(2) of the Family Law

Act 1975. In summary, the judicial officer will try to decide on what is most fair and equitable, based on the following information (for both spouses):

• Your income, property, financial resources and debts
• Your age and health (which determines future requirements)
• Your ability to earn, and whether this has been affected by the marriage
• What is considered to be a suitable standard of living
• Whether the children live with you or your former spouse.

Spousal maintenance can be ordered to be paid as periodic payments or a lump sum. In making property orders, it is usual to specify whether any and what amount is paid as spousal maintenance [ Family Law Act 1975 s 77A ]. These orders bring claims for maintenance to an end.

Spousal maintenance orders generally continue until remarriage or death. Maintenance may also end other circumstances, such as:

• the recipient’s financial situation improves because of a new de-facto relationship;
• changes to child care responsibilities;
• improved earning capacity.

Applications for spouse maintenance if you are a party to a marriage must be made within 12 months of your divorce becoming final.

Applications for de facto spouse maintenance must be made within 2 years of the breakdown of your de facto relationship.

If you do not apply within these time limits, you will need special permission of a court. This is not always granted.

Our family lawyers can provide you with sensible advice about any entitlements that you may have for spousal maintenance whether you were married or in a De Facto relationship.