Duty of support
A legal duty to provide support where the law recognises a family or dependency relationship, often involving parents, children, spouses, or estates.
Definition
Duty of support can affect maintenance claims, child support, spousal support, surviving-spouse claims, estate disputes, and family-law settlement terms. The practical review usually checks the relationship, need, ability to pay, income, expenses, assets, care arrangements, existing orders, and proof of financial circumstances.
Key takeaways
A legal duty to provide support where the law recognises a family or dependency relationship, often involving parents, children, spouses, or estates.
Family Law
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Related legal problems
This glossary provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Common situations
Child maintenance
Spousal maintenance
Estate maintenance claim
Related resources
Resources and guides
Divorce Checklist
Preparation checklist for divorce process, settlement, parenting, and maintenance issues.
Family LawClient Document PackMaintenance Documents Checklist
Document pack for income, expenses, child costs, payment records, and maintenance court preparation.
Family LawPreparation PackParenting Plan Preparation Pack
Preparation pack for care, contact, schooling, holidays, communication, and parenting-plan discussion points.
Family LawFAQs
Duty of support FAQs
What does Duty of support mean?
A legal duty to provide support where the law recognises a family or dependency relationship, often involving parents, children, spouses, or estates.
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