Spousal maintenance
Financial support that one spouse or former spouse may claim from the other during or after a marriage breakdown, depending on the facts and court order.
Definition
Spousal maintenance can be raised in divorce proceedings, settlement agreements, interim applications, and surviving-spouse estate claims. The practical review should organise income, expenses, age, health, earning capacity, standard of living, marriage duration, childcare duties, assets, debts, and any existing maintenance terms.
Key takeaways
Financial support that one spouse or former spouse may claim from the other during or after a marriage breakdown, depending on the facts and court order.
Family Law
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Related legal problems
This glossary provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Common situations
Spousal maintenance
Divorce settlement
Interim maintenance
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
Spousal maintenance FAQs
What does Spousal maintenance mean?
Financial support that one spouse or former spouse may claim from the other during or after a marriage breakdown, depending on the facts and court order.
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