Spousal maintenance adjusts for disparity between the incomes and earning capacities of the parties, based on their respective needs. Maintenance is usually paid for a relatively short period of time to enable the recipient to retrain, re-enter the workforce and/or generally re-establish himself or herself.
No. The Family Law Act 1975 recognises entitlement to spousal maintenance irrespective of whether the parties were married or in a de facto relationship, and de facto relationships include same sex relationships.
If one party is unable to support themselves adequately, the other is liable to maintain them, as far as they are reasonably able to do so. You may need spousal maintenance if:
The real question to be answered when determining your eligibility for spousal maintenance following the breakdown of a relationship is:
“Can you, by reason of your earning capacity, capital or other sources of income, look after yourself without the assistance of the other party?”
If the answer is no and the other party has the capacity to pay, then the court would consider making an order for spousal maintenance.
If you would like to receive further advice on the topic of spousal maintenance, call us on 02 4421 7455, email info@mdvfamilylawyers.com.au or book online now for an initial consultation with our Principal Solicitor.