What is spousal maintenance in Victoria?
Spousal maintenance is financial support one partner may pay the other after separation, when one can’t adequately support themselves. It’s separate from child support and from the property settlement.
When it applies
Where one person can’t meet their reasonable needs and the other has the capacity to pay. It can apply to married couples and, in many cases, de facto couples.
How it’s worked out
A court looks at needs and capacity to pay — including income, age, health, and the care of any children.
It’s not automatic
Spousal maintenance isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the circumstances of both people.
Lump sum or periodic
It may be ongoing payments or a one-off amount, and it can be built into a property settlement.
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Post your matter — freeIs spousal maintenance the same as child support?
How long does spousal maintenance last?
Do de facto couples get spousal maintenance?
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