A party has a responsibility to financially assist their former partner if they are unable to meet their own reasonable expenses from their personal income.
Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by a party to a former partner if they are unable to adequately support themselves.
Onus & Threshold Test
The onus (burden) of proof is on the party seeking spousal maintenance. He or she must satisfy the “threshold test” which is twofold:
Factors to Consider
In determining the threshold test and whether to order the payment of spousal maintenance, a court will consider the needs and capacity of both parties. The following factors are relevant:
The court also has the discretion to consider other relevant facts or circumstances.
The pre-separation standard of living is not automatically awarded where the respondent’s means permit. The court’s discretion is exercised in accordance with the relevant section of the Family Law Act with “reasonableness in the circumstances” being the guiding principle.
The main comparisons are:
There are important time limits for applications for spousal maintenance. An application for spousal maintenance must be made within either:
If you wish to apply outside of these limits, you will need to seek permission (leave) from the court.
“I wish to thank you for all your efforts on our behalf. Simply thanking you doesn’t cover the difference your help has made, not only to our lives, but importantly to the long term prospects for [name of child removed].
The work you have put in and, I believe, the emotion you invested, goes way beyond the solicitor-client contract. We are enormously grateful.”
[Name of grandparents in Brisbane removed, 19 June 2020]
This case involved both family law and domestic violence.
“Dear Duc and the staff at Freeman Lawyers
Your dedication to clients and the hard work you’ve done for me almost daily has not gone unnoticed and will never be forgotten.
This went on for me for a long time and thank you for all the hours and work you put in to win this for me and [name of child removed].
I always had complete faith you would deliver me the best outcome.”
[Mother/Wife in Brisbane, June 2020]
(07) 3391 8383
(07) 3848 9966
Experience, insight and commercial sharpness are just some of the qualities that make Freeman Lawyers successful. Applying these qualities to the individual circumstances of our clients lead to consistently good results and client satisfaction.
ABN: 53 394 309 316