Spousal Maintenance

Helping you navigate spousal maintenance
in Australia.

At KLM Solicitors, we understand that separation or divorce isn’t just emotionally challenging—it can also create financial uncertainty. Our experienced family lawyers in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are here to guide you through your rights and obligations regarding spousal maintenance, ensuring you or your former partner are treated fairly under Australian law.

What Is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one party to their former spouse or de facto partner after separation or divorce. It’s designed to help the financially weaker party maintain a reasonable standard of living when they cannot adequately support themselves. 

This may apply due to: 

  • Primary care of young children 

  • Age or health conditions 

  • Limited earning capacity 

  • Lack of workforce experience 

You may be entitled to receive spousal maintenance—or you may be required to pay it, depending on your situation. 

Are You Eligible for Spousal Maintenance?

To be eligible, the person seeking support must: 

  • Be unable to support themselves adequately; and 

  • The other party must have the capacity to pay. 

We help assess: 

  • Your income, expenses, and future earning potential 

  • The financial resources of both parties 

  • The length of the relationship 

  • Contributions to the relationship (financial and non-financial) 

Types of Spousal Maintenance

There are several types of spousal maintenance arrangements in Australia:

INTERIM MAINTENANCE:
Short-term support while a property settlement is being finalised

URGENT MAINTENANCE:
Immediate short-term support for emergency needs 

FINAL MAINTENANCE ORDERS:
Long-term arrangements, either lump-sum or periodic payments 

We help you negotiate a fair agreement or apply to the Family Court if required. 

Book a consultation with our team