Spousal support

Spousal support

Spousal support is a type of mandated payment when a person is required to financially support an ex partner. Under the Family Law Act 1975, a person has a responsibility to financially assist their spouse, or former de facto partner, if that person cannot meet their own reasonable expenses from their personal income or assets.

Where the need exists, both parties have an equal duty to support and maintain each other as far as they can. This obligation can continue even after separation and divorce. The extent of the support depends on what the other party can afford to pay.

It is important to observe that parties have 12 months from the date of their divorce to obtain spousal maintenance. De facto couples have 24 months from the date of separation.

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