Spousal Maintenance & Support
When a relationship ends, financial circumstances often change overnight. One partner may be able to continue meeting their expenses, while the other struggles to make ends meet. Thatโs where spousal maintenance (sometimes called spousal support) comes in.
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Under the Family Law Act 1975, one partner may be legally required to provide financial assistance to the other if they cannot meet their reasonable living costs.
Both married and de facto partners can apply for spousal maintenance, provided the de facto relationship meets certain legal requirements. Whether support is needed temporarily or long-term, our process can help you reach balanced, transparent agreements that reflect your real circumstances, without going to court.
This support can take different forms depending on each personโs circumstances:
Urgent Maintenance
Immediate, short-term financial assistance in exceptional situations where one person needs help covering essential costs straight after separation.
Interim Maintenance
Regular payments to assist with everyday living expenses while longer-term financial arrangements are being negotiated or finalised.
Rehabilitative Maintenance
Temporary support designed to help the recipient become financially independent, for example, while completing a study, training, or returning to work.
Lump-Sum Maintenance
A one-off payment that resolves maintenance obligations completely, often as part of a property settlement or Binding Financial Agreement.
Long-Term Maintenance
Applies where one person is unlikely to achieve financial independence in the future, such as due to a chronic health condition or ongoing caring responsibilities.
How Our Service Helps
You donโt always have to go to court to arrange spousal maintenance.
At Assent, we help couples reach voluntary and fair agreements through family mediation, saving both parties time, stress, and money.
Our structured mediation process helps you and your former partner:
Discuss and understand each personโs financial needs and capacity.
Explore fair, practical maintenance options.
Formalise clear, legally recognised agreements that avoid unnecessary conflict and cost.
If needed, our spousal support lawyers can assist with legal drafting and finalisation, ensuring your agreement meets all family law standards.
Why Choose Assent
Structured, impartial mediation led by accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs)
Collaborative, not combative - no courtroom pressure or inflated legal costs
Transparent financial disclosure to keep everything fair and factual
Independent legal advice arranged for both parties before signing
Australia-wide online service - accessible wherever you are
Rather than an adversarial approach, our experienced team supports you in making decisions about spousal maintenance, helping you achieve clarity and fairness through a cooperative process.
Whether support is needed temporarily or long-term, we help you reach balanced, transparent agreements that reflect your real circumstances.
FAQโs
Is spousal maintenance the same as child support?
No. Child support is paid for the benefit of children, while spousal maintenance helps support an ex-partnerโs living expenses.
Do I have to go to court for spousal maintenance?
Not necessarily. Many couples reach private agreements through mediation, working directly with both parties to find solutions without going to court..
Does spousal maintenance apply to de facto couples?
Yes. De facto partners have the same rights and obligations under the Family Law Act as married couples, provided the relationship meets the legal definition.
Ready to Discuss Financial Support?
If you or your former partner needs to explore fair financial support arrangements, Assent can help you reach a clear, practical agreement without the fight.