Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance issues can arise when one partner is unable to meet their reasonable living expenses after separation, and Law Tram helps you connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can explain eligibility, assessment factors and how applications work. This obligation-free online service supports you in understanding urgent maintenance, short-term support and longer-term arrangements so you can make informed decisions about your financial stability.
Are you entitled to spousal maintenance after separation?
Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one former partner to the other after separation or divorce. It’s different from child support and is designed to help the lower-earning partner meet reasonable living expenses if they’re unable to do so on their own.
You may be eligible for spousal maintenance if you’re caring for young children, have health issues, or made career sacrifices during the relationship. But entitlement is not automatic – both financial need and the other party’s capacity to pay are considered.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can assess your situation, explain your options, and help you apply for or respond to spousal maintenance claims.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with spousal maintenance matters, including:
- Assessing whether you may be eligible to receive or be required to pay spousal maintenance
- Applying for urgent or ongoing spousal maintenance through the courts
- Negotiating lump sum or periodic maintenance agreements
- Responding to claims for spousal maintenance from your ex-partner
- Advising on your rights if you’re financially dependent or unable to work
- Reviewing existing court orders or private arrangements
- Supporting situations involving health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or financial hardship
- Helping you understand how spousal maintenance interacts with child support and Centrelink
- Explaining time limits and steps involved in making a claim
- Advising on maintenance in de facto and same-sex relationships
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers experienced in spousal maintenance matters
- Secure and private intake to outline financial circumstances
- Fast guidance on eligibility, applications and negotiation options
- No obligation to engage a lawyer unless you choose to proceed
- Lawyers help you understand your rights and responsibilities clearly
How it works
Confidential and Secure Questionnaire
Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your family law matter and personal circumstances.
Confidential Legal Snapshots
Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal brief summarising your situation while keeping your personal details private.
Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers
Your confidential legal snapshot is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your case to determine how they can assist.
Connect with a Lawyer
If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.
No Obligation
You are under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you are confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.
What others are saying
Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Spousal maintenance claims are time-sensitive and can involve financial risks. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible.
Note: “Free service” refers only to Law Tram’s platform and process, not the legal advice itself.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in spousal maintenance. Whether you are applying for maintenance, responding to a claim or negotiating interim support, our platform helps you access tailored legal advice before you proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s financial support paid by one former partner to the other when they cannot meet their own reasonable living expenses after separation.
No. Spousal maintenance is separate and applies only to support for a former partner and is not for children.
No. You can apply for spousal maintenance as soon as you’re separated. For married couples, the time limit is 12 months after divorce. For de facto couples, it’s 2 years after separation.
The court looks at your need for support and the other person’s ability to pay. Age, health, income, caregiving, and future capacity to work are all considered.
Yes. De facto partners have similar rights to married couples under Australian family law.
Yes. Parties can negotiate a private maintenance agreement or formalise arrangements through consent orders. A lawyer can help ensure the agreement is enforceable.
Often yes. A new marriage or de facto relationship may end eligibility for maintenance, but the details depend on individual circumstances. A lawyer can assess your specific situation.
In some cases, courts may order maintenance starting from the date the application was filed or from when financial need first arose. A lawyer can explain when backdating may apply.