NOTICE ALERT IN LIGHT OF COVID-19
WHAT WE PROPOSE AND HOW WE CAN ASSIST
At Watson & Watson our clients come first. Please be assured of our continued dedicated services to all current and new clients.
As we have done in the past, we will continue to offer alternative conferencing methods ie video conferencing, skype or telephone conferences. Reviewing of all documentation provided to us prior to any initial conference will be all inclusive of our set fee. Do not hesitate to contact Shereen Da Gloria on (02) 9221 6011 should you have any concerns.
15/06/2020
Separation will usually change the capacity of each party to a marriage or de facto relationship to support themselves and their children. A lower income (or no income) will cause financial problems. One income earner may earn more than the other and the need for financial assistance can arise. Sometimes this need can be immediate and urgent.
The Family Law Act Section 77 provides that in proceedings with respect to the maintenance of a party to a marriage if it appears to the Family Court of Australia or Federal Circuit Court that the other party has an immediate need for financial assistance.
The Family Court or Federal Circuit Court may order the payment pending the disposal of the whole of the proceedings. The Order could be an order for periodic maintenance or other some payment for example, a lump sum payment.
Spousal maintenance can be ordered to be paid before a final hearing of a property case and can be ordered to be paid on an ongoing basis periodically after determination of the property case. There can be an order for lump sum payments. Binding Financial Agreements entered into between spouses or de facto partners can also provide for payment of spousal maintenance. Special maintenance can continue to be paid after divorce and may only cease on the death of the payer or the death or remarriage of the payee.
The Family Law Act sets out the test for entitlement to payment of spousal maintenance. The threshold requirements are that:
Adequately means a standard of living that is in all the circumstances reasonable.
In determining an application for spousal maintenance the Family Court or the Federal Circuit Court will take into account the factors set out in s72(2) for married couples and s90SF(3) for de facto couples.
Should you have any concerns regarding spousal maintenance or any family law matter at Watson & Watson our experienced Senior Family Law Solicitors can assist you in relation to your Spousal Maintenance Application and address any queries or concerns you may be facing. Please do not hesitate to contact Richard Watson Senior Family Law Solicitor or Shereen Da Gloria his Personal Assistant to discuss your concerns and seek timely advice.
This is only a preliminary view and is not to be taken as legal advice without first contacting Watson & Watson Solicitors on 9221 6011.