Whether you’re applying for support or responding to a claim, our Perth-based legal team is here to help. Get in touch today to speak with an experienced spousal maintenance lawyer and receive clear, honest advice tailored to your situation.

Yes. Applications must be made within 12 months of a divorce becoming final or within 2 years of the end of a de facto relationship. It’s important to seek legal advice early, as late applications require special permission from the court, which isn’t always granted. Missing the deadline could limit your access to support, so early action is crucial to preserving your legal options.

Not necessarily. Many spousal maintenance matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if an agreement can’t be reached, you may apply to the Family Court for an order. Our lawyers can help you explore all options and represent you effectively if court becomes necessary. Having legal advice makes sure that any agreement is fair, enforceable, and considers your long-term financial wellbeing.

Yes, though “alimony” is more commonly used in countries like the United States. In Australia, we refer to it as spousal maintenance. Regardless of terminology, it involves one partner providing financial support to the other after a relationship breakdown. Alimony in Perth is governed by the Family Law Act and interpreted through local court processes. Despite the different terms, both refer to the same principle of post-separation support for a financially dependent partner.

It depends. Spousal maintenance can be short-term (for example, while the recipient retrains or finds work) or ongoing, depending on the circumstances. It usually ends when the recipient remarries or becomes financially independent. The Family Court considers what is reasonable and fair based on the needs and resources of both parties. Periodic reviews may be built into the arrangement to reflect changing circumstances such as employment or health status.

You may be eligible if you cannot support yourself adequately due to reasons like caring for children, illness, age, or limited earning capacity – and if your former partner has the means to help. Eligibility applies to both married and de facto relationships, and each case is assessed on its specific facts and financial situation. The court also considers your education, work experience, and whether efforts have been made to become financially self-sufficient.

Spousal maintenance is the financial support paid by one spouse or de facto partner to the other after separation or divorce. It’s intended to help the more financially vulnerable party maintain a reasonable standard of living if they’re unable to support themselves. The obligation depends on both financial need and the payer’s capacity to provide support. It can be arranged voluntarily between parties, included in a court order, or resolved during broader property settlement negotiations.