Financial uncertainty after separation can be overwhelming, especially when one partner requires support to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Whether negotiating spousal maintenance, responding to a claim, or seeking adult child maintenance, our team provides tailored legal advice to protect your rights and future. We simplify complex legal processes, offering clear guidance every step.
With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to honest, transparent legal service, we work to secure the best possible result for you. Contact Simonidis Steel today and take the first step towards financial certainty.
Spousal maintenance is financial support provided to a former partner who cannot meet their reasonable living expenses after separation. A spousal maintenance order ensures that financial obligations are met when one spouse cannot support themselves due to factors like caregiving or health issues.
Courts assess each spousal maintenance claim individually, considering the need for maintenance payments based on income, assets, and living expenses. This obligation can sometimes extend to adult child maintenance, where parents must support an adult child facing ongoing education or medical needs.
A fair outcome requires full financial disclosure, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Once an agreement is reached, it should be legally formalised to ensure enforceability. Court intervention may be necessary to determine a just arrangement if no agreement is reached.
At Simonidis Steel, we provide expert legal guidance, helping you assess eligibility, negotiate fair terms, adjust maintenance agreements when needed, and resolve disputes efficiently. Our goal is to secure your financial stability and future.
Separation can bring financial challenges, especially if one partner is unable to meet their living expenses. Whether you need financial support or are responding to a spousal maintenance claim, navigating spousal and adult child maintenance can feel overwhelming.
At Simonidis Steel, we understand the importance of securing a fair and sustainable arrangement. Our experienced Brisbane spousal maintenance lawyers provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances, ensuring you receive or pay the right level of support. We handle negotiations, formal agreements, and court proceedings to protect your financial stability.
If you’re unsure about your rights or obligations, let us guide you through the process with confidence. Contact Simonidis Steel Lawyers today to discuss your options.
As specialists in family law, we assist clients in navigating spousal and adult child maintenance matters, from straightforward agreements to complex financial disputes.
Every Simonidis Steel Family Lawyer is committed to providing clear, strategic advice tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to secure fair financial support while reducing stress and uncertainty during this challenging time.
You’ll work directly with an experienced Spousal Maintenance Lawyer who will guide you with expertise and dedication, ensuring your rights are protected and a just outcome is achieved.
We have experience in spousal and adult child maintenance cases involving:
Spousal maintenance is a crucial aspect of financial security following a separation. It involves determining whether one party requires financial support and whether the other has the capacity to provide it. Our experienced lawyers guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you secure a fair and sustainable outcome.
We begin with a free consultation to assess your financial circumstances and explain your options under the Family Law Act. Whether you are applying for maintenance or responding to a claim, we provide clear guidance on the best way forward.
Every case is unique, so we develop a personalised approach tailored to your needs. Factors such as income, earning capacity, health, and caregiving responsibilities are all considered in determining a fair arrangement.
Where possible, we aim to resolve maintenance matters through negotiation or mediation, helping both parties reach a legally binding agreement that reflects their financial needs and obligations.
If an agreement cannot be reached, we provide strong legal representation in court. Our team is dedicated to achieving a fair outcome, ensuring that maintenance arrangements are reasonable, enforceable, and aligned with your financial future.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you understand your rights and options regarding spousal maintenance. This no-obligation session provides clarity and guidance so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.
Spousal maintenance matters can be complex, requiring careful planning and foresight to ensure financial stability. Achieving a fair outcome isn’t just about addressing immediate needs—it’s about securing long-term financial security.
We take a strategic approach to every case, anticipating challenges and tailoring solutions that align with your unique circumstances. Whether you are seeking support or responding to a claim, our team works to protect your financial interests and ensure a sustainable resolution.
With over 30 years of family law experience, we have an in-depth understanding of the factors courts consider in spousal maintenance cases. This allows us to create flexible, well-structured plans that keep you prepared for every stage of the process.
To avoid paying spousal maintenance in Australia, you must demonstrate that your former partner can adequately support themselves or that you lack the financial capacity to provide support.
The court evaluates factors such as both parties’ income, reasonable expenses, financial resources, health, and age to make this determination. Seeking advice from Brisbane spousal maintenance lawyers can help you understand your legal position.
The amount of spousal maintenance varies, as there is no fixed formula in Australia. Courts consider factors like the applicant’s financial needs, the respondent’s capacity to pay, both parties’ income and maintenance payment obligations, age, health, and the standard of living during the relationship.
Experienced Brisbane spousal maintenance lawyers can provide a clearer assessment based on your unique circumstances.
The duration of spousal maintenance depends on individual circumstances. It can be temporary, such as providing regular payments while the recipient adjusts or re-enters the workforce after separation, or ongoing, depending on factors like the recipient’s age, health, and ability to become self-sufficient.
Spousal maintenance orders are not automatically granted in Australia. They are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the court determines eligibility based on the applicant’s need for support and the respondent’s capacity to pay. Not all separations result in a spousal maintenance order.
In Australia, either spouse may be required to support the other during separation if the receiving spouse cannot adequately support themselves and the other has the capacity to provide support. This obligation is not gender-specific and applies based on financial need and ability to pay.
Yes, spousal maintenance payments are generally considered taxable income for the recipient and are tax-deductible for the payer. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific guidance related to your situation.
You may be eligible to receive or required to pay spousal maintenance if, after separation, one party cannot meet their reasonable living expenses, and the other party has the financial capacity to provide support.
Eligibility depends on factors such as income, financial resources, health, age, and the ability to work.
Entering a new de facto relationship or marriage can impact a spousal maintenance arrangement. The court may consider the financial support available from the new partner and may decide to reduce or terminate the maintenance payments accordingly. It’s important to inform the court of any significant changes in circumstances.
Yes, there are time limits for submitting a spousal maintenance application in Australia. For a married couple, an application must be made within 12 months of the final order for divorce.
For de facto relationships, the application must be made within two years of the relationship breakdown. If these time limits are missed, you must seek the court’s permission to apply out of time.
Receive expert feedback on your situation, understand potential outcomes and have clarity on your next steps with a free consult.
Please note: we will contact you to gather some further information about your situation and will then confirm your appointment with the most appropriate lawyer for your matter.
Please call our office on (07) 3229 3339 to make an appointment with one of our team.