Support while you
get back on your feet.
When one partner cannot meet their reasonable needs after separation and the other can afford to help, maintenance may be payable. We advise people claiming maintenance and people asked to pay it.
Client reviews
Family law clients,
in their own words.
The best family lawyers I have ever known. Great service, pragmatic, non-judgmental approach. Prompt communication with an amazing team who have a detailed approach and understanding.
N. S.Family law client · Google review, 2024 They truly work on the root cause of the problem and understand your case so precisely that no further worry is required. They take the entire burden off my shoulders… professional, direct and highly efficient.
A. N.Parenting matter · Google review, 2025 They set the right expectation and provided sound legal advice. I engaged them for my separation, which involved property and children and was a very emotional one for me. I will highly recommend them, especially for someone new to legal proceedings.
A. K.Separation, property and parenting · Google review, 2024 Pallavee was empathetic, supportive and professional throughout the process. I could tell the firm had my best interest in mind.
K. K.Family law client · Google review, 2021
Family law clients are identified by initials only.
Is this you?
When people come to us about spousal maintenance.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You left work to raise the children and have no income after separating.
- You need support urgently while the property settlement is worked out.
- Your former partner has asked you for maintenance.
- A maintenance arrangement no longer reflects your circumstances.
How we help
Maintenance turns on need, and on the capacity to pay.
A party can claim maintenance if they cannot adequately support themselves and the other party has the capacity to pay. The court looks at age, health, income, earning capacity and care of children. Interim maintenance can be ordered urgently while the rest of the matter proceeds.
Claims must usually be made within 12 months of a divorce order, or two years of separation for de facto couples.
What we do
- Advice on whether maintenance is payable
- Urgent interim maintenance applications
- Negotiated maintenance agreements
- Lump-sum and periodic maintenance
- Variations when circumstances change
- Maintenance in financial agreements
If you are in danger, call 000. For confidential family violence support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. Use the Quick exit button to leave this site immediately.
What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
The first meeting: where you stand
A fixed-fee meeting with a family lawyer. What a fair outcome looks like, what the other side is likely to do, and what not to do in the meantime.
In writing: a plan and an estimate for the first stage
The steps, the order they happen in, and the cost of each, so you decide with the numbers in front of you.
The first steps: your position protected
Time limits diarised, urgent matters dealt with first, and the first letter sent only once there is a strategy behind it.
From then on: one lawyer, who answers
The lawyer who meets you runs your matter. Calls and emails are returned within one business day, including when the news is not good.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Is spousal maintenance automatic?
No. It depends on one party’s need and the other’s capacity to pay. Many separations involve no maintenance at all.
Is there a time limit?
Usually 12 months from a divorce order for married couples, or two years from separation for de facto couples.
What does it cost?
The first meeting with a solicitor is a fixed fee, quoted when you book. After that you receive a written plan and estimate for each stage, and you are told before any estimate is exceeded.
More in property and finances
View all family law- Property settlementsA fair division of property after separation, from a single home to multi-entity structures.Read more
- Businesses, trusts and complex structuresSettlements involving businesses, companies, family trusts, self-managed super funds and investment property.Read more
- Superannuation splittingSuper divided on separation by agreement or court order, including self-managed funds.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.