Maintenance & Child support

Following separation, one partner will often need financial support while they get back on their feet. Financial support on separation is called maintenance. Where an individual’s income is insufficient to cover their reasonable needs, their spouse or partner may be liable to pay maintenance to them for a period of time.

We represent clients who have been asked to pay maintenance to a former spouse or partner or who are in need of maintenance payments. We provide realistic advice to clients and aim to resolve maintenance disputes without the need for court proceedings. 

Where parties are unable to agree, it may be necessary to file an application for maintenance in the Family Court. We frequently act for clients bringing or defending claims for interim maintenance, where maintenance payments are sought urgently to cover the shortfall one party is experiencing. 

We also advise clients on child support obligations. We act for clients in child support disputes, including in relation to the enforcement of child support agreements. We have also represented clients applying for the payment of child support in a lump sum, including past child support.