1. What is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance (also called spousal support) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. In Australia, it's designed to help a spouse who cannot adequately support themselves.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic maintenance formula:

Where:

• Income Needs — The reasonable financial requirements of the receiving spouse
• Income — The current income of the receiving spouse

Note: Actual court determinations consider many additional factors including earning capacity, care of children, standard of living during marriage, and duration of marriage.

3. Importance of Maintenance Calculation

Details: Proper maintenance calculation helps ensure fair financial arrangements post-separation, prevents financial hardship, and provides a starting point for negotiations or court proceedings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the receiving spouse's income needs and current income in AUD. The calculator will show the difference which may form the basis for maintenance payments.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is maintenance automatically granted in Australia?
A: No, the receiving spouse must demonstrate genuine need and the paying spouse must have capacity to pay.

Q2: How long does spousal maintenance last?
A: It varies case by case - could be short-term (a few years) or long-term, especially for older couples or those with disabilities.

Q3: Does this calculator consider all legal factors?
A: No, this provides a basic estimate. Actual court decisions consider many additional factors under the Family Law Act 1975.

Q4: Can maintenance orders be changed?
A: Yes, if circumstances change significantly (e.g., income changes, remarriage of receiving spouse).

Q5: Is maintenance taxable in Australia?
A: No, spousal maintenance payments are not taxable income for the recipient nor tax deductible for the payer.