Our Melbourne spousal maintenance lawyers provide strategic advice on financial support after separation, helping you assess eligibility and obligations, and secure practical, sustainable outcomes.
If you are separating and unable to meet your own reasonable living expenses, you may be entitled to spousal maintenance. We explain how the law applies to your situation and outline the practical steps to secure or respond to a claim. We can also help you respond to an application, assess eligibility, and ensure fair outcomes.
Spousal maintenance depends on need and capacity to pay. We assess your financial position, guide negotiation where appropriate, and help formalise agreements so arrangements are structured, workable, and legally binding, reducing the risk of future disputes.
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How we help
Practical, clear advice across all areas of family law, from first questions to final resolution.
Clear guidance through separation, protecting your rights and helping you plan your next chapter.
Strategic advice to secure a fair division of assets and protect what matters most to you.
Practical solutions focused on your children’s best interests while reducing conflict.
Advice on financial support obligations so you understand your entitlements clearly.
Compassionate legal support to keep you and your family safe, with urgent intervention orders when you need them most.
Understanding your rights in a de facto relationship, whether separating or protecting what you’ve built together.
Our people
Our team has 40+ years combined family law experience. You speak to senior lawyers from your very first call, and will be matched with the person on our team who has the strongest skills for your matter.
Why choose us
We’re not transactional lawyers. We aim to be another branch of your support network.
Work with senior family law staff with an exclusive focus on family law for better outcomes.
Clear advice, honest costs and no surprises, from your very first call.
Based at 59 Koornang Road, Carnegie, we provide a local point of contact for Melbourne's south-east families.
We aim to get you out of the legal system as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Getting started
Three simple steps to getting expert family lawyers on your side.
01
Book your free discovery call
Meet our Carnegie team, discuss your situation and explore your options — no obligation, no jargon.
02
Personalised strategy
We match you with the right lawyer and build a tailored plan around your goals and circumstances.
03
Resolution & moving forward
We guide you to a fair outcome so you can move ahead with clarity and confidence.
Whether you may be entitled to spousal maintenance or have concerns about a claim being made against you, we’ll give you straightforward advice so you understand your obligations and options clearly and without the guesswork.
Spousal maintenance is money paid by one spouse (de facto or married) to the other in circumstances where one party is unable to support themselves adequately following a separation. The extent of support will depend on the needs of the person seeking spousal maintenance and the other person’s capacity to pay.
You do not need to be divorced, and you are encouraged to seek advice in relation to your entitlements to spousal maintenance as soon as practicable following separation.
In family law, it is always recommended that you attempt to reach an agreement with the other parent before commencing any legal proceedings. However, if you cannot reach an agreement with the other parent, you must first lodge an application with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia seeking maintenance orders. The court will determine the level of spousal maintenance based on the financial needs of the applicant and the financial capacity of the other parent.
Spousal maintenance payments can be common for expenses such as mortgage repayments, bills, and everyday financial support following a separation. Payments can be made directly to a party to the separation or to a third party, such as a bank (for mortgage repayments) or a utility provider.
You must file a Response and a Financial Statement within the required timeframe, setting out your financial position and ability to pay. Supporting documents are important. The court considers both parties’ needs and capacity, so early legal advice helps you respond clearly and avoid procedural issues.
They are separate but related. Property settlement divides assets and liabilities, while spousal maintenance deals with ongoing financial support where one party cannot meet reasonable expenses. Both can be negotiated together and finalised through consent orders or a binding financial agreement.
Serving Melbourne
Based in Carnegie. We see clients in person or online, whichever suits you.
