• Marriage creates a reciprocal duty of support, that is to say either spouse could be ordered to pay maintenance depending on the circumstances.
• In marriages of long duration where one spouse has not worked for some time the court may order maintenance to be paid until death or remarriage.
• In marriages of short duration where a spouse has not worked the court may award maintenance for a time to allow that spouse to reestablish work or income.
• Where both spouses are able to work and support themselves there is usually no need to pay maintenance
• If a spouse cannot work due to mental or physical disability  this would give rise to a maintenance claim.

Posted in: Family Law