Support or maintenance is a payment that one spouse or parent pays to the other for their support or the support of their children. Support can either be paid in accordance with an agreement between the parties themselves or by court order if no agreement can be reached.
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Child Support
Both parents have an obligation to provide financial support for their children. This obligation does not end when parents separate or divorce regardless of the circumstances of the breakup.
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Changing Child Support
A court will only change or vary a court order dealing with child support if there has been a change in circumstances that would justify a different order.
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Child Support FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers on child support.
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Spousal Support
There is no automatic right to spousal support. In some cases, when a couple separate or divorce, the spouse with the higher income may be required to pay support to the spouse with the lower income.
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Changing Spousal Support
An agreement about spousal support can be changed if both parties agree. A court will not vary a spousal support order unless there has been a change in the means, needs or other circumstances of one of the spouses.
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Enforcing Support
Simply because one party has agreed or been ordered to pay support does not always mean that they will do so. The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act is designed to make enforcement simpler and more effective.