Download Your Free Family Law Checklist

Free All In One Divorce Checklist

Spousal Maintenance Lawyers in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast

We care about you.

Download Our Free Divorce Guide

Get expert advice on navigating your divorce with ease and confidence.

Spousal Maintenance Lawyers

Did you know the Family Law Act accounts for financial discrepancies between separating couples through spousal maintenance? Many people worry about their financial situation after divorce. Shanahan Family Law spousal maintenance lawyers can help.

Family Lawyer sunshine Coast

Let's work together

Dealing with a stressful family matter, whether it’s a recent separation, child custody dispute, property settlement, domestic violence, or filing for divorce, can feel overwhelming. You might be unsure of where to start or have concerns about upcoming court appearances. We’re here to support you through each step of the process.

Interested in chatting more about your family law application on the Sunshine Coast?

Looking for Assistance with Spousal Maintenance?

After going through a divorce, many parties need access to financial support. This is because in many relationships, one spouse has greater access to financial resources than the other. This can occur for many reasons, but one of the most common is traditional marital roles.

Often, one partner will give up their career to care for the home and take primary care duties for children. Time out of the workforce has implications for that person’s future earning capacity. They lose valuable work place experience and will likely need to accept an inferior position. As a result, spousal support is essential if the relationship breaks down.

The process is also sensitive to the difficulties experienced by those suffering a physical or mental incapacity.

What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is when a party in a more financially secure position provides payments to their former partner who can’t adequately support themselves. You can be required to pay maintenance after the end of a marriage or de facto relationship. In limited circumstances, maintenance can be paid before a couple has separated. In the event that your marriage has been annulled, you may still be eligible for maintenance. Unlike child support, spousal maintenance can be factored into property settlement negotiations.

Do I Have to Pay for My Spouse's Maintenance?

The Court considers the needs of the applicant and the respondent’s ability to pay. These are some of the considerations to determine if there’s any spousal maintenance payable:

Your age and health.

Your income, property, and financial resources.

Your ability to work.

What is a suitable standard of living.

If the marriage has affected your ability to earn an income.

Spousal maintenance ceases if you remarry. If you enter a de facto relationship, the Court considers your financial relationship with your new partner to determine if maintenance should continue. Spousal maintenance payments can be made at regular intervals or as a lump sum.

Why Do You Need A Lawyer for Spousal Maintenance?

Not seeking legal advice during a divorce can have major ramifications. Here are some common pitfalls parties fall into regarding financial support.

Not recognising your entitlements

Many clients aren’t even aware they qualify for maintenance payments. This lack of knowledge can cost you critical funding you may rely on in the future.

Inadequate preparation

You may need to demonstrate your need for support payments. This can mean gathering relevant documentation and filing applications. Without professional assistance, you may fail to meet the necessary requirements.

Unrealistic expectations

The Court defines what it considers appropriate compensation by law. If you’re unfamiliar with the Family Court, their findings may not meet your expectations.

Unbalanced agreements

A binding financial agreement (BFA) is sometimes used by parties to exempt them from paying spousal maintenance. If you receive substandard legal advice, you could end up losing out on your entitlement.

How Can Our Spousal Maintenance Lawyers Help?

We know you’re concerned about partnering with the wrong law firm. Shanahan Family Law’s years of experience speaks for itself. Our experienced team will ensure you’re aware of your entitlements. All our clients are aware of the likely outcome of their case so there aren’t any unexpected occurrences. We are familiar with commencing legal proceedings and will ensure you are prepared to make your application.

When you need independent legal advice for a binding financial agreement, we’ll ensure that any necessary financial support will be included.

Why Choose Shanahan Family Law?

We approach all family law matters with empathy and seek to understand your unique circumstances.

We have many years of experience across all areas of family law and can guide you through the entire process.

If you’re dealing with an uncooperative former spouse or de facto partner, we can leverage dispute resolution avenues to find a suitable outcome.

Our expert team can provide court representation if your case enters litigation.

Ensure Fair Support with Spousal Maintenance

Navigating spousal maintenance can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced team at Shanahan Family Law is dedicated to helping you secure the support you deserve. With our guidance, you can achieve a fair and just outcome.

Meet The Owner

Luke Shanahan

Principal Solicitor

As principal solicitor of Shanahan Family Law in Maroochydore, Luke Shanahan is a reliable and experienced Sunshine Coast family law expert, offering compassionate support to people and families experiencing the most difficult circumstances through a divorce or separation. Whether you’re seeking help with child support, parenting matters, divorce, property consent orders, financial agreements, domestic violence, joint applications for divorce, or the preparation of DIY affidavits and consent orders, Luke can help.

As sad as it is to see couples and families split, he feels privileged to be able to help his clients find a better life through their family law services. “I believe we all deserve a second chance at finding a better life, and if this is through a divorce, then we will do everything we can to ensure our client’s success through whatever means.”

Take a look at what our clients say

Testimonials

Contact our Shanahan Family Law if you would like to learn more about child custody. Book an initial consultation with an experienced child custody family lawyer. We are based in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast or with one of our family law child custody lawyers Gold Coast. We are here to support you every step of the way in your new life.

Joint applications for divorce

Let's work together

Even a joint divorce application can be daunting, let alone when you’re considering filing for a divorce online. Perhaps you have questions about submitting your application to the courts, or you aren’t sure where to start. We’re here to help guide you through the process.

Interested in chatting more about a joint divorce application?

Our Practice Areas

Divorce

Whether you are consciously uncoupling or fighting over every last thing, it is a difficult experience.

Joint application divorce

Is a way of handling a family law case that intends to keep parties out of court and conclude a divorce amicably.

Children and parenting

We understand that child custody and timesharing arrangements are emotionally and mentally draining.

Property settlement

Each state in Australia has a different regime for the regulation and bureaucratisation of land.

Domestic violence

Everyone has the right to live without fear of violence or abuse.

Relationship Agreements

A relationship agreement is a document that gets written up and signed by two people within an intimate relationship.

Financial Agreements

Getting expert family law guidance about prenups and spousal maintenance is essential.

Property Consent Orders

Property Consent orders or legally binding agreements are very difficult to change after they have been made.

Want to understand more about Family Law?

Contact Our Sunshine Coast Support Team

Related Child Custody Articles

Fixed-Fee or Hourly Family Law — Which Option Actually Saves You Money?

There are a lot of ways to set legal fees, offering fixed fee family law pricing is common, especially for

April 20, 2026 No Comments

How to Get a Divorce in Australia Today? (11 Easy and Stress-Free Steps)

The separation and divorce process can be emotionally and cost of divorce is challenging. Underestimating how intertwined long-term relationships are

January 29, 2026 No Comments

Download Our Child Custody Guide

Get expert advice on navigating your child custody with ease and confidence.