Boulton & Boulton

In the matter of *Boulton & Boulton*, heard by Rees J in the Family Court of Australia, the dispute concerned competing applications regarding the quantum of interim spousal maintenance to be paid by the husband to the wife.

The court was required to determine whether the wife had established reasonable expenses justifying spousal maintenance and, if so, to assess the appropriate quantum of interim periodic and lump sum spousal maintenance, considering the financial positions of both parties.

Rees J found that the wife had demonstrated reasonable expenses. The court also determined that the husband possessed a significant excess of income over expenditure, indicating his capacity to meet maintenance obligations. Applying these findings, the court made orders for the husband to pay both periodic and lump sum interim spousal maintenance to the wife.

The husband was ordered to pay the wife a lump sum of $3,657 and interim spousal maintenance of $1,375 per week, in addition to payments already ordered on 22 March 2021.