Jonas and May

In the matter of *Jonas and May*, Justice Cronin of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by Mr Jonas concerning interim maintenance orders made by the Senior Registrar. The dispute centred on the quantum and commencement date of maintenance payments to Ms May.

The court was required to determine whether the interim maintenance orders previously made by the Senior Registrar were appropriate, and to consider new applications for interim orders made by Mr Jonas and Ms May. Specifically, the court had to decide the amount of weekly maintenance payable by Mr Jonas to Ms May and the date from which such payments should commence.

Justice Cronin discharged the Senior Registrar's orders and made new orders for interim maintenance. The court ordered Mr Jonas to pay Ms May $400 per week for her maintenance, with the first payment due on 18 March 2010. The court clarified that any payments already made by tenants to Ms May under the previous orders would be considered part satisfaction of the new maintenance obligation. Furthermore, the court dismissed separate applications filed by Mr Jonas and Ms May seeking interim orders on 5 May 2010 and 1 June 2010 respectively.