LAWRENCE & LAWRENCE

In *Lawrence & Lawrence*, Aldridge J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for spousal maintenance. The dispute concerned the financial support required by the wife from the husband pending further orders of the Court.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether spousal maintenance should be ordered, and if so, in what amount and on what terms. This required the Court to assess the financial circumstances of both parties and determine the appropriateness of an interim maintenance order.

Aldridge J ordered the husband to pay spousal maintenance to the wife in the sum of $580 per week, with the first payment due within seven days of the order. The Court further ordered that each party was to bear their own costs in relation to the spousal maintenance application.