MIDGLEY & MIDGLEY

In the matter of *Midgley & Midgley*, Benjamin J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for spousal maintenance. The dispute concerned the quantum and commencement date of spousal maintenance payable by the husband to the wife.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine the appropriate amount of spousal maintenance to be ordered and the date from which such maintenance should commence.

His Honour ordered that the husband pay the wife the sum of $866 per week by way of spousal maintenance. This liability was to commence on 7 July 2020, with the first payment due seven days from the date of the order and thereafter paid fortnightly in arrears into an account nominated by the wife, provided the husband's solicitors were informed of this account within three days of the order. The proceedings were subsequently listed for further direction.