SINKINS & SINKINS

This matter concerned an application to vary a spousal maintenance order made in the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia. The parties, identified as the husband and wife, sought a variation of an existing order for spousal maintenance.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the existing spousal maintenance order should be varied, and if so, to what extent. This required the court to consider the financial circumstances of both parties and make a determination regarding the appropriate level of maintenance.

The court varied the existing order for spousal maintenance, ordering the husband to pay the wife $1000 per week from 17 June 2009, pending further order. All other interim applications were adjourned to the hearing of the substantive proceedings.