SLADE & SLADE

In the matter of *Slade & Slade*, Hogan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for interim spousal maintenance. The dispute concerned the quantum and indexation of weekly payments to be made by the Husband to the Wife.

The primary legal issue before the court was to determine an appropriate interim spousal maintenance amount and to establish a mechanism for its annual adjustment. The court was also required to consider the procedure for any subsequent application for costs related to the interim orders hearing.

Hogan J ordered that the Husband pay the Wife spousal maintenance in the sum of $646.00 per week, commencing on 20 February 2015 and continuing thereafter on each Friday. This amount was to be adjusted annually on 1 July in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. The court also set out a detailed process for any party seeking costs related to the interim orders hearing, requiring written submissions and replies to be filed within specific timeframes, with the final determination of costs to occur in Chambers.