In short, there is a common law duty imposed upon spouses to support each other whilst the marriage/civil partnership exists but what many people aren’t aware of is that the duty continues after separation as a result of statute. There is no automatic entitlement to spousal maintenance on divorce or dissolution.
Can alimony be paid to husband?
“Spousal support” is the money that one spouse may have to pay to the other spouse for their financial support following a separation or divorce. It is sometimes called “alimony” or “maintenance.” Spousal support is usually paid on a monthly basis, but it can be paid as a lump sum.
What is a spousal maintenance payment?
Spousal maintenance is maintenance that is paid by a husband or a wife to their former spouse following a divorce. Spousal maintenance is usually paid on a monthly basis and continues either for a defined period (term of years) or for the remainder of the parties’ life (known as a “joint lives order”).
When can a claim for spousal maintenance be made?
The Women’s Charter provides that the wife or an incapacitated husband can claim for maintenance from the other spouse. When can a claim for spousal maintenance be made? An application could be made to the Family Justice Court (FJC) at any time during the marriage or during the divorce proceedings.
How does spousal maintenance work in Singapore divorce?
In Singapore, according to Section 113 of the Women’s Charter, the court has the power to order the husband to continue to maintain his former wife. The Women’s charter bestows discretion on the court to make an order of maintenance that is the most appropriate in the circumstances.
Can a lower earning spouse get spousal maintenance?
Therefore if the lower earning spouse is entitled to spousal maintenance, the court will look to see if the payments can be ‘capitalised’ (i.e. paid by way of lump sum order in lieu of on-going maintenance) so that the couple can have a ‘clean break’ from one another financially.
When does the wife have to provide maintenance for her husband?
In what circumstances does the wife have to provide maintenance for her husband/ex-husband, if any? Section 113 of the Women’s Charter empowers the court to order a man to pay maintenance to his wife or former wife, either during matrimonial proceedings, or after a divorce, judicial separation, or nullity of marriage has been finalised.