Detailed description
Maintenance refers to the legal obligation to provide financial support to another person who cannot meet their living expenses from their own resources. The purpose of maintenance is to secure the economic existence of family members and to compensate for disadvantages arising, for example, from childcare, separation, or divorce.
There are various situations in which alimony may be owed. The most common are:
- Separation maintenance: is paid between spouses or legally related life partners as long as they live separately but are not yet divorced.
- Post-marital maintenance: paid between divorced persons
- Child support: is paid by the parent with whom the child does not primarily live.
- Child support: is paid to the parent who cannot work, or can only work to a limited extent, due to caring for a shared child, and who is not married or in a civil partnership.
For more detailed information on the individual types of maintenance, please also refer to the linked entries.
The amount and duration of alimony payments always depend on your individual situation. Parents or ex-partners often reach amicable agreements regarding alimony, which can be put in writing and, if necessary, notarized.
Maintenance payments are a legal right that you can enforce in court if necessary. The court will then determine the amount and duration of the maintenance payments.
Maintenance matters are often complicated. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a lawyer and, if necessary, to retain them if maintenance needs to be enforced in court.