Spousal maintenance is financial support paid to a dependent spouse either periodically or on a lump sum basis. Spousal maintenance requires the dependant spouse to have a demonstrable financial need for support and the non-dependant spouse to have a demonstrable financial ability to make those spousal support payments. Usually, where maintenance is awarded, the dependant spouse will receive maintenance for a defined timeframe to enable him or her to upskill or reskill so that they can become financially independent.