The Family Court can end a spousal maintenance order if there is any 'just cause' to do so.
Circumstances which have been found to be ‘just cause’ include
the recipient of maintenance no longer needs the maintenance for their support (e.g.: an increase in income so they no longer have a shortfall, if the maintenance was not paid)
a change in circumstances of the maintenance recipient such as entering into a stable and continuing de facto relationship
a change in circumstances of the maintenance payer (e.g: decrease in income, ill health, ill health of a new partner)
a significant change in the cost of living
if the spousal maintenance order was made by consent-that the amount ordered to be paid was too high or too low
false evidence or withholding material facts a court was false
If you are a liable party to a spousal maintenance order and believe any of the above circumstances may apply, contact us for advice about your options to vary or discharge the order. We will always try to do this without the need to go to court.