For the family court of Alberta, the ideal scenario after a relationship breakdown is that both partners are able to move on with their lives capably and independently and resolve differences amicably in the best interests of the children (if applicable). The court wants to see that both partners have the means to support themselves self-sufficiently in the future and will treat spousal support as separate from (but often connected to) the matter of child support. If, for instance, one parent has been the main caregiver for the children while the other partner has been working full time to support the family, it is usually unfair to expect the caregiver to support herself or himself entirely in the event of a relationship breakdown. In such cases, the caregiver would usually be due regular spousal maintenance payments - either permanently or for a specified period of time - to help make ends meet and avoid financial hardship.