b'SPOUSAL MAINTENANCESpousal maintenance is an obligation under the Family Law Act 1975 when financial support is paid by a party to a marriage to their husband or wife (or former husband or wife) in circumstances wheretheyareunabletoadequatelysupport themselves.DE-FACTO MAINTENANCEDe facto maintenance is financial support paid byapartytoadefactorelationshipthathas brokendowntotheirformerdefactopartner incircumstanceswheretheyareunableto adequately support themselves.The Court can only make a de facto maintenance order if your de facto relationship meets certain jurisdictional requirements.WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR A PROPERTY SETTLEMENT OR SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE? Wecanapplytothecourtanytimeafter separationalthoughwerecommendhavinga property settlement as soon as possible.Youmustfinaliseyourpropertysettlement within a 12-month period from the date of your divorce.Fordefactopartiesyoumustfinaliseyour property settlement within a 2-year period from the date of separation.10'