Not a few estranged couples in Western Australia have sought legal representation and guidance from divorce lawyers perth wa law companies provide as services. Still, even if Western Australia had as many as 5,989 divorce cases in 2021, the numbers pale when compared to the divorce cases in New South Wales (17,125), Victoria (12,786) and Queensland (13,475).

It’s worth mentioning that the Northern Territory had the least number of cases, 461 to be exact.

Common Reasons Why Aussie Couples Divorce

While records show that the most common causes of divorce are addiction, violence and cheating, many believe that poverty is also an underlying factor. Although most Aussie couples try to stick it out despite their financial conditions, those who suffer unhealthy relationships as well, eventually decide to apply for a divorce.

Studies show that generally in Australia, the average period that spousal relationships last is 12 years. Yet most marital relationships start breaking down by the 8th year. Under Australia’s Family Law Act 1975, there is no need to establish who is at fault, but a divorcing couple must first show proof that they have been living separate lives for at least 12 months before applying for a divorce.

Economic Impact of a Divorce

Several studies about Australian divorce cases delved into the economic impact of divorce, particularly on Australian women. The most common findings show that divorced women suffer an estimated 21 to 30% decrease in income. It takes them about six years to regain their lost financial footing.

Divorced men on the other hand experience an income decline of roughly about 5%, which does not take long for them to recover.

Spousal Maintenance as Solution to Economic Decline After a Divorce

Australia’s Family Law Act 1975 makes it an obligation for both spouses to provide financial support to their ex partner even after the divorce has been finalised. In such cases, the Family Court of Australia will grant a petition for spousal maintenance to the ex-partner in financial need; provided the latter figures in the following financial circumstances:

The ex-partner is already disadvantaged in terms of age and health, he or she can no longer work.

The income and financial resources of a former spouse is not adequate to support a decent standard of living. Yet the alimony that will be granted depends on the earning capability of the former spouse.

Financial support is of critical importance if the couple’s below 18 year-old children, including those with special needs, are living with the former spouse petitioning for alimony or spousal maintenance.

The Family Court may also grant spousal maintenance to a former partner whose ability to earn sufficient income has been adversely affected by the marriage.