Singapore legislation
Clause 5
Clause 5
Maintenance orders
(1)
The court may make a maintenance order if it considers that it is just and equitable that the respondent should maintain the applicant.
(2)
When ordering maintenance for the benefit of an applicant, the court shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case including (but not limited to) the following matters:
the financial needs of the applicant, taking into account reasonable expenses for housing and medical costs;
the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources of the applicant;
any physical or mental disability of the applicant;
the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources of the respondent;
the expenses incurred by the respondent in supporting his spouse or children.
(3)
If the court is satisfied upon due proof that the applicant abandoned, abused or neglected the respondent, it may dismiss the application or may reduce the quantum of maintenance ordered by such amount as may be just.
(4)
The onus of proving abandonment, abuse or neglect shall be on the respondent alleging it.
(5)
Where there is more than one respondent the court may apportion the maintenance among the various respondents in such manner as may be just.