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Court Services:
Cohabitational Relationships
Q. If a five-year relationship has ended and I have moved on, can I apply for maintenance from my former partner? (Single or in another relationship)
A. The legislation is quite clear. Where parties have lived together as man and wife in a co-habitational relationship for a period of at least five years prior to the date of the making of an application, then that person can apply for maintenance.
Any other consideration in this area lies within the discretion of the Court provided that the application is made within two years after the day on which they ceased to live together. These maintenance orders are only for three years.
Q. How long after separation can a spouse apply for maintenance under the Co-habitational Act?
A. Within two years of the date that the relationship ended.