1.1.V.20 Voluntary maintenance
Definition
Voluntary maintenance is maintenance (1.1.M.10) that is paid by a person who does not have a maintenance liability (1.1.M.23). Any maintenance paid during the 13-week period of grace to take maintenance action is counted as maintenance income as part of the maintenance income test.
Example: Geoff and Rachael are separated and Rachael has care of their 3 children. Geoff agrees to pay Rachael $300 per fortnight voluntary maintenance until his liability is assessed by Child Support. In the absence of an assessed liability, the full amount Jeff pays is assessed under the maintenance income test. Once his liability has been assessed by Child Support, Geoff is required to pay the amount as assessed by Child Support.