Family › Maintenance or support
I am being asked to pay maintenance I can’t afford
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Who needs support, or who is being asked to pay? I have been asked to pay
Papers to gather
- Proof of the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
The starting point of any claim. Where: Your records. - Your own income proof, or a note that you have none
Courts often require both sides to disclose income and assets in an affidavit. Where: Salary slips, ITR, bank statements. - Monthly expense records (rent, food, school fees, medical bills, loan EMIs)
Supports the amount claimed. Where: Bills, receipts, statements. - Your income, liabilities, other dependants and payments already made
The court will weigh your means and obligations. Where: Salary slips, loan statements, bank records.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- The maintenance order and the record of payments received or missed — Needed to recover arrears.
- Papers in the pending case and the next date — Keeps you prepared for the next hearing.
- Proof of payments already made — May be adjusted against claims.
What the law says
Spouses, children and parents can claim under different laws (including the BNSS, personal laws, the Domestic Violence Act, and the senior citizens' maintenance law).
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Is there already a maintenance order or case?
- Do you have your own income?
Similar situations
- Husband not giving money for household and children
- Need child support from my ex
- Maintenance order exists but he stopped paying
- Interim maintenance while the case goes on
- Husband claims he has no income
Sources
The full guide: Maintenance or financial support · All situations