6. What can interim maintenance cover?

6. What can interim maintenance cover?

Interim maintenance may cover a range of recurring expenses, including the following: 

1. Education 

Education expenses may include: 

• tuition fees; 
• boarding costs; 
• school-billed expenses; and/or 
• other necessary education-related costs. 

The court generally prioritizes stability in a child's education. If a child is thriving in a particular school, the court may be reluctant to require a move to a cheaper school merely to reduce costs. 

2. Extra Tuition fees and Extracurricular activities 

Extra Tuition fees cover expenses for tuition expenses outside school.  Extracurricular activity expenses include costs for any extra curriculum activities, such as, music lessons, dancing, and sports coaching. 

3. Developmental needs 

Reasonable needs may include developmental or therapeutic support, such as: 

• counselling; 
• play therapy; and/or 
• other specialist assistance. 

Such expenses are more likely to be allowed where they are shown to have a direct, positive impact on the child’s development. 

4. Medical and dental expenses 

This category includes routine and specialist care. However, the court often looks beyond immediate illness to the maintenance of the child’s health status. 

The court frequently orders the continuation of private medical and dental insurance premiums, especially where such coverage was provided during the marriage. 

5. General and personal expenses 

These include ordinary recurring costs such as: 

• food; 
• clothing; 
• pocket money; 
• housing; 
• utilities;  
• domestic helper; and 

• other day-to-day living expenses.