Also known as:family supports · maintenance · support obligation
Written by attorneys — see sources below.
A monetary award in a family law proceeding that combines child support and alimony into a single undifferentiated sum.
See Our Sources· 26 primary sources
Cases
Statutes
How its tested
Common Examples
6
Board Dismisses Derivative Suit
Felipe Figueroa moved for dismissal of a shareholder derivative action after the board conducted a reasonable inquiry and concluded that continuing the suit would harm the corporation. The court granted the motion.
Landowner Liable After Contractor Work
Fernando Farrell hired an independent contractor to repair his commercial building but failed to inspect the work. When a visitor was injured, the court held Farrell liable.
Senior Mortgagee Obtains Receiver
Francesca Fowler, a senior mortgagee, obtained appointment of a receiver over rental property. The receiver collected rents and the court directed a portion be used to satisfy the mortgagor's obligation to his former spouse.
Francois Fortier sold an insurance policy to a forum resident and later faced a support modification action in that forum. The court exercised specific jurisdiction and entered an order increasing the payments.
Issuing State Retains Modification Power
Frederick Ferguson obtained a spousal support order in State A. When the obligor moved to State B, the court in State A exercised continuing exclusive jurisdiction and modified the amount upward.
Court Rejects Unconscionable Agreement
Felicia Fuentes and her spouse submitted a separation agreement the court found unconscionable as to support. The court rejected the agreement and entered its own order setting support at a higher level.
3 common questions
Students Frequently Ask...
How does family support differ from separate child support and alimony awards?
Family support is a single undifferentiated monetary award that combines amounts for child support and alimony without apportioning them between the two categories.
Can a court modify a family support order after it is entered?
A court may modify a family support order upon a showing of changed circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make the terms unconscionable.
Supporting sources
Does family support qualify as reasonable support under general definitions?
Yes. Family support is also termed reasonable support when it consists of monetary payments to a current or former family member to maintain an acceptable standard of living.
maintenance
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