Maintenance refers to the expenses necessary for a person's living requirements. Alimony is intended to ensure that the standard of living that existed before the divorce can be maintained.

Generally, a distinction is made between child support and spousal support.

Child maintenance
There is a general obligation to pay maintenance for children. The person with whom the child lives fulfills his or her obligations by providing daily care and education. From the other side, alimony must be paid, the amount of which depends on the income.

Spousal maintenance
If one spouse is unable to provide for his or her own maintenance after the divorce, he or she has a claim to maintenance against the other spouse under certain conditions.