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Introduction
- Meaning of maintenance and alimony
- Importance of financial support after separation or divorce
- Scope of the guide
Part 1: Understanding Maintenance and Alimony
- Definitions under various laws (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, secular laws)
- Difference between maintenance and alimony
- Types: Interim, permanent, child maintenance, wife maintenance, maintenance for husbands in certain cases
- Who can claim maintenance?
Part 2: Legal Provisions Related to Maintenance in India
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Sections 24 and 25)
- Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 125)
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986
- Special Marriage Act, 1954
- Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (Section 20)
- Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act
- Christian Divorce Act
- Maintenance under personal vs. secular laws
- Maintenance for live-in partners
Part 3: Factors Considered in Granting Maintenance
- Income and assets of both spouses
- Standard of living
- Age and health
- Earning capacity of applicant
- Reasonable needs of spouse/children
- Conduct of the parties
- Custody of children
Part 4: Procedure to Claim Maintenance
- How to file a petition for maintenance
- Which court to approach
- Documents required
- Time frame and process
- Role of mediation in maintenance cases
Part 5: Calculation and Quantum of Maintenance
- How courts determine the amount
- Examples of calculation
- Guidelines and recent case law trends
- Lump sum vs monthly payments
- Tax implications of alimony
Part 6: Enforcement of Maintenance Orders
- What to do if maintenance is not paid
- Execution of orders
- Consequences of non-compliance
- Imprisonment under Section 125 CrPC
Part 7: Modification and Cancellation of Maintenance
- Changing circumstances
- Remarriage, new income, other factors
- How to apply for modification
Part 8: Recent Developments and Landmark Judgments
- Key Supreme Court rulings
- Recent High Court judgments
- Ongoing debates (e.g. gender-neutral maintenance laws)
Part 9: Maintenance for Children
- Rights of children under different laws
- Custody vs. maintenance
- Educational expenses and beyond majority
Part 10: Practical Tips and FAQs
- Tips for filing a maintenance case
- Common mistakes to avoid
- FAQs on maintenance and alimony