Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984

4 Orders for financial relief in case of neglect to maintain. E+W

In section 27 of the 1973 Act (financial provision in case of neglect to maintain) for subsection (3) there shall be substituted the following subsection—

“(3) Where an application under this section is made on the ground mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above, then, in deciding—

(a) whether the respondent has failed to provide reasonable maintenance for the applicant, and

(b) what order, if any, to make under this section in favour of the applicant,

the court shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case including the matters mentioned in section 25(2) above, and where an application is also made under this section in respect of a child of the family who has not attained the age of eighteen, first consideration shall be given to the welfare of the child while a minor.”