How long maintenance must be paid to a former partner — if at all — varies by case. The Federal Supreme Court recently clarified, however, that it should generally be paid for as short a period as possible, since each spouse should support themselves after divorce wherever possible.
The precise duration depends on many factors. The court considers, among other things, marriage length, finances, work experience and labour-market prospects of the recipient. You may also mutually agree the duration with your spouse, which the court will approve in most cases.
The maintenance obligation ends no later than retirement or a spouse's death.