Learn about maintenance and support

A maintenance route may be available while you are still married. You can ask for advice about support without committing to separation or divorce. Eligibility depends on your facts and applicable law; this guide does not decide a claim or amount.

Do not assume a child's support ends because the parents separate, divorce or disagree about custody. Ask separately about each child, their age, needs, education and any disability. A wife's eligibility and duration can differ, especially after divorce. There is no single amount or age cutoff confirmed here.

A missing maintenance term in your Nikahnama does not by itself mean no claim exists. Mehr is a separate obligation. If your husband has died, ask about estate debts, inheritance, pension or other survivor benefits, rather than assuming an ordinary ongoing claim against him applies.

Tell an independent adviser why you live apart, including threats or abuse if relevant. Do not assume leaving home, earning money or lacking a written agreement settles maintenance eligibility. If your husband is missing or abroad, ask about locating or serving him lawfully and the correct jurisdiction. Abandonment alone is not proof of a completed divorce.

For Muslim marriages, section 9 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance addresses inadequate maintenance of a wife and provides an Arbitration Council route under the applicable framework. Family Courts also deal with maintenance under their applicable law. Ask which forum fits your case and whether interim support, past unpaid amounts or enforcement are available. Local amendments, personal law and facts matter.