A divorce decree may end the marriage, but it does not always end the duty to support. Cyprus tackles the question of alimony for ex‑spouses in Law 232/1991 on marital property relations. Below is a plain guide to who can claim, how courts set the figure, and what happens when money is urgently needed before the main case is heard.
1 | Who can ask for maintenance? – Article 5
An ex‑spouse who cannot reasonably cover basic living costs from personal income or assets may seek support if any of the four triggers apply:
- Age or health – too old or medically unfit to start or keep suitable work.
- Carer’s role – has day‑to‑day care of a minor, or of an adult child/relative with a disability that blocks outside employment.
- Job‑search or retraining window – still looking for steady work or attending vocational training, but only for up to three years after the divorce.
- Equity clause – any other circumstance where fairness plainly calls for help (e.g., a non‑working spouse of a long marriage suddenly left without resources).
2 | When can the court cut down or refuse maintenance? – Article 6
Support may be excluded or trimmed for “serious reasons”, such as:
- Short marriage – a two‑year union rarely justifies life‑long payments.
- Serious fault – the would‑be recipient bears heavy blame for the marriage breakdown.
- Self‑inflicted neediness – a spouse who willfully frittered away assets may receive less.
3 | Measuring the amount – Articles 3 & 7
Cyprus follows the same twin test used for child maintenance/alimony:
- Needs of the applicant – rent, food, utilities, healthcare, transport and any costs tied to regaining self‑sufficiency.
- Means of the payer – actual income and earning capacity.
The court’s aim is decent subsistence, not a windfall; lavish lifestyles are rarely reproduced.
4 | Emergency cash – Article 8 (Interim Maintenance)
Divorces drag on. If waiting would cause hardship, the Family Court can issue an imminent temporary maintenance order. The judge grants it only where:
- There is a serious question to be tried.
- The claimant shows a real prospect of success.
- Justice cannot wait—delay would cause irreparable disadvantage.
Applicants must disclose all material facts; half‑truths sink cases when the court later reviews the order.
5 | Practical advice for payers and claimants
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Do |
Avoid |
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List monthly expenses realistically—courts ignore inflated budgets. |
Relying on cash jobs and hoping the judge won’t notice. |
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Produce payslips, tax returns and bank statements up front. |
Hiding assets; the other side can request disclosure orders. |
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If health limits work, keep medical reports current. |
Expecting lifetime support after a short, childless marriage. |
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Agree review dates—maintenance often tapers as re‑training finishes. |
Treating alimony as revenge; the judge weighs conduct and fairness. |
How Phoebus, Christos Clerides & Associates LLC can assist
Our firm has guided many clients—both payers and recipients—through the maze of post‑divorce alimony:
- Rapid relief: we prepare solid evidence packs for interim orders when bills can’t wait.
- Forensic financial checks: uncover hidden income or unreported assets.
- Negotiated settlements: craft phased‑out payments tied to job‑search milestones or health reviews.
- Variation and enforcement: adjust outdated orders or chase arrears with garnishee and attachment procedures.
Starting with a confidential, no‑obligation consultation, we focus on solutions that are fair, sustainable and legally robust, so both parties can move forward with financial clarity.