1. The continuation of something, such as a lawsuit.
2. The continuing possession of something, such as property.
3. The assertion of a position or opinion; the act of upholding a position in argument.
4. The care and work put into property to keep it operating and productive; general repair and upkeep.
5. Financial support given by one person to another, usu. paid as a result of a legal separation or divorce; esp., ALIMONY. • Maintenance may end after a specified time or upon the death, cohabitation, or remarriage of the receiving party. [Cases: Divorce 208, 230; Husband and Wife 232. C.J.S. Divorce §§ 315, 320–331, 336–339, 369, 394–400, 422–426, 481–487.]
maintenance in gross. A fixed amount of money to be paid upon divorce by one former spouse to the other, in a lump sum or in installments. • Typically, the total amount is unmodifiable regardless of any change in either person’s circumstances. [Cases: Divorce 241. C.J.S. Divorce §§ 395–397.]
separate maintenance. Money paid by one married person to another for support if they are no longer living together as husband and wife. • This type of maintenance is often mandated by a court order. An action for separate maintenance is not maintainable after the entry of a divorce decree.
— Also termed separate support. [Cases: Husband and Wife 232.]
6. Assistance in prosecuting or defending a lawsuit given to a litigant by someone who has no bona fide interest in the case; meddling in someone else’s litigation. Cf. CHAMPERTY. [Cases: Champerty and Maintenance
4. C.J.S. Champerty and Maintenance, Barratry and Related Matters §§ 2, 5.]
