(1) Where an application is made to the court for the grant of a decree of dissolution, the court may make an order requiring either of the civil partners to make to the other periodical payments or lump sum payments for his or her support and, where appropriate, to make to such person as may be specified in the order such periodical payments for the benefit of any dependent child of the civil partners that the court considers proper and specifies in the order.

(2) Periodical payments ordered under subsection (1) may be for the period beginning not earlier than the date of the application and ending not later than the date of its determination that the court specifies in the order.

(3) The court may provide that payments under this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate and specifies in the order.