What does the doctrine of necessaries require of spouses?

The doctrine of necessaries imposes an obligation on each spouse to support the other during the marriage. This principle stems from the traditional understanding of marriage as a partnership in which both parties share responsibilities, including financial support for essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. The duty to support encompasses both the provision of basic necessities and potentially providing financial assistance during times of need.

This obligation reinforces the notion that marriage involves collaboration in providing for the family's well-being, whereas other choices do not represent this core principle. For example, the requirement that each spouse must acquire a professional degree is not a general expectation of marriage and does not reflect mutual support obligations. Likewise, while managing household finances is an important aspect of marital life, it does not inherently fulfill the broader duty of support. Lastly, the assertion that spouses cannot sue each other for financial support is incorrect, as the doctrine of necessaries itself operates on the premise that spouses can indeed seek legal remedies for essential support needs when necessary.