Spousal maintenance, sometimes known as periodical payments, is the financial support one former spouse provides to the other following divorce or dissolution. At The Divorce Lawyers, we ensure maintenance arrangements are fair, sustainable, and reflective of each party’s needs.

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Maintenance may be awarded when one party requires financial assistance to meet their reasonable needs and the other has the means to provide it. Payments may be:

  • Interim (pending proceedings) – temporary support during the divorce process
  • Term maintenance – for a fixed period
  • Joint lives maintenance – until either party dies, remarries, or enters a new civil partnership

How Courts Decide

When determining maintenance, the court will consider:

  • Each party’s income, earning potential, and financial obligations
  • The length of the marriage and lifestyle enjoyed
  • Contributions made to family life, including non-financial roles
  • Any future financial responsibilities, especially towards children

Varying or Ending Maintenance

Maintenance can be reviewed and varied if circumstances change significantly (e.g. a new job, redundancy, or cohabitation). We act for both payers and recipients, advising on applications to vary or discharge existing orders.

Our Expertise

We help clients negotiate realistic maintenance arrangements and, when necessary, pursue or defend maintenance claims through the courts. Our solicitors are experienced in dealing with complex income structures, self-employment, and high-earning professionals.

Why Clients Choose Us

  • Clear guidance on your entitlement or liability
  • Focus on sustainable, realistic outcomes
  • Expertise in enforcement and variation applications
  • Sensitive handling of financial disputes

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that going through a divorce can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty. To help ease your concerns, we've answered some of the most common questions our clients ask. If you have a specific query, feel free to reach out to our team for personalized advice.

How long does the divorce process take in the UK?

On average, an uncontested divorce in the UK takes between 4 to 6 months. However, the timeline may vary depending on court processing times and how quickly both parties respond to necessary documents.

Do I need to go to court for a divorce?

In most uncontested cases, attending court is not required. The divorce process can be handled entirely on paper unless there are disputes over finances or children, in which case a court appearance may be necessary.

How is child custody decided?

Child custody decisions are made with the child’s best interests as the priority. Courts consider factors like the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide care, and existing relationships before issuing custody or contact orders.

How are assets divided during a divorce?

Assets are typically divided based on fairness, not equality. The court considers factors such as income, property, financial needs, and contributions made by each party when determining a financial settlement.