Spousal Maintenance After Divorce

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one former spouse or civil partner to the other after separation or divorce. It may be considered where one person cannot meet reasonable income needs from their own resources.

When spousal maintenance may arise

• One party has significantly lower income.
• One person reduced work to care for children.
• There is a long marriage with financial dependency.
• Health or caring responsibilities affect earning capacity.
• A clean break is not immediately practical.

Evidence commonly needed

• Income and employment records.
• Monthly living costs.
• Mortgage or rent commitments.
• Childcare responsibilities.
• Health or caring evidence where relevant.
• Any proposed financial settlement or clean break order.

Maintenance and clean break orders

Some cases involve maintenance for a fixed period. Others may be resolved through a settlement that enables a clean break. The right approach depends on income, housing, children, pensions and the wider financial picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spousal maintenance automatic?
No. It depends on needs, resources and the wider financial circumstances.

Is it the same as child maintenance?
No. Child maintenance is for children. Spousal maintenance supports a former spouse or civil partner.

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