Expert Advice on Post-Divorce Financial Support

Alimony & Spousal Maintenance Solicitors

In the UK, 'alimony' is legally known as spousal maintenance. Our expert family law solicitors provide robust advice on your entitlement to receive, or your obligation to pay, ongoing financial support after a divorce, ensuring a fair and sustainable outcome.

What is Spousal Maintenance and Who is Entitled?

Spousal maintenance is a series of regular payments made by the higher-earning spouse to the other after a divorce. It is not an automatic right. Its purpose is to support the financially weaker party, allowing them to adjust to financial independence where there is a significant income disparity.

Factors the Court Considers:

The income and earning capacity of both parties.
The financial needs and obligations of each person.
The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.
The age of the parties and the length of the marriage.
Any physical or mental disability of either party.
The contributions each person made to the marriage.

How Our Solicitors Can Help

Whether you are seeking maintenance or being asked to pay it, we provide expert legal advice to ensure a fair outcome. Our role includes:

Conducting a detailed assessment of your financial situation.
Negotiating the amount and duration of any payments.
Advising on when a lump-sum payment may be a better alternative.
Ensuring the final agreement is legally binding in a Financial Order.

Get a Fair Assessment

A Wildlings family solicitor providing expert advice on spousal maintenance

A Pragmatic & Needs-Based Approach

Our approach is to find a fair and realistic solution that allows both parties to move forward with financial independence. We focus on skilled negotiation to reach a sustainable agreement, with the ultimate goal of achieving a Clean Break wherever possible.

Needs-Based Assessment: We conduct a thorough analysis of both parties' financial needs and resources.
Skilled Negotiation: We are firm but fair negotiators, focused on resolving matters without costly court battles.
Protecting Your Future: We ensure any agreement is legally binding to provide certainty and prevent future disputes.

Get a Confidential Consultation

"The Advice I Was Given Was Clear and Helpful"

"I was daunted by the financial side of my divorce. The team at Wildlings were brilliant. They explained everything clearly, were very efficient, and secured a financial settlement that was better than I had hoped for. A very professional service."

- Google Review

"Dealt with my case in a very professional but friendly and approachable manner. The service was excellent and communication was very good. I was always kept informed of any developments. I would highly recommend this firm of solicitors."

- ReviewSolicitors Client

"The service was nothing short of excellent, kept up to date every step of the way. When required, everything was explained in a clear and concise way enabling me to make informed decisions. Would definitely recommend."

- Google Review

Questions About Spousal Maintenance

How long does spousal maintenance last?

This varies greatly. It can be for a fixed term (e.g., a few years, to allow the recipient to become financially independent) or, in rarer cases involving long marriages, for the rest of their joint lives. An order automatically ends if the recipient remarries.

Is spousal maintenance the same as child maintenance?

No, they are completely separate. Child maintenance is a legal requirement for all separated parents and is calculated by the CMS. Spousal maintenance is a discretionary payment between the former spouses only, based on needs and income.

What happens if my or my ex's income changes?

If there is a significant change in circumstances for either party (such as losing a job or a large pay rise), either of you can apply to the court to vary the spousal maintenance order upwards, downwards, or to end it altogether.

Get Clarity on Your Financial Future

Whether you expect to pay or receive spousal maintenance, don't leave it to chance. Contact our expert solicitors for a confidential assessment of your legal position.

Request a Callback Today