Spousal Maintenance Solicitors

Financial Peace of Mind When You Need It Most

When a marriage or civil partnership ends, your future financial security becomes more important than ever. If there’s an imbalance in income or one partner has relied on the other financially, spousal maintenance may be the key to moving forward with stability and confidence.

At Macks Solicitors, we’re here to guide you through the process with care, honesty, and clear, practical advice. Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it, we’ll help you find a solution that feels fair and sustainable.

Free Initial Discussion

For a free initial discussion, call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a regular payment made by one former partner to another after divorce or dissolution. It’s designed to help the financially weaker party meet their needs, especially where there’s a large income gap or a partner has sacrificed their own career or income for the relationship.

This is separate from child maintenance and focuses solely on spousal support.

Each case is unique there’s no set formula. The amount, length, and structure of payments depend on your circumstances and what’s considered fair for both sides.

When Might Spousal Maintenance Be Awarded?

Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed. It’s usually considered when:

• One person gave up work to care for children or support the other’s career
• There’s a big difference in income or earning potential
• One partner needs time to retrain or rebuild financial independence
• You’ve had a long marriage where finances were deeply shared

Whether you’re seeking support or responding to a claim, we’ll help you understand what’s reasonable in your situation and fight for a fair outcome.

How Is Spousal Maintenance Calculated?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Courts and solicitors look at:

• The length of the relationship
• Income, expenses, and assets on both sides
• Future earning capacity
• The standard of living during the marriage
• Any specific needs, like caring for children

Types of spousal maintenance include:

• Short-term support to help someone get back on their feet
• Ongoing payments for longer marriages where independence isn’t realistic
• Payments that end on remarriage or cohabitation
• Nominal orders, which preserve the right to claim in future if needed

We’ll explain your options clearly and help you negotiate an arrangement that works for you. Call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

Can Spousal Maintenance Be Changed or Stopped?

Yes. Spousal maintenance can be varied or ended if circumstances change such as a job loss, a pay rise, or a new relationship. If you’re paying or receiving maintenance and something has shifted, we can help you apply to the court to update the terms.

Do We Have to Go to Court?

Not always. Many spousal maintenance agreements can be reached through negotiation or mediation, without going to court. If you and your former partner can agree, we can turn that into a legally binding financial consent order for added security and peace of mind.

If negotiation isn’t possible or things become contentious, we’re fully prepared to represent you in court and protect your interests every step of the way.

What If I’m Being Asked to Pay Maintenance?

Being asked to pay spousal maintenance can feel overwhelming. Before you agree to anything, get clear, confident legal advice.

We’ll help you understand:

• Whether maintenance is appropriate
• How much is fair and how long it should last
• What’s sustainable based on your income and future plans

If your situation changes down the line, we’ll also support you in seeking to reduce or stop payments.

Our goal is always to protect your future while keeping things fair and proportionate.

Why Choose Macks Solicitors?

Spousal maintenance is about more than money, it’s about protecting your wellbeing and giving you space to move forward. At Macks, we treat your situation with the care and respect it deserves.

When you work with us, you get:

• Decades of family law expertise
• No-nonsense, compassionate advice tailored to your needs
• Support through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings
• A personal, responsive team who puts your future first

Let’s Talk

Call us on 01642 843 671 or use our online contact form to get started. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Macks Solicitors proudly serve clients across England and Wales, with offices in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Redcar and Harrogate.