Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, is a financial arrangement made after divorce where one spouse provides regular payments to the other. It’s designed to support a spouse who cannot meet their reasonable needs without assistance, especially where there is a significant income gap or one party gave up career opportunities to support the family.
Unlike child maintenance, spousal maintenance is not automatic. The court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living enjoyed during it, each party’s earning capacity, and ongoing financial needs. Maintenance can be agreed between the parties or determined by the court if no agreement is reached.
Spousal maintenance may be ordered for a fixed period, until a specific event (such as remarriage), or in rare cases, for life. Either party can apply to vary the amount or end the arrangement if financial circumstances change.
Having the right legal advice ensures that spousal maintenance is fair, appropriate, and sustainable—supporting both parties as they move forward independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a regular financial payment made by one former spouse to the other after divorce, intended to support the lower-earning or non-earning spouse who cannot yet meet their living costs.
No. It depends on individual circumstances. The court assesses whether one spouse needs support and the other has the means to pay—based on fairness, not punishment or entitlement.
It depends. Some orders last a few years, others until the receiving spouse remarries or becomes financially self-sufficient. In a small number of cases, maintenance may be indefinite.
Spousal support should never feel like a burden—or a battle. At AAGA Solicitors, we help you reach spousal maintenance agreements that are clear, fair, and future-proof—whether through negotiation or court approval. Let’s ensure fairness, together.
