Spousal maintenance solicitors
Spousal maintenance is ongoing financial support paid by one former spouse or civil partner to the other after the marriage or partnership ends. Rushton Family Law advises both those who will be paying maintenance and those who will be receiving it, on whether it is appropriate, how much, and for how long.
Spousal maintenance at a glance
- Spousal maintenance is ongoing support paid by one former spouse or civil partner to the other.
- There’s no fixed formula. It depends on both incomes, needs and the wider settlement.
- It’s often paid for a fixed term, though some orders last longer.
- It can sometimes be replaced with a single lump sum, giving a clean break.
- Payments stop if the receiving spouse remarries or enters a new civil partnership.
Specialist Divorce and Family Lawyers
Rushton provides discreet representation for divorce, financial settlements, and arrangements for children. We treat every case with the care it deserves, without losing sight of what actually needs to get done.
When it really matters
Getting advice on spousal maintenance
We start by looking at both incomes and how they are made up, including salary, bonuses, dividends and investment income. We then look at what each of you will realistically need after the separation, and at earning capacity, particularly where one of you has stepped back from work to care for children or support the other’s career.
From there, we will give you a view of what a reasonable maintenance arrangement looks like in your circumstances, and how it fits with the wider settlement.
How spousal maintenance is decided
There is no formula. The court looks at each person’s income, earning capacity and needs, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the contributions each of you has made. It must also consider whether a clean break, with no ongoing payments, is possible.
Where maintenance is appropriate, it can be paid for a fixed term, to give the receiving spouse time to adjust, or in some cases for longer. Variable income such as bonuses can be dealt with separately from the base figure.
Lump sum and clean break alternatives
Ongoing payments are not the only option. Maintenance can sometimes be capitalised into a single lump sum, so that both of you can move on without a continuing financial tie. We advise on whether that is achievable and what it would cost.
Maintenance while the divorce is ongoing
If you need financial support before the settlement is finalised, an interim order may be available.
Our Team
Our team of specialist family solicitors offer expert advice in proportion to what’s at stake for you. We advise on all areas of family law and bring the same care and high standard to every family we work with.
Amie Pine
Partner - Divorce & Family
Emma Shortland
Associate
Ella Perry
Assistant Solicitor
Samantha Patel
Legal Support Assistant
Reviews and testimonials
Firstly, Amie Pine. This particular solicitor is an absolute master of her craft. She's knowledgeable, caring, understandable, professional and always one step ahead
The second person I would like to mention in my review is Emma Shortland. Her knowledge of the law is incredible. Please don't let her age put you off, as upon those very young shoulders is a very wise head.
Amie was brilliant helping me through and managing my divorce financials both professionally and personally, cannot recommend enough, thanks again Amie!
I recently went through a difficult divorce, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by my solicitor, Amie Pine.
From the very beginning, Amie provided clear, concise guidance and her expertise, professionalism, and compassion made a significant difference during this challenging time.
Amie was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and provided reassurance during the most stressful moments.
Amie was not only a legal advisor but also a pillar of support, helping me navigate the emotional and financial aspects.
Thank you, Amie, for making a difficult time more manageable and for helping me move forward with my life.
Amie Pine has helped me get through a financially and emotionally challenging divorce with great empathy, expert advice and the utmost professionalism.
She is always responsive and worked quickly to ensure the matter progressed despite the other party's delays and unreasonable demands. Thank you Amie - it's been a real pleasure having you represent me.
Nicola and the team are the best support you could ask for at the most difficult of times.
As well as being knowledgeable, forward thinking, organised and hard-working, [Nicola] has empathy and goes above and beyond for her clients.
I feel safer and not alone, knowing that I have Nicola's support - securing her to act for me was a huge weight lifted. No matter what the result, I am confident that she will have secured the best outcome possible.
outstanding legal representation when it really matters
FAQs
How we work
An experienced family solicitor will run your matter from the first meeting onwards, and you will deal with them directly rather than being passed between members of a team.
Part of their job is to help you decide where your time and money are best spent. In most divorces there are points worth pressing and points that make little difference to the end result, and we will be straightforward with you about which is which.
A lot of matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and where that is realistic we will recommend it. Where it is not, because the other side will not engage, or disclosure is incomplete, or the issues are genuinely contested, we will advise you on taking the matter to court and act for you there.
Rushton Family Law is the sister brand of Vardags. If your case involves complex finances or international issues, we will introduce you to the Vardags team.
Request a confidential call
Please share a few details about your circumstances and one of our specialist family lawyers will contact you at a convenient time. If a telephone call is not suitable, please let us know your preferred method of contact.
