Spousal Maintenance in the UK: Common FAQs

Navigating the complexities of spousal maintenance can be daunting. It is a topic that comes up frequently during discussions surrounding separation and divorce, yet many people find themselves unsure about its specifics. Anthony Gold Solicitors are here to help you understand the intricacies of spousal maintenance and offer guidance on the matter. We begin by addressing some of the most fundamental questions surrounding this topic.

What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is the financial support that one spouse might have to pay the other after a separation or divorce. Courts often refer to spousal maintenance as ‘spousal support’ or ‘alimony’ in other jurisdictions.

Usually, one party pays this when the other party can’t support themselves financially without help. Spousal maintenance aims to ensure that neither party faces undue financial hardship following the end of a marriage or civil partnership. 

Learn more about the financial implications surrounding ending relationships on our website. 

Who can receive spousal maintenance?

The entitlement to spousal maintenance is not automatic. Several factors usually determine it, including the needs and resources of both parties, the length of the marriage or civil partnership, each party’s age, health, ability to earn, and their standard of living.

The court’s primary concern is to ensure that neither party faces undue financial hardship, especially if one party has been financially dependent on the other during the relationship. 

For more detailed guidance on this topic, visit our divorce and separation section. 

How to claim spousal maintenance?

Claiming spousal maintenance involves a structured approach: 

• Financial Disclosure: Both parties should provide a full disclosure of their finances. This includes income, assets, liabilities, and future financial needs.
• Mediation: Before heading to court, consider mediation. It’s a less confrontational way of resolving disputes and coming to a financial arrangement that suits both parties.
• Legal Advice: Engage with a solicitor who specializes in family law. They can guide you through the process, helping ensure your claim is strong and valid.
• Apply to the Court: If an agreement cannot be reached, you can apply to the court for a financial order. The court will then consider both parties’ needs and resources before making a decision.
• Regular Review: Circumstances change. Therefore, it’s good practice to review spousal maintenance agreements periodically. 

If you’re at the crossroads of making a claim, book a one-hour fixed fee initial consultation with our Family Law solicitors at Anthony Gold to navigate the process efficiently.

How can I reach an agreement on payments if my Ex refuses to pay?

Refusal to adhere to spousal maintenance agreements or court orders can be stressful and challenging. It’s essential to address this situation legally and constructively. 

Here are ten effective methods to reach a spousal maintenance agreement or remedy the situation: 

1. Open Dialogue: Begin by discussing concerns with your ex-spouse. Sometimes, misunderstandings or temporary financial hardships might be the cause of non-payment.
2. Mediation: Consider mediation as a neutral platform where both parties can discuss and find common ground with the assistance of a professional mediator.
3. Seek Legal Counsel: Engage with a solicitor to understand your rights and explore the best course of action. The Family Law team at Anthony Gold can offer guidance.
4. Review Existing Agreement: If circumstances have significantly changed since the initial agreement, it may be time to review and adjust the terms accordingly.
5. Use Collaborative Law: This process involves both parties and their solicitors working cooperatively to find a solution without resorting to court action.
6. Enforcement Through Court: If your ex-spouse continues to default, you can apply to the court to enforce the order.
7. Seek an Attachment of the Earnings Order: This order directs the payer’s employer to deduct the maintenance amount directly from the payer’s wages.
8. Charging Order: If your ex-spouse has assets, a charging order can be placed on their property, ensuring payment from the sale proceeds.
9. Consider A Third-party Debt Order: This order can freeze funds in the payer’s bank account to cover the maintenance owed.
10. Seek a Standing Order: Set up a standing order for maintenance payments to ensure they’re made regularly and on time.

When facing non-payment, it’s vital to act promptly to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to while also considering the payer’s circumstances. 

Navigate through the complexities of agreeing on finances and assets post-separation with our comprehensive resources.

How is spousal maintenance paid?

Various ways exist to pay spousal maintenance:

• Capitalised spousal maintenance: This is a one-time lump sum payment that is paid instead of ongoing maintenance payments. It is a way of providing immediate financial support without ongoing monthly payments. 
• Ongoing spousal maintenance: These are regular payments, usually paid monthly and for a specified period or until certain conditions are met, such as the remarriage of the recipient. 

When is spousal maintenance paid?

Typically, spousal maintenance is paid when there’s a disparity in the financial circumstances of both parties post-separation. Its purpose is to ensure that the lower-earning or non-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living.

The parties can agree on the timing of payments privately or a court can order them. They usually set up regular payments as standing orders, and they often specify the payment dates in the court order or agreement.

How long does spousal maintenance last for?

The duration of spousal maintenance payments can vary. They might set it for a specific term, known as ‘term orders’, or it could be payable for the recipient’s life, known as ‘joint life orders’. Joint lives orders are now extremely rare. 

Several factors can influence the duration of a spousal maintenance term, including the age of the parties, the length of the marriage, and the financial needs of the recipient. It is important to note that spousal maintenance payments generally cease if the recipient remarries. 

The court can also make a spousal maintenance order on an extendable or non-extendable basis. If the order is non-extendable, the recipient cannot make a further application for spousal maintenance after the term has ended. 

Understanding the duration and implications is crucial, and our experts at Anthony Gold offer a one hour fixed fee consultation to guide you through it. 

What is a nominal maintenance order?

A nominal maintenance order doesn’t involve any actual financial transfers between the parties. Instead, it is an order that remains in place at a nominal amount (often just £1 per year) and serves as a placeholder. 

This ensures that the recipient can approach the court to request a variation in the order, should their financial circumstances change significantly in the future. It acts as a safeguard, allowing flexibility should unforeseen financial difficulties arise. 

Is it possible for spousal maintenance to be changed?

Yes, spousal maintenance can be varied. Either party can apply to the court for a variation if there is a significant change in circumstances. 

For instance, if the payer loses their job and faces financial hardship, or if the recipient’s needs increase significantly, someone can seek a variation.

However, the variation isn’t automatic; one must demonstrate to the court the necessity for the change. If you’re looking into varying a maintenance agreement, our helpful guide can provide more information. 

Can I stop paying spousal maintenance?

In some situations, yes you can stop paying spousal maintenance. If the recipient remarries or if either party’s financial circumstances change significantly, meeting the conditions of the maintenance order, someone can stop the payments.

If you believe there’s a legitimate reason to stop payments, it is essential to seek legal advice before doing so to ensure you’re not in breach of any court orders. Delve deeper into the intricacies of ending relationships and their financial implications on our website. 

What if I lose my job and can no longer pay spousal maintenance?

Losing a job can be a valid reason for reducing or suspending spousal maintenance payments, especially if it leads to financial hardship. In such cases, it is advisable to communicate with the recipient and consider reaching an agreement. 

If you can’t reach an agreement, you can apply to the court for a downward variation or suspension of the maintenance order.

But, make sure to legally document any changes to avoid potential disputes. Facing challenges in this area? Consider reaching out to our experts for a one-hour fixed fee consultation to navigate these challenging waters. 

If the recipient of the spousal maintenance is working, do I still have to pay?

The fact that the recipient is working doesn’t automatically negate the need for spousal maintenance. Payments are based on various factors, including the difference in earnings, financial needs, and previous agreements or court orders. 

However, if the recipient’s financial situation improves significantly, it might be possible to review the maintenance payments. It’s always crucial to approach such matters with legal guidance, ensuring that any changes align with legal standards and don’t inadvertently breach existing agreements or orders. 

Can a husband claim maintenance from a wife?

Yes, in the eyes of the law, both spouses have an equal right to claim maintenance from the other, regardless of gender. Factors considered include: 

• Financial Disparity: If the husband has a significantly lower income or fewer assets than the wife, he might be entitled to claim maintenance. 
• Needs and Responsibilities: If the husband has been the primary caregiver for the children or is unable to support himself due to health issues, this could influence the decision.
• Equality: The principle is to ensure that both parties maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce or separation. 

What happens if I want to live with my new partner after divorce?

Choosing to cohabit with a new partner post-divorce can potentially influence spousal maintenance agreements or orders. If you’re the recipient of the spousal maintenance: 

• Reduction or Termination: The payer might argue that your financial needs have decreased because you’re now sharing expenses with a new partner. This could lead to a request for a reduction or termination of the maintenance. 
• Legal Implications: Cohabiting without marrying won’t legally end the spousal maintenance obligation, but practical changes in financial needs can be considered by the court. 
• Transparency is Key: It’s crucial to be open and honest about any significant changes in your circumstances to ensure all agreements remain fair and equitable. 

If considering moving in with a new partner, explore the implications for your maintenance agreement. Discover more about the complexities of starting new relationships post-divorce.

What happens to spousal maintenance if my ex has children with their new partner?

The birth of a child in a new relationship can influence financial dynamics: 

• Financial Responsibilities: Your ex-spouse’s financial responsibilities towards their new child might affect their ability to pay spousal maintenance, especially if their financial situation is tight. 
• Review of Agreement: While the primary duty remains to the first family, a significant change in circumstances, like having a new child, could lead to a review of the maintenance agreement. 
• Balancing Needs: The courts will consider the needs of all involved, ensuring that children from both relationships are provided for adequately. 

Navigating through such changing dynamics can be challenging. Find insights on balancing responsibilities during international arrangements or with new partners on our website. 

Does spousal maintenance affect my income or tax?

Yes, spousal maintenance has tax implications: 

• Recipient: If you are receiving spousal maintenance, this is not considered income and therefore will not be subject to income tax.
• Payer: If you are paying spousal maintenance, the payments are made from post-tax income, and you cannot claim tax relief on them. 

Spousal maintenance payments might also affect the recipient’s entitlement to state benefits, so you should seek specialist advice on this.

We are already divorced. Can I still make a claim for spousal maintenance?

Even if you have finalised your divorce, you might still be able to make a claim for spousal maintenance. However, this depends on several factors: 

• Existing Financial Orders: If there was a financial order at the time of the divorce that excluded future claims, then it might not be possible to bring a new claim. If you have remarried since, you may not be able to make financial claims against your ex-spouse.
• Change in Circumstances: If there have been significant unforeseen changes since the divorce, such as illness or job loss, the court might consider a new maintenance application, if a financial remedy order has not already been made. 
• Delay: It’s essential to act promptly. Waiting a long time after the divorce could reduce the chances of a successful claim. 

For more details on post-divorce financial implications, our resources on divorce and separation provide comprehensive guidance. 

 Can my ex hide their income to avoid paying spousal maintenance?

Some individuals might try to hide their income to reduce maintenance payments. The court disapproves of such actions, including:

• Full Disclosure: The court requires full and honest financial disclosure from both parties. 
• Consequences: If someone is found hiding assets or income, they could face severe consequences, including fines or even imprisonment.
• Forensic Accountants: In complicated financial situations, forensic accountants can be used to trace and reveal hidden assets or income streams. 

For further insights into safeguarding your rights, our guide on agreeing finance and assets post-separation is an invaluable resource.
 

We were not married but were co-habiting for many years. Am I still entitled to spousal maintenance?

In the UK, cohabiting couples don’t have the same legal rights as married couples or those in civil partnerships. Key points to note: 

• No Automatic Right: Cohabiting partners don’t have a legal right to claim “spousal” maintenance from each other when they separate.
• Children’s Needs: If there are children involved, it’s possible to make a financial claim for the benefit of the child, but not directly for spousal maintenance. 
• Cohabitation Agreements: It’s always advisable for cohabiting couples to consider entering into a cohabitation agreement to outline financial provision in case of a separation. 

What is a global maintenance order?

The court makes a global maintenance order, which combines both spousal and child maintenance into one single payment. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Simplification: Instead of managing separate orders for spousal and child maintenance, a global order streamlines it into one amount. 
• Review Mechanism: Such an order is often subject to review. For instance, if the child’s age causes child maintenance to cease, someone might adjust the global maintenance.
• Benefits: It provides clarity and eases administrative efforts for both parties involved. 

For a more comprehensive understanding of the different financial arrangements available, explore our section on agreeing finance and assets. 

Why should I pay spousal maintenance when we are no longer together?

It’s a common question and here’s why: 

• Financial Disparity: Often, one partner may have sacrificed their career or earning potential for the sake of the family. Spousal maintenance aims to bridge this financial imbalance post-separation. 
• Standard of Living: The goal is to ensure that both parties can maintain a similar standard of living to what they were accustomed to during the relationship, as far as this is possible. 
• Legal Obligation: Beyond the moral responsibility, there may be a legal obligation based on mutual agreements or court orders. Learn more about the intricacies of divorce and separation on our website. 

Are spousal maintenance payments guaranteed? 

• Not Absolute: While court orders aim to ensure consistency, the absolute guarantee of spousal maintenance payments depends on various factors like the payer’s financial health, changing circumstances, etc. 
• Modifications: Orders can sometimes be varied upon a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, illness, or remarrying. 
• Enforcement: If a party defaults on payments, legal avenues are available for enforcement. Check out our guidance on how to navigate situations when an ex-partner is refusing to pay spousal maintenance. 

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, our objective is to support, guide, and empower you throughout this process. Our dedicated team understands the sensitivities and complexities involved. If you’re navigating these waters or foresee such a scenario, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer a one hour fixed fee initial consultation to help you get started. Book your slot and let us secure a brighter, informed future for you.