Financial Matters
Expert Spousal Maintenance Solicitors
It can be overwhelming going through a divorce if you are the financially weaker party during the divorce. Our specialist family law solicitors will ensure that you and your future interests are protected

Divorce can cause a big financial burden, especially when one person is earning more than the other in a marriage. This can result in a need for Spousal Maintenance.
Our family law solicitors are happy to support you and give you advice on all matters surrounding your divorce, making it the easiest and smoothest experience possible.
Your local spousal maintenance solicitors
The specialist solicitors at Grant Stephens Family Law are based across two offices, in central Cardiff and the SA1 Waterfront area of Swansea, perfectly positioning us to assist clients across Wales, the wider UK and internationally. We offer appointments both in person or via Microsoft Teams, ensuring flexibility and accessibility to all our clients.
What makes our firm different?
Grant Stephens Family Law is one of the leading, specialist family law firms in Wales, offering a comprehensive range of family law services. We specialist in court alternative, dispute resolution methods, attempting to keep relationships amicable and keep costs low. Read more about what makes our firm different, here:
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Who pays for spousal maintenance?
The person who pays for spousal maintenance and the person who receives spousal maintenance is entirely dependent on the individual circumstances of the matter.
It is dependent on:
- The income of each party
- The future earning capacity of each party
- The needs of each party
- Child arrangements post separation.
Whether or not spousal maintenance is included in a financial settlement is not guaranteed. For example, if one person has a higher earning capacity but the other party has more significant assets or inheritance, then spousal maintenance may not be granted.
How long does spousal maintenance last?
The length of time is entirely dependent on the individual circumstances. Some maintenance orders are temporary in order to help one party in the divorce get back on their feet, and some are long term.
What happens if the person receiving spousal maintenance gets into a new relationship?
If the person receiving spousal maintenance gets into a new relationship, it doesn’t automatically mean that spousal maintenance payments will stop, however, if they move into a home with their new partner or get married, spousal maintenance payments will likely be stopped.
What is a clean break order?
A clean break order is a legal document that you can sign to state that all financial ties between you and your ex-spouse or civil partner are extinguished.
A clean break order means that neither party in the separation can make any further claims against the other, including claims for property, pensions, inheritance and for spousal maintenance.
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FAQs about Spousal Maintenance
What is spousal maintenance?
Spousal Maintenance is a regular payment made by an ex-spouse to the other after a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. It is part of the divorce financial settlement and is sometimes granted if one spouse has significantly lower income or assets than the other.
How long does spousal maintenance last?
The length of time that spousal maintenance is granted for depends on the individual circumstances of the divorce. It is sometimes granted for a short amount of time to allow one spouse to get back on their feet after a separation, or sometimes it is granted for a long period of time.
Is spousal maintenance guaranteed?
No. Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed and whether or not it is granted is completely dependent on the individual circumstances.
























