Maintenance solicitor

After a divorce or separation, maintenance is often one of the most sensitive subjects. One former partner needs financial support, the other has to be able to afford it. Our solicitors calculate what is reasonable, negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, ask the court to decide.

Spousal maintenance

Spousal maintenance is a contribution to the living costs of your former partner. Whether it is payable, and how much, depends on the needs of the one and the means of the other. Income, housing costs, the standard of living during the marriage and the way you divided tasks all play a part.

With high or fluctuating incomes, standard calculations often fall short. In those cases we look closely at the real figures, such as profits from a business or salary paid by your own company.

Child maintenance

Both parents remain responsible for the costs of their children after a separation. Child maintenance is based on what the children cost and on what each parent can contribute. Care arrangements also count: the more care a parent provides, the more costs that parent already bears directly.

Changing or stopping maintenance

Circumstances change. A new job, the loss of income, a new partner or the children leaving home can all be reasons to change maintenance. We assess whether a change is justified and help you to reach new agreements, or ask the court to change the amount.

Maintenance not being paid

Are payments not coming in? Then quick action is important. We can help you collect arrears and take steps to make sure future payments are made.