Divorce Solicitor Bristol
When a couple get divorced, a maintenance payment from one spouse to the other might be required, as a way of offsetting the significant reduction in household income. Although there is no guarantee that any maintenance payment would be awarded, when it’s deemed appropriate it’s the higher earning spouse that will provide it. Traditionally this might mean that the wife would be the recipient, but in recent times more and more women are the higher earners in a marriage, and it’s actually the husband who is entitled to receive this type of financial support.
If you have any questions about the financial aspects of your divorce you should speak to a Divorce Solicitor. Bristol Family Law Solicitors from our office can give you all the advice and guidance you need regarding maintenance payments or any other kind of post-divorce financial arrangement. Below is some additional information on maintenance which might be useful.
The Different Types of Maintenance
The circumstances surrounding each divorce case will typically influence what type of maintenance arrangement is going to be needed. It might be granted as a lump sum, payable once the divorce is finalised; or it might take the form of regular payments, usually every month. It could be a temporary requirement, designed to support the dependent spouse until they are able to support themselves, or it could be a permanent arrangement which will only cease when the spouse receiving the payment remarries.
How is Maintenance Calculated?
The amount of maintenance to be paid, and whether any should be paid at all, will be determined by a number of factors. Examples of these include the ability of the dependent spouse to support themselves independently, their current and potential future income, and the ability of the higher earning spouse to provide financial support to their former partner. These and several other factors are likely to be taken into account, and it should be noted that maintenance is decided on the basis of each individual case, and isn’t always guaranteed.
Maintenance Reviews and Modification
The financial situation of divorced couples is likely to change over time, and these changes can lead to maintenance arrangements being reviewed and modified. Something as simple as inflation and an increase in the cost of living may be grounds for a review. Any change in either partner’s income could have an affect on an existing maintenance arrangement. An increase in a dependant spouse’s income could lead to a reduction in their maintenance payment, but an increase might be necessary if the former partner providing the maintenance starts getting paid more. If a couple have agreed to a Clean Break Divorce however, any change in the agreed maintenance arrangement is unlikely.
When a couple get divorced, financial issues are often the hardest to resolve, which is why it’s important to get advice from a Divorce Solicitor. Bristol Family Lawyers at our firm can provide the help and advice you need when it comes to your maintenance agreement.