Spousal Maintenance Solicitors Burnley

+ Can I Apply For Spousal Maintenance After The Divorce Is Final?

Yes, in many cases you can still apply for spousal maintenance after the divorce has been finalised, but only if the court has not already made a financial order that prevents further claims. This is known as a clean break. If no clean break has been approved, then a claim for maintenance can still be made, even after the divorce is complete.

It’s important to get advice before assuming anything is final. Our Spousal Support Lawyers in Burnley can check where you stand and help you take the right steps if you believe ongoing financial support may still be needed.

We also assist in reviewing existing agreements, advising on amendments where circumstances have changed. Where necessary, we can liaise with independent legal advisors to ensure fairness for both parties, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while safeguarding your interests.

+ Is There A Time Limit For Applying For Spousal Maintenance?

There’s no fixed time limit under the law, but in practice, timing can make a big difference. Once a financial order is made, especially one that includes a clean break, you lose the right to make a claim for spousal maintenance in future.

If no financial order has been made yet, it may still be possible to apply. But the longer you wait, the harder it may become to justify the need for ongoing support, particularly if your circumstances have changed.

Our Spousal Maintenance Solicitors in Burnley can advise you clearly on whether a claim is still open to you, and how to move forward in a way that protects your position.

+ How Do Courts Decide Whether Spousal Maintenance Should Be Paid?

There is no set formula, so the court looks carefully at the financial position of both people. It will assess what each person needs to live on, what they earn, what they could reasonably earn in future and whether there is a gap that support should cover.

Other factors include the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the relationship, any health issues and whether one person stepped away from work to care for children or support the home.

Our Spousal Maintenance Solicitors can help you understand how these issues apply in your case and give you clear advice about what the court is likely to consider fair.

+ Can Spousal Maintenance Be Paid As A One-Off Lump Sum?

Yes, in some cases the court will approve a single lump sum payment instead of ongoing monthly maintenance. This is usually part of a clean break arrangement and can help both people move on without a long-term financial link.

A lump sum needs to reflect the receiving person’s financial needs and future plans, and must be realistic in terms of what the paying person can afford. Our Spousal Support Lawyers can help you decide whether this option is suitable for you and assist with negotiating a fair agreement.

+ Can We Make A Private Spousal Maintenance Agreement Without Going To Court?

Yes, many people prefer to agree to spousal maintenance privately, especially if there is open communication and a shared understanding of what’s fair. These agreements can then be made legally binding by submitting them to the court as part of a consent order.

A court-approved agreement gives both people clarity and legal protection, which can be especially important if things change in the future. Our Spousal Maintenance Solicitors can help you prepare or review your agreement to make sure it is practical, fair, and properly recorded.

+ Can Spousal Maintenance Be Changed After It’s Been Agreed?

Yes, spousal maintenance can usually be changed if there has been a clear change in circumstances. This might include a job loss, retirement, a new relationship, or a significant increase or decrease in income.

In some cases, payments can be increased, reduced, or stopped altogether. If your original order includes a variation clause, either person can apply to the court to review it. Our Spousal Support Lawyers can assess whether a change is justified and help you take the right legal steps.

+ Will The Court Look At My New Partner’s Income?

If you start living with a new partner, the court may take their financial contribution into account when reviewing spousal maintenance. While your new partner’s income is not directly assessed, it could affect your living costs and overall financial position.

This can sometimes lead to maintenance being reduced or stopped. Our Spousal Support Lawyers can advise you on how cohabitation or remarriage may affect your entitlement or obligations under an existing agreement.

+ What If My Ex Is Hiding Income Or Not Being Honest About Their Finances?

If you believe your ex is hiding income, underreporting earnings, or being dishonest about their financial position, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. The court expects full and honest disclosure, and failing to provide accurate information can lead to serious consequences.

Our Spousal Maintenance Solicitors in Burnley can help you gather evidence, apply for financial disclosure, and present your concerns clearly to the court. We’ll work with you to make sure any agreement or order is based on the full financial picture.

+ What Happens If My Ex Stops Paying Spousal Maintenance?

If your ex stops paying maintenance without agreement or a court order to change it, they may be in breach of the order. You have the right to take legal action to recover missed payments, including applying to the court for enforcement.

It’s important to keep a clear record of what has been paid and when. Our Spousal Support Lawyers in Burnley can help you take the appropriate steps to protect your position and secure the support you are entitled to.