How Surrey Hills Family Lawyers Can Help with Spousal Maintenance

[Kate Felicity]

Spousal maintenance is an important consideration for individuals who are going through a divorce or separation. It refers to the financial support that one spouse may be required to provide to the other after the breakdown of their marriage. Surrey Hills Family Lawyers at Aston Legal Group specialize in assisting clients with spousal maintenance matters, offering expert guidance to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome for both parties.

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one partner to the other after a separation or divorce. In some cases, one spouse may not be able to support themselves adequately, particularly if they have been out of the workforce for an extended period, have dependents, or are facing health issues. In such situations, the court may order one spouse to pay maintenance to the other.

Spousal maintenance is separate from child support and is based on factors such as the financial needs of the spouse requesting support, the paying spouse’s ability to pay, and the standard of living enjoyed during the relationship. Surrey Hills Family Lawyers help clients understand their rights and responsibilities regarding spousal maintenance, ensuring that both parties are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.

Eligibility for Spousal Maintenance

Not everyone is entitled to spousal maintenance, and the eligibility depends on several factors. To qualify for spousal maintenance, the requesting spouse must demonstrate that they are unable to support themselves adequately. This may be due to factors such as:

Being unable to work due to health issues or caring for children.

Having limited financial resources or income.

Not having the necessary skills or education to gain employment.

Surrey Hills Family Lawyers can help clients determine if they are eligible for spousal maintenance and can assist in negotiating a fair and reasonable maintenance agreement. If the matter is contested, they provide expert representation in court to ensure that the client’s financial needs are met.

How Spousal Maintenance is Determined

The court will consider various factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal maintenance, including:

The financial needs of the spouse requesting maintenance: This includes their basic living expenses, including housing, food, and health costs.

The ability of the paying spouse to provide support: The court will assess the paying spouse’s financial capacity, including income, assets, and liabilities.

The standard of living during the marriage: The court may consider how the couple lived during the relationship and whether the requesting spouse should maintain a similar standard of living.

The length of the relationship: Longer relationships may lead to more significant spousal maintenance arrangements, especially if one party has sacrificed their career for the sake of the relationship.

Surrey Hills Family Lawyers work with clients to ensure that the court has all the necessary information to make a fair decision regarding spousal maintenance.

Dispute Resolution and Court Representation

While many spousal maintenance issues can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, Surrey Hills Family Lawyers are prepared to represent clients in court if necessary. They provide expert legal representation, ensuring that the client’s needs are fully presented to the court.

By working with a skilled family lawyer, clients can avoid the stress and uncertainty of going through the legal process alone and can achieve an outcome that meets their needs and expectations.

Protecting Your Financial Future

Surrey Hills Family Lawyers not only help with the immediate issue of spousal maintenance but also provide advice on how to secure long-term financial stability after separation. They offer guidance on budgeting, managing assets, and preparing for life after the divorce. Their expertise helps clients navigate the complexities of spousal maintenance, ensuring that their financial future is protected and that the divorce settlement is fair and just.