Family Law · European Union
Fair Spousal Maintenance Starts With the Right Lawyer
After separation, questions about ongoing support can feel impossible to resolve alone — who pays, how much, and for how long all depend on rules that vary sharply from one country to the next. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted family lawyer who negotiates and defends spousal maintenance arrangements across Europe every day.
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Who this is for
Spousal maintenance touches anyone whose income changed after a marriage or civil partnership ended
Spousal maintenance is the financial support one partner may be required to pay the other after a marriage or registered partnership breaks down, either during separation or after divorce. It is distinct from child support: it exists to address a disparity in the spouses’ financial positions, not the needs of children. Whether you are the partner who gave up a career to raise a family, the higher earner facing a claim, or someone whose circumstances have changed since a maintenance order was made, the rules are far from uniform. The length of the marriage, each partner’s earning capacity, age, health and the standard of living enjoyed together can all weigh differently depending on where the case is heard. A lawyer who works with these factors in your specific country can explain what a realistic outcome looks like and protect your position from the outset.
Why maintenance disputes get stuck
Maintenance is rarely settled by a simple formula.
It is settled by how well each side argues the facts.
Every country weighs income, needs and the length of the relationship differently — and an early mistake can shape the final award for years.
Not knowing what is actually owed
Without a clear picture of how your country calculates maintenance, you may agree to far more than a court would order, or accept far less than you are entitled to — and once a settlement is signed, reopening it is usually difficult.
Changes in circumstances after the order
A lost job, a new relationship, a remarriage or a sharp change in income can make an existing maintenance order unfair. Varying or terminating it usually requires a formal application, not just a letter to your former partner.
Cross-border income and residence
If you or your former partner lives or earns in a different country, the question of which court decides and which law applies becomes genuinely complex — and getting it wrong can mean the claim is heard somewhere unfavourable.
What you get
A spousal maintenance lawyer who knows your country’s rules
We only match you with family lawyers who handle maintenance claims and variations regularly in the relevant jurisdiction.
Clear assessment of your position
Your lawyer reviews the length of the relationship, both partners’ incomes and earning capacity, and your country’s approach, then gives you an honest view of what maintenance could look like before you negotiate.
Negotiation and settlement
Most maintenance matters are resolved by agreement rather than in court. A lawyer negotiates the amount, duration and review terms so the outcome is fair and legally binding from the start.
Variation and enforcement
If an existing order no longer fits, your lawyer applies to vary or terminate it. If your former partner has stopped paying, they pursue enforcement through the proper channels.
Cross-border guidance
When two countries are involved, your lawyer clarifies which court has jurisdiction and which law applies, so the claim is not decided somewhere you had not anticipated.
Coverage
Spousal maintenance lawyers across Europe
Maintenance law is set nationally, and EU rules on which court decides cross-border claims add another layer. The right lawyer is one who practises in the country that will hear your case. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Spousal maintenance — common questions
What is the difference between spousal maintenance and child support?
Spousal maintenance is paid to a former partner to address differences in the spouses’ financial positions after a marriage or civil partnership ends. Child support is paid for the needs of children. The two are calculated separately and a court or agreement will usually treat them as distinct obligations.
How long does spousal maintenance last?
It depends on the country and the circumstances. Some jurisdictions award maintenance for a fixed period, some until a specified event such as remarriage or retirement, and some, rarely, indefinitely. The length of the marriage and each partner’s earning capacity are usually decisive factors.
Can spousal maintenance be changed after the divorce?
Yes, in most countries an existing order can be varied or terminated if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, cohabitation, remarriage or retirement. The change normally has to be pursued through a formal application rather than an informal agreement.
I never worked during the marriage — can I claim maintenance?
Potentially. A partner who gave up a career to care for children or support the family often has a strong claim, because their earning capacity was reduced during the relationship. The outcome depends on the length of the marriage, both partners’ situations and the rules of the relevant country.
What happens if my former partner lives in another country?
Cross-border maintenance is governed by specific rules that determine which court can hear the claim and which law applies, and international agreements can help with enforcement. A lawyer experienced in cross-border matters can identify the correct forum before you commit time and money.
Do I need a court order, or can we simply agree?
You can agree, but a private agreement that is not properly documented or approved can be difficult to enforce later. Many people formalise their agreement in a consent order or equivalent document so that both parties’ obligations are clear and legally binding.
Free case review
Get clarity on maintenance before you sign anything
Tell us about your situation and we’ll connect you with a family lawyer who handles spousal maintenance in the relevant country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.