Interim Maintenance: Financial Support During Your Divorce
Going through a divorce can be stressful enough without worrying about how you’ll pay the bills. If your partner has always been the higher earner, or if they are refusing to support you while the divorce is ongoing, you may feel under huge financial pressure.
The good news is that the law provides a solution: interim maintenance, also known as maintenance pending suit.
What is Interim Maintenance?
Interim maintenance is a temporary financial support order made by the court to help one spouse cover their living expenses while divorce proceedings are underway.
It’s not a final settlement. Instead, it’s a “holding arrangement” designed to make sure the financially weaker spouse can manage essential outgoings — things like:
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utilities and household bills
• Food and day-to-day expenses
• Child-related costs
This support continues until your financial settlement is finalised.
Why is it Important?
Many people think they have to wait until the end of their divorce to receive financial help. In reality, interim maintenance can give you breathing space right away.
The main benefits include:
• Immediate support – You don’t have to wait months or years for your divorce to finish to get financial help.
• Security and stability – Ensures you can cover your living costs and avoid falling into debt during proceedings.
• Fairness – Prevents one spouse from using money as a weapon during divorce negotiations.
• Protecting your lifestyle – The court takes into account the standard of living during the marriage, not just “bare minimum” survival costs.
Why Apply Early?
Timing is crucial. The sooner you apply after starting divorce proceedings, the sooner the court can put an order in place. This avoids gaps where you are left without funds and under pressure.
Early applications also set the tone for negotiations: they show the court (and your spouse) that your financial needs must be taken seriously from the outset.
How We Can Help
At Parachute Law, our family law team specialises in helping clients secure interim maintenance quickly and effectively. We’ll work with you to:
• Assess your monthly needs and prepare a clear schedule of expenses
• Gather the information the court needs to support your application
• Make a strong case for early financial support so you can focus on moving forward with your life
Take the Next Step
If you’re worried about how to cover your living costs while your divorce is ongoing, interim maintenance may be the solution.
Contact our team today to find out how we can help you secure the financial support you need.
Contact Parachute Law Today
Call us on: 0207 183 4547
Email us at thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
For more information on divorce and financial settlments click on the links below:
Why More UK Couples Are Too Broke to Divorce – A Cost of Living Crisis
Supreme Court Clarifies Asset Division in Divorce – Standish v Standish (July 2025)
