Spousal maintenance? Who can advise how much??

[CompassionFatigue]

So I am divorcing dh. There are dcs and a truly huge disparity in income. The consensus is that I probably ought to get some spousal maintenance as well as child maintenance - but solicitor said check with a finanacial adviser, the financial adviser said get some legal advice from a solicitor - so who will actually advise on a spousal maintenance sum?? I can't exactly negotiate with dh if I have no idea what would be reasonable to ask for!

Get a different solicitor?

It's a job for a solicitor. Not a financial adviser!

It is based on your reasonable needs, which are assessed with an eye on the standard of living of the family ( I've seen a budget for flower arrangements nodded through, but that's Russian Oligarch-style rich people).

Do your budget, do it thoroughly and well. Leave nothing out. Holidays, Xmas spending, repairing white goods, car depreciation, the works.

Deduct your other income, and the shortfall should give you an answer. Hence the importance of a good budget. If it isn't in the budget, it won't be catered for.

He of course will do his own budget to show he can't afford as much.

Don't rely on getting it for life, the Court expects you to achieve independence, and the judgements are getting more strident that way.

Goodness, that is ridiculous advice from your solicitor. I agree get rid of now.

You have a totally incompetent solicitor assuming you are in the U.K. Find a registered family law practitioner and you should get some better advice

Just as well I asked! I really didn't know who does what!! I will try another solicitor. Thanks.