Episode 62: Clean break vs maintenance - what's right for me? Artwork

Stowe talks

Stowe talks is a podcast series designed to support people going through a relationship breakdown and all the challenges this brings. When a family breaks down, it brings with it a huge range of emotional, practical and legal complications. Going through it is tough, but making some simple changes to how you approach it can help. Asking and seeking support from others is a great first step.And, this is where this podcast series can help, giving you access to expert advice from some of the best professionals around and some legal insight. In each episode, hosts Matthew Taylor and Liza Gatrell, family lawyers at Stowe Family Law, are joined by a special guest to explore the issues a relationship breakdown brings - from dealing with a toxic ex-partner, how to co-parent, the challenges of blended families, handling finances and more. Getting the right advice can help dial down the stress, calm your fears, and help you through the process and on with life from a position of renewed strength. This podcast series is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law.

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Episode 62: Clean break vs maintenance - what's right for me?

August 14, 2025 • Stowe talks • Season 7 • Episode 62

Sorting out your finances on divorce can be a confusing business. There’s a lot of jargon and it can be overwhelming when you’re first setting out. In this episode, Matt and Liza answer the question ‘what is a clean break’ and ‘what is maintenance’ in divorce, how to decide what’s going to be right in your unique situation and risks to be aware of.

00:45 What is a clean break order?

02:28 What are the different types of maintenance in a divorce settlement?

02:59 Exploring how child maintenance is calculated

03:48 Understanding when spousal maintenance can be claimed

09:02 Legitimate claims for spousal maintenance payments

10:05 How to get a clean break order

14:07 Unmarried partners and maintenance

15:01 What happens if you don’t get a clean break order?

Do I need a financial settlement? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/finance/do-i-need-a-financial-settlement/

What is a clean break order https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/finance/clean-break-orders/

My ex has a new partner. Can I cut my maintenance payments? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/stowe-support/my-ex-wife-has-a-new-partner-can-i-cut-my-maintenance-payments/

Should I get a clean break or opt for spousal maintenance after divorce? https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/family-law/finance/clean-break-or-spousal-maintenance/

If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

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🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe Support https://bit.ly/41heUWN

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If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one

🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.

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This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/