Been told to expect to pay Spousal Maintenance?

I am hoping to get sm I would like to get it for at least 8 years that will take me to the age of 60. My husband doesnt want to give me any he earns a 6 figure sum annually. If I did 4 jobs and retrained I would never earn the amount he does. I stood by him all the years he''s worked away and now he says he can''t worry about me and how I will managed, nice of him after 22 years of marriage. We don''t have any children.

Is she definately asking for spousal maintenance on top of this proposed settlement then?

I find out on Friday when we have our first sit down with her and the solicitors (we are doing the collaborative law route). But my solicitor has told me to expect to pay in the region of £20k to make a Clean Break - but given that I will have substantially less than her each month I don''t see the justification as I don''t see the need?

Now I know that a lot of this is based on precedent but surely circumstances must be considered?

pgh wrote:

I find out on Friday when we have our first sit down with her and the solicitors (we are doing the collaborative law route). But my solicitor has told me to expect to pay in the region of £20k to make a clean break - but given that I will have substantially less than her each month I don''t see the justification as I don''t see the need?

Now I know that a lot of this is based on precedent but surely circumstances must be considered?

So the choices are give her a £20k greater share of the assets for no SM or pay £100pcm instead? At £100pcm it will take 16 years to pay £20k but will she apply for it to be increased in this time? You also need to think about how long you want to be tied to paying SM balanced against how badly you need £20k.

Thanks Wyspecial you make a very well considered point - better to take the immediate pain for loger term gain and peace of mind.