60 vs 18

I have an agreement to pay spousal maintenance until I’m 60. My two children are both now over 18. I’ve a few friends who have agreements to pay until their children are 18. The question is therefore can I go back to court to argue that I should no longer pay spousal maintenance? Any advice much appreciated. BackgroundWe were divorced 9 years ago after 14 years of marriage. We have 2 children who are 20 and 18. I pay spousal maintenance and child maintenance. My ex didn’t work post having children and has worked sporadically since the divorce. I am 50.

You won't be able to argue that you shouldn't pay it based on the fact that your friends agreements were different.

If circumstances have changed you may be able to get a review or you may be able to capitalise your future payments and agree a lump sum instead.

Has anything changed that could justify a review?

Is it an agreement or an order?

Charles

Thanks for your reply. It's set out in an order. I guess I was asking if it is more normal for terms to be until the children reach 18 or whether a potential retirement age is more common. In terms of a potential change, I'd like to stop doing my current job at some point long before 60 (which has always been the plan). I have another family now too but I understand that the priorities of the first family come first.

Thanks for your reply. It's set out in an order. I guess I was asking if it is more normal for terms to be until the children reach 18 or whether a potential retirement age is more common? In terms of a potential change, I'd like to stop doing my current job at some point long before 60 (which has always been the plan). I have another family now too but I understand that the priorities of the first family come first.