Spousal maintenance refers to one partner financially supporting the other partner after a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership. It's designed to help the financially weaker party in adjusting to their new financial position after separation, especially if they were reliant on their partner. Both parties can mutually agree to one providing financial support to the other, or one party can apply to the court to seek spousal maintenance. For further information read Spousal maintenance.
Financial arrangements include assets as well as money. Consent and clean break orders are forms of financial arrangements whereby the separating couple decide how all the assets, including money and any property, are to be divided between the individuals. If the separating couple can't come to an agreement about spousal maintenance or a voluntary financial arrangement, then the court can impose a financial order which may include a lump sum, ongoing maintenance or ownership of property. For further information read Divorce and financial arrangements.