This Practice Note provides guidance on drafting the terms of a Periodical Payments Order (also known as spousal maintenance), including the Financial remedy order issued as part of the standard orders project. It considers frequency, methods, and length of payment together with index linking. It also explains the court’s powers to make secured periodical payments orders, including what is an appropriate form of security and how to give effect to such an order.

Care should be taken when drafting the terms of a periodical payments order to ensure that it reflects either the agreement reached, whether it is to be set out in a Consent order or in the terms of an order made by the court. The Precedent: Standard order 2.1—financial remedy order, including periodical payments orders, has been issued by the President of the Family Division, the use of which is not obligatory but is strongly encouraged. For further guidance on the standard orders project generally, see Practice Note: Standard orders—general principles.

See also Practice Notes: General principles of consent orders and Drafting the terms of a financial