What is a deferred clean break order?

A deferred clean break order is a financial order in divorce that ends financial claims between ex-spouses, only after a certain event or time period. It is not an immediate clean break, but delays the severance of financial ties once a specific event or time occurs. At that time or event all financial ties are severed and neither party can make future claims against the other. Events that can trigger the clean break include:

A child reaching a certain age or finishing their education.

The sale of a property.

Upon the payer’s retirement.

Upon a party returning to work or completing education.

The completion of a specific period of time.

The purpose of a deferred clean break is to provide ongoing temporary financial support (like spousal maintenance) for a limited time, while still ensuring a clean break in the future.