Rich wives are increasing being told to go out and get a job rather than rely on maintenance from their ex-husband as judges lead what amounts to a clampdown on “meal ticket” divorces, according to lawyers.

Divorce lawyers say they have seen a marked increase in cases in which family courts agree maintenance only for a limited period rather than traditional indefinite settlements.

It follows the case last year of 51-year-old Tracey Wright, who was effectively told to get a job rather than expect to live off maintenance from her former husband Ian Malcolm Wright.

The former riding instructor chose not to work after the divorce in 2008 but Mr Wright successfully applied for the pay-out to be cut last year.

The judge in the case, Mr Justice Pitchford, remarked that divorcees with children over the age of seven should expect to work for a living.