Strive to get former spouse time, with hesitation (5)
I believe the answer is:
exert
'strive' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'former spouse time with hesitation' is the wordplay.
'former spouse' becomes 'ex'.
'time' becomes 't'.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'hesitation' becomes 'er'.
't' put after 'er' is 'ert'.
'ex'+'ert'='EXERT'
'to get' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for exert that I've seen before include "Cause (oneself) to make a strenuous effort" , "Bring quality or influence into play" , "Exercise, wield" , "Work strenuously" , "Bring into operation" .)