One of the most common questions we hear from separated parents is: “When exactly does child maintenance stop?” Many assume the answer is simple: when the child turns 18. In practice, South African law is more nuanced. Child maintenance does not automatically end at 18, and misunderstanding or ignoring this can have real financial and […]
Blended families are common in South Africa, and when those marriages break down, a pressing legal question emerges: do step-parent maintenance obligations survive the divorce? Historically, no, but recent High Court rulings suggest that a step-parent who has voluntarily assumed an in loco parentis (in the place of a parent) role may be legally obligated […]
Your divorce is finalised, and there’s a maintenance order in place – then your ex gets on a plane, and suddenly, maintenance payments stop. It’s a situation more South African parents are facing as families are increasingly split across borders. And it raises an urgent question: Does leaving South Africa mean you can avoid paying […]
Divorce is not just an emotional process, but also a financial undertaking. Many couples end their marriages unsure about what happens next. In South Africa, maintenance after divorce can take several forms and may involve supporting an ex-spouse, as well as ensuring that the couple’s children’s needs are met fairly. Child Maintenance: A Shared Responsibility […]
