Support – Frequently Asked Questions on Child Maintenance

Support and Child Maintenance: We proud ourselves on our knowledge on family law matters in South Africa. This includes issues and questions surrounding child maintenance. Feel free to browse through the this or question and answers below. Should you not find the answer to a child maintenance question you are look for, feel free to post  your divorce question here.

Child Maintenance links

  1. How to Apply for Child Maintenance at Court – Step by Step Guide and Advice
  2. Child Maintenance Question. How much should I pay or contribute as a parent?
  3. Child Support or maintenance claims. Does an unemployed father pay?
  4. Non-compliance with Maintenance Orders — Civil and Criminal Remedies
  5. Tricks and tips on how to win your child maintenance case

How much is the average child support a parent must pay Cape Town?

There is no average. It all depends on the needs of the child and the income of the parents.

How much do you get for child support in Cape Town?

It depends on the income of the parents and the needs of the child.

How do you determine the amount of child support?

You look at the needs of the child, and the parent’s income and expenses.

What is the average amount for child support?

There is no average amount. It depends on the facts of the case.

How much child support will I get in Cape Town?

It all depends on your income and standard of living of you and the child.

Is South African an alimony state?

Yes, it is possible that a court makes and order that alimony be paid. It all depends on the

Can you ask for retroactive child support?

Yes it is possible.  Whether the court grants it would depends on the facts of the case.

How much is minimum wage in Cape Town?

This website does not deal with that question.

What percentage do they take out of your salary for child support?

If there is a garnishee order against your salary, they will take off what the court ordered.

How do you calculate child support in Town?

Have a look at other parts of this website for a detailed answer. The simple answer is that the Court looks at your income, assets etc, and that of the mother and the child and come to a fair amount.

Who is the obligor in child support?

The person who should pay child support.

Do I have to pay child support if I have 50 50 custody?

It is possible if the other parent earns less than you.

How much is child support for two children?

It depends on the facts of the case. You should look at the earnings of the parents and the needs of the child.  

How much do you have to pay in child support?

It depends on the needs of the child and the earnings or means of the parents.

What percentage of custody is every other weekend?

This question does not fall under child support. Please search for the answer on another part of this website.

How does child support work when parents live in different provinces?

The basic principle is the same. They should pay according to their means and the needs of the child.

When can you modify a child support order?

When there is a case for it. Usually when more money is needed or one parent cannot afford the order.

Do you have to pay child support after a child turns 18?

If the child is still in need of support, then the answer is yes.

How long will it take to get my child support?

This depends on the relevant court and case. It can take a few months.

How can I get my child support payments lowered?

You would need to apply to court for a variation of the child support order.

What is your monthly gross income?

The total sum you receive, before deductions. Can you get child support arrears dropped?

You would need to approach the court and prove your case. What is the definition of gross income?

The total income before deductions.

How do you find your gross income?

Your salary slip should have it.

How do I calculate my monthly salary?

Look at all you income for the month.

How do you calculate adjusted gross income?

Your salary slip should have that information in it.

How do you figure out your net income?

You take your gross income, and deduct medical aid, pension, tax etc.

How do you calculate monthly income when you get paid biweekly?

You add all your income for the month.

What is the net annual income?

The amount you earned for the year after deductions.

What is my gross annual income?

The total amount you got paid before deductions.

How do you work out your weekly pay?

Add all your income for the week.

What is the definition of net income?

The total income after deductions.

How do you determine your net pay?

You first deduct tax, medical aid, etc.

What is the definition of total income?

All your income.

Is total earned income gross or net?

Gross income.

Have a family Law appointment with us

We have an online appointments system which enables you to save valuable time and cut straight to the chase. There is therefore no need for you to visit our offices (unless it is best for you to do so, or is your most preferred option). You may set up telephonic or video consultations should you wish to do so. You can therefore stay in the office or on the couch in the comfort of your own home when dealing with us. We are therefore physical, online, set-up and ready to meet with you. Make your appointment online for a consultation today. If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like and share it on Social Media by clicking on the icons below. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.
Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

High Court Advocate Cape Town Western Cape

Or click here for the details of Cape Town Advocate, Muhammad Abduroaf or this advocate link to learn more. Visit our child custody and maintenance site for additional information.

Support – Frequently Asked Questions on Child Maintenance

Support and Child Maintenance: We proud ourselves on our knowledge on family law matters in South Africa. This includes issues and questions surrounding child maintenance. Feel free to browse through the this or question and answers below. Should you not find the answer to a child maintenance question you are look for, feel free to post  your divorce question here.

Child Maintenance links

  1. How to Apply for Child Maintenance at Court – Step by Step Guide and Advice
  2. Child Maintenance Question. How much should I pay or contribute as a parent?
  3. Child Support or maintenance claims. Does an unemployed father pay?
  4. Non-compliance with Maintenance Orders — Civil and Criminal Remedies
  5. Tricks and tips on how to win your child maintenance case

How much is the average child support a parent must pay Cape Town?

There is no average. It all depends on the needs of the child and the income of the parents.

How much do you get for child support in Cape Town?

It depends on the income of the parents and the needs of the child.

How do you determine the amount of child support?

You look at the needs of the child, and the parent’s income and expenses.

What is the average amount for child support?

There is no average amount. It depends on the facts of the case.

How much child support will I get in Cape Town?

It all depends on your income and standard of living of you and the child.

Is South African an alimony state?

Yes, it is possible that a court makes and order that alimony be paid. It all depends on the

Can you ask for retroactive child support?

Yes it is possible.  Whether the court grants it would depends on the facts of the case.

How much is minimum wage in Cape Town?

This website does not deal with that question.

What percentage do they take out of your salary for child support?

If there is a garnishee order against your salary, they will take off what the court ordered.

How do you calculate child support in Town?

Have a look at other parts of this website for a detailed answer. The simple answer is that the Court looks at your income, assets etc, and that of the mother and the child and come to a fair amount.

Who is the obligor in child support?

The person who should pay child support.

Do I have to pay child support if I have 50 50 custody?

It is possible if the other parent earns less than you.

How much is child support for two children?

It depends on the facts of the case. You should look at the earnings of the parents and the needs of the child.

 

How much do you have to pay in child support?

It depends on the needs of the child and the earnings or means of the parents.

What percentage of custody is every other weekend?

This question does not fall under child support. Please search for the answer on another part of this website.

How does child support work when parents live in different provinces?

The basic principle is the same. They should pay according to their means and the needs of the child.

When can you modify a child support order?

When there is a case for it. Usually when more money is needed or one parent cannot afford the order.

Do you have to pay child support after a child turns 18?

If the child is still in need of support, then the answer is yes.

How long will it take to get my child support?

This depends on the relevant court and case. It can take a few months.

How can I get my child support payments lowered?

You would need to apply to court for a variation of the child support order.

What is your monthly gross income?

The total sum you receive, before deductions.
Can you get child support arrears dropped?

You would need to approach the court and prove your case.
What is the definition of gross income?

The total income before deductions.

How do you find your gross income?

Your salary slip should have it.

How do I calculate my monthly salary?

Look at all you income for the month.

How do you calculate adjusted gross income?

Your salary slip should have that information in it.

How do you figure out your net income?

You take your gross income, and deduct medical aid, pension, tax etc.

How do you calculate monthly income when you get paid biweekly?

You add all your income for the month.

What is the net annual income?

The amount you earned for the year after deductions.

What is my gross annual income?

The total amount you got paid before deductions.

How do you work out your weekly pay?

Add all your income for the week.

What is the definition of net income?

The total income after deductions.

How do you determine your net pay?

You first deduct tax, medical aid, etc.

What is the definition of total income?

All your income.

Is total earned income gross or net?

Gross income.

Have a family Law appointment with us

We have an online appointments system which enables you to save valuable time and cut straight to the chase. There is therefore no need for you to visit our offices (unless it is best for you to do so, or is your most preferred option).
You may set up telephonic or video consultations should you wish to do so. You can therefore stay in the office or on the couch in the comfort of your own home when dealing with us. We are therefore physical, online, set-up and ready to meet with you. Make your appointment online for a consultation today.

If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like and share it on Social Media by clicking on the icons below. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.

Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

High Court Advocate Cape Town Western Cape

Or click here for the details of Cape Town Advocate, Muhammad Abduroaf or this advocate link to learn more.

Visit our child custody and maintenance site for additional information.

Related Post

Parental Rights of Divorced Muslim parents who were only married in terms of Muslim Rights (Updated)

When Muslim parents divorce, either via a Talak or Faskh, there remains the unresolved issue of their respective parental rights and responsibilities to their children. In other words, with whom should the child reside, and what type of visitation rights should the other parent have? Then there is the issue of child maintenance, parental guardianship consent and so on. Parents married in terms of South African civil law have the advantage of having the civil divorce court deal with the issue of access (contact) and custody (care). The civil divorce court is obliged to do this before pronouncing a final decree of divorce. This is however not the case of a Talak or Faskh. As you would see later, we suggest that Muslim divorced parents enter into a parenting plan.

Divorced Muslim Fathers’ parental rights

Muslim fathers, who were married in terms of Muslim Rites, have just as many rights as the mothers, to their children. This is so notwithstanding them having been married in terms of Islamic Rights only (and not civilly). From a South African Legal perspective, they are both co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights with regard to their minor children. What often happens is that one parent refuses the other reasonable contact to the child after the divorce. Or he or she may take the stance that he or she is the sole decider as to where and when the other parent may have contact with the children. This is not lawful and clearly not in the children’s best interests. The end result is, for example, the father takes the mother to the High Court, or the Children’s Court and the Judge or Magistrate confirms the father’s rights which he had all along. This can turn out to be very expensive, and draining on the children and parents alike. Attorneys and Advocates may be used and simple issues get battled out in the public domain. A more responsible approach needs to be followed which is suggested next.

What should Muslim parents do after they separated?

Should parents who were married in terms of Muslim Rites and have a child or children together, separate, it is suggested that they, as soon as possible, try to agree on a parenting plan and have it registered with the Office of the Family Advocate or have it made an Order of Court. This option became available since 1 April 2010 with the coming into effect of section 33 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. If a parent refuses to try to agree on a parenting plan, the Court needs to be approached if issues cannot be resolved. This situation is best to be avoided. The parenting plan would be a document which the parents themselves decided upon and not dictated to them by the Court. Of course, the parenting plan has to be in the child or children’s best interests. By parents following the parenting plan route, they would keep their personal issues out of the realm of the Court and concentrate on being the best parents they can be for their children. This is so, notwithstanding their relationship with each other has severed.

Drafting a Parenting Plan

A well-drafted parenting plan would provide for issues, starting from the date of its drafting, until the children are adults. Suppose the children are toddlers when the parents separated; the parenting plan would need to deal with issues that could arise when it comes to schooling, extramural activities and issues of consent for a passport and so on. As the child gets older, he or she may want to spend more time with the other parent. This needs to be dealt with in the parenting plan, if applicable. The parenting plan can also make reference to a parenting facilitator or coordinator to assist the parents in resolving disputes in the future.

Who can assist you with a parenting plan?

Social workers, psychologists and family mediators are well suited to assist parents with parenting plans. Other suitably qualified persons would be attorneys and advocates. If the person has the necessary training and experience to assist you, we advise that you make use of him or her to assist you in obtaining a parenting plan. We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well. Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links: Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws    

DIY Divorce in Cape Town, Western Cape

Complete the free online divorce form below to assist you with your unopposed divorce. View the following related pages:
Free DIY Online Divorce Guide and Form A divorce guide in PDF format A Sample Summons in Word format A Particulars of Claim in Word Format A notice of Set Down in Word Format

COMBINED SUMMONS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (WESTERN CAPE DIVISION, CAPE TOWN) Case no.: JOHN WILLIAMS (PLAINTIFF) (Identity Number: 0000000000000) And JANE WILLIAMS (DEFENDANT) (Identity Number: 1111111111111)   __________________________________ TO THE SHERIFF/HIS DEPUTY: INFORM JANE WILLIAMS an adult male/female, residing at 1 Apple Street, Apple Town, Western Cape Province (hereinafter referred to as the Defendant); that JOHN WILLIAMS an adult male/female, residing at 4 Green Street, Greenland, WESTERN CAPE, (hereinafter referred to as the Plaintiff), hereby institutes action against him/her in which action the Plaintiff claims the relief on the grounds set out in the particulars of claim annexed hereto; INFORM the Defendant further that if he / she disputes the claim and wishes to defend the action he/she shall:- (a) within 10 (TEN) days of the service upon him/her of this summons file with the Registrar of this Court at Keerom Street, Cape Town a notice of his/her intention to defend and serve a copy thereof on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys, which notice shall give an address referred to in rule 19(3) for the service upon the Defendant of all notices and pleadings in the action; (b) thereafter and within 20 (TWENTY) Court days after filing and serving the notice of intention to defend as aforesaid, file with the Registrar and serve upon the Plaintiff’s Attorneys a plea or exception with or without a claim in reconvention; INFORM the Defendant further that if he/she fails to file and serve notice as aforesaid judgment as claimed may be given against him/her without further notice to him/her or if, having filed and served such notice, he/she fails to plead, except, or to counterclaim, judgment may be given against him/her; INFORM the Defendant also that if he/she does not intend to defend the action, he/she may give written notice to that effect to the Plaintiff’s Attorneys and the Registrar and the action may then, at the written request of the Plaintiff’s Attorneys, be forthwith set down by the Registrar for hearing; And immediately thereafter serve on the Defendant a copy of this Summons and return the same to the Registrar with whatever you have done thereupon.     DATED AT CAPE TOWN THIS DAY OF 2017.   ……………………………………………………………… REGISTRAR OF THE HIGH COURT   ______________________   ______________________ Per: JOHN WILLIAMS (Plaintiff in Person) 4 Green Street, Greenland, WESTERN CAPE ______________________o0o____________________

Fee Online Divorce Form and Guide

If you want to attend to your own uncontested divorce, we can to help you at no charge. Fill in the form below, and then our system will send you an email with the details you provided, which you should include in the divorce documents. [ninja_form id=35]  

Have a family Law appointment with us

We have an online appointments system which enables you to save valuable time and cut straight to the chase. There is therefore no need for you to visit our offices (unless it is best for you to do so, or is your most preferred option). You may set up telephonic or video consultations should you wish to do so. You can therefore stay in the office or on the couch in the comfort of your own home when dealing with us. We are therefore physical, online, set-up and ready to meet with you. Make your appointment online for a consultation today. If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like

Do you require a video legal advice consultation?

Click here and schedule one today!