Family Law3,876 views1 answerAsked 9 Apr 2026
How is child maintenance calculated?
My ex and I are separating. We have two kids (ages 5 and 8). How does the court decide how much maintenance he should pay?
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Fikile D.
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Justibly Editorial Team
9 Apr 2026
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Maintenance is calculated based on the actual costs of the children's needs proportioned between both parents according to their respective incomes. Courts use the pro rata contribution approach — if you earn R20k and he earns R30k, he contributes 60% of the children's total needs. Start by calculating actual monthly child costs, then get both income statements.
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