SCORPION ADVISES SOLOMON ON HIS MAINTENANCE ORDER

THE FACTS

Solomon Ramotlagae from Mabopane, Tshwane said he had a daughter with his ex-girlfriend and in 2017 she went to the Temba Magistrates Court to claim maintenance for the child. He said they have been to court more than 18 times but whenever they attend to the case it is always postponed for reasons he doesn’t understand. On a few occasions his ex-girlfriend didn’t show up in court.

The last time in court the case was postponed by a clerk without any court officials present. The clerk said the magistrate was on leave and she would phone them to set up another court date. Solomon said he is still waiting for the call. What should he do and what does the law say? 

WHAT I DID

I spoke to SCORPION PROTECTION LEGAL LAWYERS to help us by providing the reader with their professional legal advice.

SOLUTION

Every child has the right to reasonable maintenance to make provision for clothing, housing, dental and medical care, education and training, and, in some cases, recreational activities. It is both parents’ duty to care for their child to the best of their financial means and abilities.

If Solomon and his ex-girlfriend have agreed on a maintenance amount they can ask a maintenance officer at the same Magistrates Court to put into writing their agreement. This is known as a court order. Solomon must agree in writing to the maintenance order and a copy must be given to the maintenance officer.