We live in unprecedented times in which the COVID-19 crisis has
led to economic instability, layoffs, pay cuts and loss of income
which has hit the lives of many in a fast and furious manner. On
the home front, families may struggle to make ends meet as a result
of the situation. Former spouses with obligations to pay
maintenance to their former spouse and children under Court orders
made previously in divorce proceedings may inevitably face
difficulties in meeting their maintenance obligations. Can
maintenance obligations be reduced in such circumstances?
This article will take a look at how the Courts have responded
when former spouses went to Court in a bid to reduce their
maintenance obligations after the SARS crisis in 2003.
