Think You Can Skip Maintenance? Think Again!

If you've ever found yourself on the receiving end of unpaid maintenance – or you know someone who is – there's good news: South African courts are taking a hard line against maintenance offenders. A 2024 Bloemfontein High Court judgment makes it crystal clear that skipping out on maintenance can lead to hefty fines and even jail time.

In this post, we'll break down the key details of the case, why the court ruled so harshly, and how you can enforce your rights if an ex-spouse owes you money.

The Case of Unpaid Maintenance

• Parties: Mr. E (Respondent) and Ms. E (Applicant) were previously married and had two minor daughters. Their divorce was finalised on 02 May 2017, incorporating a settlement agreement.