• A criminal offence if a person fails to comply with a maintenance order? Discussion of section 31
• Case law on sentencing of maintenance defaulters
• Is there any defense against a criminal charge for non-compliance with a court order?
• Explanation of the elements of an offence that the State needs to prove
• How will the State establish the element of a guilty mind of an accused by not paying maintenance?
• How do a lay a criminal charge if the respondent fails to pay maintenance / are in arrears with maintenance
• Discussion of section 305 of the Children’s Act
• Conversions of a criminal trail into a maintenance enquiry – when does this happen and why?
• General discussion on the criminalization of maintenance defaulters
• J165 and J50 warrants of arrest – detailed explanation

This section contains pre-reading material that you should read through at your leisure before the webinar.  The webinar handout you would find on the next tab – we suggest that you download and print the handout / webinar material before the start of the webinar as we will be referring to sections in the handout during the course of the webinar.

 

• Pre-reading material: Things you should know before you apply for child maintenance 
• Blank J101 application form  
• Bannatyne v Bannatyne and Another (CCT18/02) [2002] ZACC 31; 2003 (2) BCLR 111 ; 2003 (2) SA 363 (CC) (20 December 2002) 

This section contains the slideshow (if used), webinar handout and important resources that we will be referring back to during the webinar. Please download and print these before the start of the webinar or have them available electronically to enhance your learning experience.

 

• Maintenance Act, Act 99 of 1989

• Regulations Maintenance Act 99/1989

• Handout: How does criminal prosecutions work?

• Slides: How does criminal prosecutions work?

• J50 warrant of arrest to secure attendance of respondent in court

• J50 warrant of arrest application form

 

Prescribed maintenance forms:

• Form Q [J470] – Complaint of Failure to Comply with a Maintenance Order for purposes of Section 31(1) of the Maintenance Act, 1998 [Regulation 6] 
• FORM W- Blacklisting of maintenance defaulter

 

Relevant case law:

• Summary of reported decisions on criminal maintenance cases

• S v Magagula 2001(2) SACR 123(T) – failure to pay maintenance

• S v Visser 2004(1) SACR 393 (SCA)

 

Lunch and Learn is a social responsibility project overseen by Oppermans Inc, a family law practice with more than 24 years of experience. The weekly webinars are provided free of charge, aimed at creating awareness on child maintenance. This webinar was pre-recorded at the end of 2023, and the information contained therein was (and still is) correct at the time of recording—the Maintenance Act or Rules has not been amended or changed since. Discussions of relevant case law dealing with specific maintenance issues are found under the “free resource library” tab on the home page.

Affidavits referred to, or templates provided, are mere examples that could be used and should be customized to your specific matter. These documents, such as affidavits cannot be considered “outdated.” The additional speakers on some of these webinars were invited guest speakers who have participated out of their free will and have no affiliation or association with Lunch and Learn.

The details contained in these webinars are for educational and informative purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. You are strongly advised to consult with an experienced legal practitioner for advice on your specific maintenance matter.