Brenda’s Story

When we had no option but to head for divorce, he was so deeply into his affair with the other woman that he promised me everything just to get the divorce through without complications. Thinking back I couldn’t understand why he was being so kind and considerate. On the table was an offer of a good monthly maintenance for each of the two children until they turned 18 years old. It was more than I expected and I think I was so surprised because during our marriage he had been fairly tight with his money. Now all I had to do was consent and sign.

Nick’s Story - Maintenance Stories

Nick's Maintenance Story

Nick's Story

My ex wife is a good Attorney – she’s good at her job and knows all the right people. She got the divorce she wanted, got the kids and got a sizeable chunk of my salary in maintenance. Although I sometimes found it difficult to make ends meet, I was happy that our children were financially protected so I didn’t complain.

What I didn’t take into consideration was the impact the annual increase would have on my salary over the years. Last year I was expected to pay an amount of R18 000.00 a month in maintenance and I just couldn’t cope with it. I had re married and my new wife’s nerves were suffering terribly through the strain of this high maintenance.