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Preparation PackFamily LawMedium
Maintenance Preparation Pack
Maintenance Preparation Pack for organising facts, dates, documents, and next steps before seeking family law help.
Time to prepare2-5 hours
Before you start
0/2 completedNeed help with this checklist?
Get support from a lawyer who works with family law matters.
Before submission
0/2 completedOn the day
0/2 completedAfterwards
0/2 completedWhen It Applies
You need to apply for, vary, enforce, or respond to maintenance.
You need a practical pack before maintenance court, mediation, or a family lawyer consultation.
Not For
- Urgent domestic violence, child-safety, relocation, or abduction matters without immediate specialist help.
Documents
- ID documents
- Birth certificates
- Existing maintenance order
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- Tax records
- School accounts
- Medical accounts
- Payment proof
- Arrears schedule
Timeline
- Before applying: collect income and expense proof.
- Before hearing: prepare arrears and disputed expenses.
- On the day: save references and next dates.
- Afterwards: track payments and compliance.
Tips
- Keep child costs separate from general household costs.
- Use one arrears schedule.
- Save proof of direct school or medical payments.
- Ask for help if the other parent cannot be traced.
Warning Signs
- Arrears are growing.
- A parent is avoiding service or hiding income.
- An order exists but payments are not made.
- The issue overlaps with domestic violence or urgent child needs.
Official sources
- Department of Justice maintenance FAQMaintenance application, enforcement, and maintenance court context.
- Department of Justice maintenance formsMaintenance court forms and document-preparation context.
- Maintenance Act 99 of 1998Maintenance order, enquiry, and enforcement legal context.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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