💔 When “I Do” Becomes “You’re On Your Own”

Every year on 9 August, South Africa honours the women who marched for dignity, equality, and justice in 1956. But for many women today, the fight isn’t just political — it’s deeply personal.

When a marriage ends, some women lose more than love. They lose stability. They lose support. And without legal help, they could lose their future.

🧾 What is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) is financial support paid to a spouse after divorce to help them rebuild or maintain a basic standard of living.

Unlike child maintenance, it’s not automatic. The court can grant it — but only if it’s requested during divorce proceedings. If you don’t ask then, there’s no second chance.

That’s why it’s critical to understand your rights before signing anything.

⚖️ Who Qualifies For Spousal Maintenance?

The court considers:

💸Current income & earning potential of both spouses

👩‍🍼Who sacrificed financially during the marriage (e.g. staying home to raise kids)

🧓Age or health conditions that affect job prospects

💍Length of the marriage

🏡Standard of living during the marriage

👶Children still in care and the costs involved

The goal? To bridge the gap between what you can earn and what you need — without putting your ex under unreasonable financial pressure.

💼 The 4 Types of Spousal Maintenance

1. Token Maintenance
   A symbolic amount to keep the door open for future claims. Useful if needs may change due to illness, job loss, etc.
2. Interim Maintenance
   Temporary support during divorce proceedings — for rent, school fees, groceries — especially if your ex has cut off access to funds.
3. Rehabilitative Maintenance
   Support for a few years while you study, retrain, or look for work.

4. Permanent Maintenance
   Rare, but sometimes granted for older, chronically ill, or long-term dependent spouses.

    

🧠 How Is It Calculated?

There’s no magic formula. Each party submits a detailed monthly budget, showing:

• Rent, groceries, medical aid, school fees
• Transport, communication, household essentials
• Income now, and potential income in future

The court reviews both sides to strike a fair balance.

🧯Common Mistakes Women Make

❌ Believing maintenance is automatic
❌ Forgetting to include spousal maintenance in the divorce settlement
❌ Assuming you’ll “figure it out later”
❌ Not documenting financial dependency
❌ Letting guilt stop you from claiming what’s fair

📣 Legal&Tax’s Commitment to Women

We know that divorce is more than a legal matter. It’s emotional, complex, and can feel overwhelming.

At Legal&Tax, we walk beside you:

💬 With expert legal advice

📄 With help to calculate fair budgets

🛡️ With guidance on how and when to claim

👩‍⚖️ With full support during settlement discussions or court proceedings

🎗️ This Women’s Month: Protect Your Worth

Equality isn’t just a word. It’s about walking away from a marriage with dignity, stability, and a fair chance to rebuild.

💡 Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Let us help you protect what matters.

With Legal&Tax, you're not alone

Spousal maintenance can be your bridge to stability. Let us help you cross it.

💬 WhatsApp: +27 (71) 526 8527 (type "AI" to start chatting) or visit www.askmyailawyer.com
☎️ Call: 0860 587 587
✉️ Email: info@legalandtax.co.za