How is child maintenance calculated in South Africa?

South African courts don't apply a fixed formula, but commonly divide child-related expenses in proportion to each parent's income - the parent who earns more pays a larger share. Courts also weigh each parent's needs, the child's standard of living, and other circumstances, so a maintenance officer or magistrate has final discretion.

What is the income proportional split method?

It's a common approach where you add both parents' net incomes together, work out each parent's percentage share of that combined income, then apply the same percentage to the child's total monthly expenses. For example, if Parent A earns 40% of the combined income, they contribute 40% of the child's expenses.

Is this calculator's result legally binding?

No. This tool gives you a fair starting estimate based on the income proportional method, not a legal determination. A maintenance court, mediator, or attorney can adjust the split based on each parent's full financial position and the child's needs.

What income should I use - gross or net?

Use net (take-home) monthly income after tax and standard deductions. This reflects what each parent actually has available to spend on the child's expenses, which is what maintenance calculations are typically based on.

Can I get a full, itemised maintenance schedule instead of just a split percentage?

Yes. MMaintenance's free schedule builder breaks down 30+ expense categories, applies the same proportional method automatically, and lets you export a court-ready PDF or Excel schedule.

Free Online Tool

Child Maintenance
Calculator

Use this free child maintenance calculator to work out the income proportional split South African courts commonly apply. Enter both parents' earnings and total child expenses to see each parent's fair contribution instantly. No sign-up required.

Parent A

Net monthly income

Take-home pay after tax and deductions

Parent B

Net monthly income

Take-home pay after tax and deductions

Parent A's monthly child expenses

What Parent A currently spends on the children

Parent B's monthly child expenses

What Parent B currently spends on the children

Total monthly child expenses R 0

Parent A: 50% Parent B: 50%

Proportional Share of Expenses

Parent A

R 0

per month

Parent B

R 0

per month

Combined Expenses R 0

Combined Income R 0

Expense Ratio 0%

Maintenance Owed

R 0

Enter incomes and expenses above

This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Courts may consider additional factors such as assets, new partners, and special needs. For a detailed, court-ready schedule, create a free account.

How It Works

Proportional Income Method

South African courts commonly divide child maintenance in proportion to each parent's income. The parent who earns more contributes a larger share of the child's expenses.

Add both incomes together

Parent A earns R 25,000 + Parent B earns R 40,000 = R 65,000 combined

Calculate each parent's percentage

Parent A: 25,000 ÷ 65,000 = 38.5% · Parent B: 40,000 ÷ 65,000 = 61.5%

Apply percentage to total child expenses

If total expenses are R 15,000: Parent A pays R 5,769 · Parent B pays R 9,231

This method is often used alongside the apportionment formula (2 portions per adult, 1 per child) to determine each parent's fair contribution to shared and direct child expenses.

FAQs