Free Tools
Maintenance Calculators
& Tools
Free child and spousal maintenance calculators, a downloadable Excel template, and a plain-English guide to Form J101 - everything South African parents need to work out a fair contribution. No sign-up required.
Child Maintenance Calculator
See each parent's proportional share of child expenses based on income, instantly.
Use the calculatorSpousal Maintenance Calculator
Work out the shortfall and capacity a South African court weighs under the Divorce Act.
Use the calculatorExcel Template
Download a free spreadsheet with live formulas that apply the SA apportionment method automatically.
Download freeForm J101 Guide
Everything you need to know about applying for a maintenance order at a South African maintenance court.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Are these maintenance calculators free to use?
Yes. Every tool on this page is free, requires no sign-up, and can be used as many times as you like. MMaintenance only charges once you build a full itemised schedule and want to export it as a formatted PDF or Excel file.
Which calculator should I use for child maintenance?
Start with the income split calculator for a quick percentage-based estimate. If you need a full, itemised breakdown across all expense categories - the kind you can attach to a court application - use the Excel template or build a schedule with MMaintenance directly.
Are the results from these tools legally binding?
No. These tools give you a fair, well-reasoned estimate, not a legal determination. A maintenance court, mediator, or attorney has the final say and can adjust the outcome based on each party's full circumstances.
What is the difference between child maintenance and spousal maintenance?
Child maintenance covers a child's expenses and is commonly worked out using a portions method (two portions per adult, one per child) split proportionally by income. Spousal maintenance is a separate, fully discretionary claim under the Divorce Act, based on one spouse's needs weighed against the other's means - there is no fixed formula.
Can I use these tools to prepare for a maintenance court application?
Yes. The Excel template and MMaintenance's schedule builder are both formatted to be attached to a maintenance application or handed to your attorney, and the Form J101 guide explains exactly what the maintenance court process requires.
Ready for the full schedule?
Build an itemised monthly schedule across 30+ expense categories, upload a bank statement to populate it automatically, and export a court-ready PDF or Excel file.
Free to create. R149 per schedule to export.
Get Started - It's Free