KIDS COME FIRST

ONE doesn't have to look far on social media to come across a post of a parent (usually a highly-frustrated mother) having a go at the father of her children for not paying papgeld.

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In a perfect world, this wouldn't be happening, as every parent, mother and father, would honour their duty when it comes to the wellbeing and legal maintenance of their children.

But we don't live in a perfect world. We live in a world where innocent children are exposed to, and made a part of, the anger, hate and public disagreements of their parents, often resulting in the nonpayment of child maintenance.

According to the Western Cape Government website, parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children.

As the primary caregiver of a child, you have the right to apply to a maintenance court for an official demand that the other parent contributes monthly to support the child.

Support can include necessities such as food, clothing, housing, and paying for school fees.

Apply

If the child is not living with the mother or the father, the child's caregiver can also apply for maintenance costs from the parents.

For example, the grandparents can apply for maintenance from the child's father and mother if the child is living with grandparents.

If a parent receives a court order instructing them to pay child support, it's a criminal offence not to pay.

Important steps to follow:

■You must first apply for a maintenance order at the Magistrates Court (also known as District Courts) in the district where you live.

■If you're unsure, your local court will give you advice and tell you at which court to apply for maintenance.