Guide for South African parents

The maintenance application form (J101), and applying online

Reviewed by an admitted South African attorneyLast reviewed 1 October 20265 min read

The short answer

A new maintenance claim is made on Form A (J101). You can download it and fill it in at home, but sign it only in front of a commissioner of oaths, usually at the court. It is lodged in person at the maintenance court where you or the child lives. The Department of Justice lists a maintenance orders online service, but we could not confirm that it takes new applications, so plan to apply in person.

New claim: Form A (J101), application for a maintenance order
Change an existing order: Form B (J107)
Where: The maintenance court (magistrate’s court) where you or the child lives or works
Cost: Free. You don’t need an attorney
Online or email: Not confirmed for new applications. Apply in person

Which form

Form A (J101) is the application for a new maintenance order. It is also called a complaint under section 6(1)(a) of the Maintenance Act.
Form B (J107) is for changing an existing order. See changing a maintenance order.
Form K (J306) is for enforcing an order that isn’t being paid. See maintenance arrears.

All the maintenance forms are on the Department of Justice forms page. Form A is also available in Afrikaans.

Filling it in at home

Download Form A (J101) from the Department of Justice forms page. It is a 6-page PDF you can type into on screen, or print and fill in by hand.
Fill in your details, the child’s details, the other parent’s details, and the child’s monthly costs.
Don’t sign it yet. It is a sworn statement. You sign it in front of a commissioner of oaths, which the court can do for you.
If you get stuck, leave it. The maintenance clerk at the court will help you complete it.

Where to hand it in

Every district magistrate’s court is a maintenance court. Go to the one in the area where you or the child lives (or where you work). Phone first to check the days and times they take new applications.

Take your documents with you. See the maintenance court checklist. Missing documents won’t stop you applying: the court will register your case and give you a file number.

Who can apply

A parent who has the child in their care.
Another caregiver, such as a grandparent, if the child is in their care.
An adult child who cannot support themselves, for themselves. See maintenance after 18.

Can you apply online?

Not that we could confirm. The Department of Justice says its online services portal offers services for deceased estates, protection orders and maintenance orders, and its maintenance page links an online order submission system. We could not confirm that either one accepts a new maintenance application (Form A). We found no official email route either.

Some private websites make it look as if they file the J101 for you online. They are not the court. Your application only counts once the maintenance court has it and has given you a file number.

If this changes, the Department of Justice maintenance page will say so first. If you are unsure, phone your court or the Department’s call centre on 080 122 9017.

What happens next

The maintenance officer investigates and calls you both in. See how long the maintenance court takes and how to claim child maintenance.

Questions parents ask

Which form do I use to claim maintenance?

Form A (J101), the application for a maintenance order.

Can I fill in the J101 at home?

Yes. Download it from the Department of Justice forms page and fill it in, but sign it only in front of a commissioner of oaths, usually at the court.

Can I apply online or by email?

The Department of Justice lists maintenance online services, but we could not confirm that they take new applications. Hand Form A in at the maintenance court, and phone your court to ask.

Do I need an attorney?

No. Applying at the maintenance court is free, and the clerk will help you with the form.

Which court do I go to?

The maintenance court in the area where you or the child lives or works. Phone first.

Can a grandmother apply?

Yes, if the child is in her care.

General information, not legal advice. This guide explains South African law in general terms. It was reviewed by an admitted South African attorney on 1 October 2026, but the law and court practice change, and every case is different. For advice on your own situation, speak to an attorney or Legal Aid South Africa on 0800 110 110.