Hi there

I am Kayla from South Africa

My baby's dad and I have not been together since we found out I was pregnant, he is active in my sons life, and does get him every 2nd weekend for visitations and stay overs-as I have allowed him to do so.

I am still living with my parents at the moment but would like to get on my own feet and move out soon, what is the responsibility of the father towards my son in this decision. Would he need to pay rent as my son lives in 50% of my home? Or how would the maintenance need to be altered according to the situation.

Pleas assist me as soon as possible, as I like to have the legal facts available to confront the Father with, so he knows I'm not making it up.

Does he pay child support? I am not real certain how the laws are over there,but when the father pays child support it is to help the child (pay rent, buy food,clothes,etc) but he does not pay half your rent unless the money amount is great enough. The courts will set an amount depe.ding on your countries regulations for child support.

You should be filing for child support payments from him to help you live on your own. He doesn't pay for specific expenses, just a support payment that you use to help raise your child.

You apply for support through your local magistrate. From there it is up to the both of you to decide how much is a fair level of support. If you can't agree it continues on to a hearing where support is then decided for the both of you.

Ref:

Child Support Laws in South Africa | eHow.com