A 31-year-old woman’s bid to secure a hefty maintenance order from her estranged husband was rejected by the High Court in Johannesburg. She sought over R257,000 monthly, citing expenses like luxury car payments, high-end beauty treatments, and lavish entertainment.
The couple, married in 2012, separated in 2022 and have a 12-year-old son. The court was unimpressed by her claims, particularly given her own income from rental properties and her husband’s unclear sources of wealth. He denied owning multiple luxury cars and provided evidence of funds from trusts.
The judge noted his secrecy surrounding his wealth acquisition. The woman’s request was deemed excessive, and her attempt to maintain a life of luxury at her husband’s expense was denied.
The estranged husband countered his wife’s demands for a hefty maintenance order, stating that the funds she referenced were no longer available.
He currently resides in a R15 million Bryanston home, initially intended as their shared residence, but now a symbol of their failed marriage.
He disclosed a net salary of R123,924 and monthly expenses totaling R169,358, which includes child support and contributions towards his wife’s upkeep.
Acting Judge Sarita Liebenberg found both parties’ claims unconvincing, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to support their assertions.
The husband’s claims of reduced financial means and the wife’s extravagant expenditure demands were met with skepticism, leaving the judge unconvinced by their testimonies.
