A woman’s attempt to secure increased maintenance for herself and her two young children imploded after it emerged that she had overstated her financial hardship and failed to come clean about her true financial position, reports The Citizen.

The ruling relates to a legal battle between SJJ and her husband, MMJ, who married in October 2012 and separated in December 2023, with their divorce pending.

SJJ approached the Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg) seeking maintenance for herself and the couple’s two minor children, along with a contribution towards her legal costs.

MMJ opposed the application and filed a counterclaim seeking expanded contact and shared residency of the children, who currently live with their mother. 

Acting Judge Themba Khaba ruled that SJJ had failed to approach the court honestly and transparently regarding her finances.

‘The applicant exaggerated her expenses and understated the support that the respondent was providing to her and the children. This is dishonourable conduct which has no place in judicial proceedings,’ the judgment reads.

The court also rejected her request for a contribution towards legal costs, finding that she failed to establish a proper basis for the claim.

As a result, the court dismissed the application with costs.

However, the judge ordered that matters concerning the care, contact and residency of the minor children be referred to the Office of the Family Advocate for further investigation.

Full report in The Citizen