A Harare man has been discharged from paying child maintenance to his former partner after their son turned 18, following a ruling by the Harare Civil Court.
Magistrate Janemary Makonye ruled that the maintenance order was no longer necessary because the son had reached the age of 18 and was considered capable of supporting himself.
In his application, Wellington Washaya stressed that he was not seeking to sever ties with his son, but rather to help him transition into adulthood.
Washaya assured the court that he would continue supporting his son if he needed financial assistance to further his education or pursue other opportunities. He also said he would continue to guide his son in planning for his future.
“If my son wants any help with his education or other things, he should feel free to reach out to me directly so we can discuss and plan how he can build his future,” Washaya said.
His assurances came after his former partner, Rumbidzai Marowa, opposed the application, arguing that their son still needed financial support.
Marowa told the court that the teenager was unemployed and was preparing to rewrite several Ordinary Level subjects he had failed.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate Makonye ruled in Washaya’s favour and formally discharged the maintenance order.
More: The Herald
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