Family law / Magistrates' Court service
Child Maintenance in Botswana
Who may claim child maintenance and how the public court service says an application is submitted.
Scope of this page
The Administration of Justice publishes a short application process for child maintenance. This page stays within that public guidance.
Who may make a claim
- A person who has guardianship or custody of a minor child may claim child maintenance.
- The claimant does not have to be the child's parent, but must be able to show that the legally responsible person is not performing that duty.
The application described by the court
- A complaint form is obtained from the Clerk of Court and completed at a Magistrates' Court in the applicant's locality.
- Where there is no Magistrates' Court, the official page says forms are also available at District Commissioners' offices.
- The completed form must be commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths, such as a District Officer or police officer.
- A copy of the applicant's Omang is attached before the form is submitted to the Clerk of Court for registration.
Cost stated by the public service
- The Administration of Justice page states that obtaining this court service is free.
Verify the current process
Official source
Child Maintenance
Published by Administration of Justice. This source was checked on 2026-08-03.
This page provides general information drawn from the official source linked above. It is not advice about a particular matter. Court and government requirements can change; confirm the current process with the relevant office before acting.
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