In a recent court case, the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered that a man pay over R3 million in maintenance arrears to his ex-wife, even though it is now 29 years after their divorce.  The judgement, which was written by Acting Justice John Smith, upheld the terms of the 'Prescription Act', a legal principle in terms of which a debtor's liability to pay an outstanding debt is extinguished after the passing of prescribed periods.  In this week’s edition of the masterclass, we look at the work and functions of the maintenance court. Kamogelo Lekubu, Director: Office of The Chief Family Advocate.