I’m searching for the top and best divorce attorney in Cape Town

If your marriage has broken down, divorce is something to consider. And if it is what is best for you, there is no need for it to be a daunting and stressful process. Generally, if both spouses are sensible and understand the law, the divorce should be resolved in a few months at most, even if there are minor children involved.

When is it necessary to hire a lawyer during a divorce?

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally charged process, and hiring a Trust Account Advocate or attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected. It is generally recommended to hire an attorney or Trust Account Advocate if you have significant assets, complicated financial situations, or minor children, or if your spouse has already hired a lawyer. Additionally, if you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement on important issues such as property division, child custody, or spousal support, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and advocate for your rights. Ultimately, the decision to hire an attorney or advocate during a divorce will depend on your unique circumstances and the complexity of your case.

How do I find a good divorce attorney or Trust Account Advocate?

There are several ways to find an attorney or Trust Account Advocate. You can search online for law firms or lawyers in your area, ask for recommendations from friends or family members, or contact the Legal Practice Council.

What do people fight over in divorces?

During divorce proceedings, people can fight over various things, such as property, assets, finances, child custody, and visitation rights. Having a good lawyer to assist you is very beneficial.

Finding the best divorce lawyer for your needs is crucial to ensuring a smooth and fair divorce process. Here are some steps to help you find the right divorce attorney:

  1. Determine Your Needs:
    • Assess your divorce situation. Is it amicable or contentious? Do you have complex financial assets or child custody issues? Knowing your needs will help you find an Advocate or attorney with the right expertise.
  2. Seek Recommendations:
    • Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have gone through divorce for recommendations. Personal referrals can be valuable.
  3. Research Online:
    • Look for divorce lawyers in your area through online directories, legal websites, the Legal Practice Council, and law societies.  Read reviews and check ratings.
  4. Interview Multiple Attorneys:
    • Schedule initial consultations with a few trusattorneys to discuss your case. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations. Prepare questions to ask them, such as:
      • What is your experience with divorce cases similar to mine?
      • What is your approach to handling divorce cases?
      • How do you charge for your services (hourly rate, flat fee, retainer)?
      • Do you have references or past clients I can contact?
      • What is your availability for meetings and communication?
  5. Assess Communication:
    • Pay attention to how well the trust account advocate or attorney communicates with you during the initial consultation. You want someone who listens, understands your concerns, and can explain legal concepts clearly.
  6. Check for Compatibility:
    • Choose an attorney or account advocate you feel comfortable working with. Trust and a good working relationship are essential in divorce cases.
  7. Evaluate Experience and Specialization:
    • Look for a lawyer or account advocate with extensive experience in divorce and family law. Specialization in divorce cases ensures they have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and procedures.
  8. Consider Cost:
    • Discuss fees and payment options upfront. Make sure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services and if there are any hidden costs.
  9. Review Client Testimonials and Case History:
    • Ask for references or access to client testimonials and case results. This can give you an idea of the attorney’s track record.
  10. Verify Credentials:
    • Ensure the attorney or account advocate is licensed to practice law in South Africa and a Legal Practice Council member.
  11. Trust Your Instincts:
    • Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when selecting a divorce lawyer. Choose someone who makes you feel confident and supported during this challenging time.
Remember that finding the right divorce attorney may take time and effort. Still, it’s essential to have a skilled professional who can protect your rights and interests throughout the divorce process.
Winning a divorce case is not necessarily about one party triumphing over the other; rather, it’s about achieving a fair and equitable resolution that meets your needs and the best interests of any children involved. Divorce cases often involve a range of issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Here are some steps and considerations to help you navigate your divorce case effectively:
  1. Consult with an Attorney or Trust account advocate:
    • Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is essential. They can provide legal advice, represent your interests, and guide you through the legal process.
  2. Understand Your Rights and Obligations:
    • Educate yourself about divorce laws in your jurisdiction. Know your rights and responsibilities regarding property, support, and custody matters.
  3. Gather Financial Documents:
    • Collect all relevant financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and information about assets and debts. This will help in the property division process.
  4. Establish Your Priorities:
    • Determine your priorities and goals for the divorce settlement. Understand what matters most to you, whether it’s retaining certain assets, securing custody of your children, or achieving financial stability.
  5. Open Lines of Communication:
    • Try to maintain open and civil communication with your spouse. In some cases, negotiation and reaching an agreement outside of court (mediation or collaborative divorce) can be less stressful and costly.
  6. Child Custody and Support:
    • If children are involved, focus on their well-being. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the children when determining custody and support arrangements.
  7. Be Honest and Transparent:
    • Be honest and forthcoming with your attorney. Transparency is crucial in building a strong legal strategy.
  8. Consider Settlement Options:
    • Explore settlement options like mediation or collaborative divorce. These processes can be less adversarial and allow both parties to have more control over the outcome.
  9. Prepare for Court:
    • If a settlement cannot be reached, be prepared for litigation. Your attorney will help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and present your arguments effectively in court.
  10. Stay Calm and Manage Emotions:
    • Divorce can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to maintain emotional stability and not let anger or resentment drive your decisions.
  11. Follow Court Orders and Agreements:
    • Once a divorce decree is issued or an agreement is reached, adhere to the terms and obligations outlined in the court order or settlement.
  12. Seek Support:
    • Consider seeking emotional support through therapy or counseling. Divorce can be emotionally taxing, and professional help can provide guidance and coping strategies.
Remember that “winning” a divorce case does not always mean getting everything you want. It often means achieving a fair and reasonable resolution that allows both parties to move forward with their lives. Your attorney can help you understand what is achievable in your specific circumstances and work toward the best possible outcome.
Posted on by Telelaw

I’m searching for the top and best divorce attorney in Cape Town

If your marriage has broken down, divorce is something to consider. And if it is what is best for you, there is no need for it to be a daunting and stressful process. Generally, if both spouses are sensible and understand the law, the divorce should be resolved in a few months at most, even if there are minor children involved.

When is it necessary to hire a lawyer during a divorce?

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally charged process, and hiring a Trust Account Advocate or attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected. It is generally recommended to hire an attorney or Trust Account Advocate if you have significant assets, complicated financial situations, or minor children, or if your spouse has already hired a lawyer. Additionally, if you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement on important issues such as property division, child custody, or spousal support, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and advocate for your rights. Ultimately, the decision to hire an attorney or advocate during a divorce will depend on your unique circumstances and the complexity of your case.

How do I find a good divorce attorney or Trust Account Advocate?

There are several ways to find an attorney or Trust Account Advocate. You can search online for law firms or lawyers in your area, ask for recommendations from friends or family members, or contact the Legal Practice Council.

What do people fight over in divorces?

During divorce proceedings, people can fight over various things, such as property, assets, finances, child custody, and visitation rights. Having a good lawyer to assist you is very beneficial.

Finding the best divorce lawyer for your needs is crucial to ensuring a smooth and fair divorce process. Here are some steps to help you find the right divorce attorney:

  1. Determine Your Needs:
    • Assess your divorce situation. Is it amicable or contentious? Do you have complex financial assets or child custody issues? Knowing your needs will help you find an Advocate or attorney with the right expertise.
  2. Seek Recommendations:
    • Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have gone through divorce for recommendations. Personal referrals can be valuable.
  3. Research Online:
    • Look for divorce lawyers in your area through online directories, legal websites, the Legal Practice Council, and law societies.  Read reviews and check ratings.
  4. Interview Multiple Attorneys:
    • Schedule initial consultations with a few trusattorneys to discuss your case. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations. Prepare questions to ask them, such as:
      • What is your experience with divorce cases similar to mine?
      • What is your approach to handling divorce cases?
      • How do you charge for your services (hourly rate, flat fee, retainer)?
      • Do you have references or past clients I can contact?
      • What is your availability for meetings and communication?
  5. Assess Communication:
    • Pay attention to how well the trust account advocate or attorney communicates with you during the initial consultation. You want someone who listens, understands your concerns, and can explain legal concepts clearly.
  6. Check for Compatibility:
    • Choose an attorney or account advocate you feel comfortable working with. Trust and a good working relationship are essential in divorce cases.
  7. Evaluate Experience and Specialization:
    • Look for a lawyer or account advocate with extensive experience in divorce and family law. Specialization in divorce cases ensures they have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and procedures.
  8. Consider Cost:
    • Discuss fees and payment options upfront. Make sure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services and if there are any hidden costs.
  9. Review Client Testimonials and Case History:
    • Ask for references or access to client testimonials and case results. This can give you an idea of the attorney’s track record.
  10. Verify Credentials:
    • Ensure the attorney or account advocate is licensed to practice law in South Africa and a Legal Practice Council member.
  11. Trust Your Instincts:
    • Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when selecting a divorce lawyer. Choose someone who makes you feel confident and supported during this challenging time.

Remember that finding the right divorce attorney may take time and effort. Still, it’s essential to have a skilled professional who can protect your rights and interests throughout the divorce process.

Winning a divorce case is not necessarily about one party triumphing over the other; rather, it’s about achieving a fair and equitable resolution that meets your needs and the best interests of any children involved. Divorce cases often involve a range of issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Here are some steps and considerations to help you navigate your divorce case effectively:

  1. Consult with an Attorney or Trust account advocate:
    • Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is essential. They can provide legal advice, represent your interests, and guide you through the legal process.
  2. Understand Your Rights and Obligations:
    • Educate yourself about divorce laws in your jurisdiction. Know your rights and responsibilities regarding property, support, and custody matters.
  3. Gather Financial Documents:
    • Collect all relevant financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and information about assets and debts. This will help in the property division process.
  4. Establish Your Priorities:
    • Determine your priorities and goals for the divorce settlement. Understand what matters most to you, whether it’s retaining certain assets, securing custody of your children, or achieving financial stability.
  5. Open Lines of Communication:
    • Try to maintain open and civil communication with your spouse. In some cases, negotiation and reaching an agreement outside of court (mediation or collaborative divorce) can be less stressful and costly.
  6. Child Custody and Support:
    • If children are involved, focus on their well-being. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the children when determining custody and support arrangements.
  7. Be Honest and Transparent:
    • Be honest and forthcoming with your attorney. Transparency is crucial in building a strong legal strategy.
  8. Consider Settlement Options:
    • Explore settlement options like mediation or collaborative divorce. These processes can be less adversarial and allow both parties to have more control over the outcome.
  9. Prepare for Court:
    • If a settlement cannot be reached, be prepared for litigation. Your attorney will help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and present your arguments effectively in court.
  10. Stay Calm and Manage Emotions:
    • Divorce can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to maintain emotional stability and not let anger or resentment drive your decisions.
  11. Follow Court Orders and Agreements:
    • Once a divorce decree is issued or an agreement is reached, adhere to the terms and obligations outlined in the court order or settlement.
  12. Seek Support:
    • Consider seeking emotional support through therapy or counseling. Divorce can be emotionally taxing, and professional help can provide guidance and coping strategies.

Remember that “winning” a divorce case does not always mean getting everything you want. It often means achieving a fair and reasonable resolution that allows both parties to move forward with their lives. Your attorney can help you understand what is achievable in your specific circumstances and work toward the best possible outcome.

Related Post

Claiming Child Maintenance from Grandparents – What does the law say?

Many people are of the view that child maintenance may only be claimed by the parents of a child. They have that view even in the case where the parents cannot afford to maintain the child, but the grandparents can. At the outset, we state that the latter view is incorrect. If parents cannot afford to maintain a child, a claim for maintenance may be made against both the paternal and maternal grandparents of the child involved. This applies whether or not the child was born in or out of wedlock. Prior to 2004, or before the case of Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others 2004 (2) SA 56 (C), the law allowed parents to claim maintenance for their minor children from maternal and paternal grandparents, as long as the child was born within wedlock, or out of a marriage. If the child was born out of wedlock, then in such a case, the parent could only claim from the maternal grandparents. And not the paternal grandparents. This was clearly unfair and unconstitutional and something that many people would have issues with. In 2004, Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf had a client who wanted to claim maintenance from the maternal grandparents of her minor child, but the law did not allow for it. He and his client was not happy with the legal position and took the matter to the Western Cape High Court (the Provisional Division of the Cape). Adv. Abduroaf cited the Maintenance Office of Simon’s Town Maintenance Court and the paternal grandparents. The matter was argued, and the Court found in favour of Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf and his client. The case opened many doors for mothers in similar positions. Below we discuss the case. Due to Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf’s academic background in Constitutional law and willingness to fight for his client, he challenged the legal position.

Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others

2004 (2) SA 56 (C)

The well-known case of Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others 2004 (2) SA 56 (C) was a special one. Not because Adv. Abduroaf and his client were successful, but the effect of the case meant that children who could never claim maintenance from paternal grandparents if they were born out of wedlock could do so due to the case. The case also brought about widespread attention to the fact that a parent can claim maintenance from grandparents when the parents cannot afford to support the child on their own.

The following is extracted from the case of Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others 2004 (2) SA 56 (C) :

[6] The Motan decision is generally accepted as authority for the assertion that the paternal grandparents of an extramarital child do not owe a duty of support to the child. The interpretation of the common law in Motan and the resultant denial of a duty of support by the paternal grandparents of an E extra-marital child has, even prior to the present constitutional dispensation, been widely criticised by South African writers. Van den Heever Breach of Promise and Seduction in South African Law (1954) at 70 says the following: ‘It is submitted that the decision is so patently wrong that it should be reconsidered; for it is based on legislative considerations and methods, which are, moreover, unsound. It is contrary to public policy and humanity and should, if necessary, be rectified by the Legislature.’

This is what Adv. Abduroaf argued:

[7] Mr Abduroaf, who appears for the applicant, submitted that the common-law rule as interpreted in Motan, violates the extra-marital child’s constitutional rights to equality and dignity enshrined in ss 9 and 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 (the Constitution) and is contrary to the best interest of the child (see s 28(2) of the Constitution). He accordingly submits that the common-law rule is unreasonable and unjustifiable and should be declared unconstitutional and invalid.

Adv. Abduroaf further submitted:

[14] Mr Abduroaf submitted that the constitutional values embodied in ss 9, 10 and 28(2) of the Constitution, dictate that the common-law rule as enunciated in Motan, be developed by imposing a duty of support upon the paternal grandparents of an extra-marital child in the event of the natural parents of such child being unable to support the child. The said sections of the Constitution provide: ‘9 (1) Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. (2) Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken. (3) The State may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth. (4) No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of ss (3). National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. (5) Discrimination on one or more of the grounds listed in ss (3) is unfair unless it is established that the discrimination is fair. 10 Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.   . . . 28 (2) A child’s best interest is of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.’  

The Ruling in Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others 2004 (2) SA 56 (C)

At the end of the matter, the Court made the following ruling: [29] In the result I make the following order:
  1. It is declared that the second and third respondents have a legal duty to support the extra-marital child of the applicant, J, born on 7 January 2003, to the same extent to which the fourth and fifth respondents are liable to maintain the said child.
  2. The first respondent is directed to take the necessary steps for an enquiry to be held in terms of s 10 of the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998, with a view to enquiring into the provision of maintenance by the second and third respondents for the said extra-marital child of the applicant.
  3. No order as to costs is made.
Petersen v Maintenance Officer, Simon’s Town Maintenance Court, and Others 2004 (2) SA 56 (C) [caption id="attachment_10745" align="alignnone" width="300"]Best Attorneys, Advocates, lawyers to assist you in your Court Custody matter. When is the best time to get them involved in your case? Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf[/caption]

Posted on by Telelaw

Best Attorneys, Advocates, and lawyers to assist you in your Court Custody matter. When is the best time to get them involved in your case?

When dealing with a family law matter, it is essential that you obtain the best legal advice possible. And in this regard, the best attorney, lawyer, or advocate for you. Not necessarily the most expensive or experienced. This is so as we are dealing with your children, that require the best care and protection. Child custody, child guardianship, visitation and care are all interrelated. However, they all have one underlying principle: the child’s best interests. If parents cannot agree on what is in the child’s best interest, Attorneys, Advocates, lawyers, and the Court may get involved. Your legal representative needs to be on the same page as you.

What do child custody, child guardianship, visitation and care relate to?

The terms child custody, child guardianship, visitation and care relate to a child’s life in relation to a parent, caregiver or interested party. However, if you are a caregiver, your conduct would directly affect various aspects of the minor child’s life. These include daily care, education, medical treatment, and overseas visits. This article attempts to address how the law expects parents to exercise their parental responsibilities and rights concerning their minor children and what they should do if there are issues. If you have a legal problem relating to child custody, child guardianship, visitation, and care, it may be best to consult with a lawyer, attorney, or advocate.

The law focuses on what is best for the child.

Often parents would fight over what parental responsibilities and rights they wish to exercise concerning a child. That would be the conduct of separated parents, divorced parents or parents who share no history but for having a child together. What often happens is that parents focus on what is best for them and not what is best for the child involved. That is unfortunate as they navigate parental responsibilities and rights with the wrong tools. As stated, they need to focus on what is in the child’s best interests. That is so, as the court that makes the final decision follows the best interests of the child principle.

Examples of when a child’s view may be disregarded

It may, however, happen that what is best for the parent may also be best for the child. However, that would not always be the case. It would, however, be the case by chance. For example, a parent may want to have primary care of the minor child because it means they would not have to travel far to see the child. It would be convenient for the parent. But luckily for the parent, the child’s school is close to that parent’s home. Therefore, it would be in the minor child’s best interests to be cared for by that parent. In this scenario, should a court have to adjudicate over this matter, its reasons for allowing the latter parent to care for the minor child primarily is based on what is best for the child (the location of the school) and not what is best for the parent (less travel). However, the outcome would be different if the school was central to both parents’ homes in the same example. The other parent may argue that they may have more time to care for the minor child and assist in homework, extramural activities, etc. In that case, that parent would have a better chance of obtaining primary care.

What about what the child has to say?

In our law, we are expected to consider what the child has to say about a situation or decision involving them. Here we are referring to a child custody matter. This principle does not apply to all children, and it would depend on the age and maturity of the child involved. For example, a child who is 14 years old would be mature enough to provide input. However, we cannot place too much weight on the wants of a three-year-old child who is not even school-going. However, the three-year-old child’s familiarity with the parent and fondness would play a role. Having said the above, it is essential to note that the law does not blindly follow what the child wants, which would be absurd. What is expected is for one to listen to the child, see their reasons, and consider that in relation to the facts of the matter. This includes what the parents have to say. For example, if the child says they want to live with the father because each second weekend, they go to KFC, and the beach and have fun, and at Mom, it is always homework, a healthy diet, and chores, the child’s reasoning is not sound. One would also need to consider whether a parent can care for a child. It would be senseless to place a child in the care of a parent who is rich, works seven days a week and has a handful of nannies to care for the child, despite the other parent working from home and having a lot of time for the child.

When do I fight for parental responsibilities and rights over my minor child?

If in an unfortunate situation where the parents cannot agree on caring for the child, then it is advised they receive professional help. That may not be seeking legal advice from the word go, and it may be meeting with a social worker or a mediator first. If things are getting out of hand, it may be best to consider seeing an attorney, advocate, or lawyer to assist you in your matter.

What Court would be approached in a Child Custody dispute?

There are three possibilities for the Court you may approach in a Child Custody dispute. They are the divorce court in a divorce matter, the Children’s Court, and the High Court. The divorce court will be the appropriate forum if there is a pending divorce. But not always. If you wish to represent yourself, then the Children’s Court is your best option. If you can afford legal representation, your attorney, lawyer, or advocate will advise you whether to approach the High Court.

Best advice on the way forward when it comes to attorneys, advocates, and lawyers

The best advice we have when it comes to attorneys, advocates, and lawyers in child custody matters is that you make use of the one you can work with. It is not ideal to use the most experienced attorney or advocate when he or she is swamped and has no time for your case. [caption id="attachment_10745" align="alignnone" width="300"]Best Attorneys, Advocates, lawyers to assist you in your Court Custody matter. When is the best time to get them involved in your case? Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf – Trust Account Advocate[/caption]

Posted on by Telelaw

Top tips and tricks from a Senior Family Law Advocate on claiming maintenance for a five-year-old child in Virginia.

Child Maintenance is the right of the child, and not that of the parent. It is also not a privilege granted to parents who must pay it. It is their duty to pay child maintenance and support their children. Once the child is self-supporting (being able to care for him or herself), the obligation falls away. This can happen when the child is 18, 20, or even 30. It all depends on the circumstances of the case.

Claiming child maintenance for your child in Virginia

Whether you claim child maintenance in Virginia, or any other city in South Africa, the procedures would be the same. There are however two (2) courts that can deal with child maintenance matters. That is a divorce court, in a divorce matter, and a Child Maintenance Court. For this article, we will focus on claiming maintenance in a Maintenance Court matter in Virginia.

The maintenance scenario – Virginia South Africa

In this article, we will deal with the following fictitious scenario, in a child maintenance matter:

  1. The Child is seven years old and attends school in Virginia
  2. The child is cared for by the mother who works in Virginia
  3. The mother works and earns a Salary of R 10 000
  4. The father sees the child every second weekend. He also lives and works in Virginia
  5. The child’s monthly expenses are R 6000 – 00 which includes food, clothing, accommodation, education, travel etc.
  6. The father earns a reasonable salary and can afford the R 20 000 – 00 per month
  7. The mother claims R 4 000 – 00 maintenance as the father earns double her salary

What is the first step the mother must take in claiming child maintenance?

The first thing the mother must do is work out exactly what the child costs by item. She breaks down the minor child’s living expenses, starting from rent or accommodation to groceries to school fees etc. Once she has done that, she would need to determine what exactly does the minor child cost per month, seeing that she will be asking the father to contribute towards that. As best as possible, she needs to collect proof of expenses. This can be in the form of receipts.

How does she start the legal process?

The mother now needs to approach the maintenance court in the area where she lives or works to lodge a complaint for child maintenance. If she lives or works in Virginia, it would be the maintenance court in Virginia. She will complete a Form A wherein she will provide all the expenses for her and the minor child. She would also have to stipulate her income. Once she completed the form and submitted it to the maintenance court, she must then follow the next step.

What do you do while waiting for the maintenance court date?

While you wait to be informed of the court date by the Maintenance Court of Virginia, and up until the actual first court date, you need to ensure that you keep a record of all income and expenses for you and the child. This is very important as the court allocates maintenance based on recent income and expenses.

What happens at the first court appearance at the Virginia Maintenance Court?

Once you have been notified of the maintenance court date by the Virginia Maintenance Court, you need to ensure that you attend it. On that day, both you and the father of the child would appear before a maintenance officer. The maintenance officer would go through both your income and expenses as well as that of the father. If all the relevant information is not before the maintenance court, then the matter may be postponed in order for the parties to submit it.

The maintenance officer will try to settle the matter and have the parents come to an agreement regarding the amount of child maintenance to be paid. If they cannot come to an agreement regarding the child maintenance to be paid, the matter would have to proceed to a formal hearing or trial before a Magistrate.

How does the Maintenance Court hearing or trial work in Virginia?

Essentially, the maintenance court is called upon to make a fair ruling regarding what is a fair amount of child support that needs to be paid. For that to happen, the parents would have to give evidence in that regard. The mother would present to the court what the child costs, what she contributes and what she requires the other parent to pay. The Father would have a right to question the mother and to present evidence as to why he cannot afford the amount requested or why he feels it is an unfair amount. The mother can they also question him.

At the end of the day, the Virginia Maintenance Court would be able to properly determine what is a fair and adequate amount of child maintenance to pay after being presented will all relevant information. The Virginia Maintenance Court should play an active role in determining what is a fair amount of child maintenance the father should pay.

The above child maintenance application principles should apply to the following provinces and cities:

Eastern Cape:

Alice, Butterworth, East London, Graaff-Reinet, Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Mthatha

Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Uitenhage, Zwelitsha

Free State:

Bethlehem. Bloemfontein, Jagersfontein, Kroonstad, Odendaalsrus, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Sasolburg, Virginia, Welkom

Gauteng:

Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Carletonville, Germiston, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, Pretoria, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging

KwaZulu-Natal:

Durban, Empangeni, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Ulundi, Umlazi

Limpopo:

Giyani, Lebowakgomo, Musina, Phalaborwa, Polokwane, Seshego, Sibasa, Thabazimbi

Mpumalanga:

Emalahleni, Nelspruit, Secunda, North West, Klerksdorp, Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Northern Cape, Kimberley, Kuruman, Port Nolloth

Western Cape:

Bellville, Virginia, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester

 

 

 

Posted on by Telelaw

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