I require reasonable contact with my minor child. I want to approach the High Court. Please provide an example of an Application.

If you are seeking contact with your child, you may approach the High Court for assistance, the process can vary slightly depending on the High Court or province. However, the general principles remain the same. Here are general steps that you may consider taking, but keep in mind that it’s important to consult with a family law attorney or advocate in your specific location to get accurate and tailored advice:

Consult with an Attorney or Advocate:
- Before taking any legal action, it’s advisable to consult with a family law attorney or Advocate. They can provide guidance on the specific laws and help you understand your rights and options.
Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- In some jurisdictions, before going to court, parties may be required to attempt mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods to reach an agreement outside of court. This can be a less adversarial and more cooperative approach.
File an Application:
- If informal negotiations or mediation do not lead to an agreement, you may need to file a formal application with the High Court. This document will outline your request for access or visitation rights.
Serve Legal Documents:
- After filing the Application, you will need to ensure that the other parent is served with legal documents notifying them of the court proceedings. This is typically done by a Sheriff of the High Court.
Attend Court Hearings:
- There will likely be court hearings where both parties present their cases. It’s crucial to attend these hearings and be prepared to provide evidence supporting your request for access to your child.
Court Order:
- If the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child for you to have access, they may issue a court order outlining the terms of visitation or access rights.
Follow Court Orders:
- Once a court order is in place, it’s important to comply with its terms. Failure to adhere to court orders can have legal consequences.
The Children’s Court
- Please note that you may also approach the Children’s Court for assistance. Their process is different from that of the High Court.

Need help?

Should you require assistance with a child custody dispute, whether you are the mother or the father, feel free to contact us.

Below is an example of a High Court Application.

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Child Custody Notice of Motion and Founding Affidavit – Advocate Abduroaf – High Court[/caption]

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Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I require reasonable contact with my minor child. I want to approach the High Court. Please provide an example of an Application.

Consult with an Attorney or Advocate:
- Before taking any legal action, it’s advisable to consult with a family law attorney or Advocate. They can provide guidance on the specific laws and help you understand your rights and options.
Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- In some jurisdictions, before going to court, parties may be required to attempt mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods to reach an agreement outside of court. This can be a less adversarial and more cooperative approach.
File an Application:
- If informal negotiations or mediation do not lead to an agreement, you may need to file a formal application with the High Court. This document will outline your request for access or visitation rights.
Serve Legal Documents:
- After filing the Application, you will need to ensure that the other parent is served with legal documents notifying them of the court proceedings. This is typically done by a Sheriff of the High Court.
Attend Court Hearings:
- There will likely be court hearings where both parties present their cases. It’s crucial to attend these hearings and be prepared to provide evidence supporting your request for access to your child.
Court Order:
- If the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child for you to have access, they may issue a court order outlining the terms of visitation or access rights.
Follow Court Orders:
- Once a court order is in place, it’s important to comply with its terms. Failure to adhere to court orders can have legal consequences.
The Children’s Court
- Please note that you may also approach the Children’s Court for assistance. Their process is different from that of the High Court.

Need help?

Should you require assistance with a child custody dispute, whether you are the mother or the father, feel free to contact us.

Below is an example of a High Court Application.

Child Custody Notice of Motion and Founding Affidavit Advocate Abduroaf - High Court

Do you intend running a business?
Below are frequently asked business questions. Feel free to post your questions below.
How can I run a small business? How do you make a business plan? How much does it cost to start a business? What are the steps to starting a small business? How can I start a small business? How can I get a business license? What is a good business plan? What are the key components of a business plan? How long does it take to get a business license? What is an example of a start up cost? What are the steps to becoming a business owner? How do I go about creating a food business? Do you need a business license for a home business? Do you need a business license to sell crafts? Do you have to have a business license to open a business? Do you need a business license to do freelance work? What is a good plan? Why a business plan is important? What are the three main causes of small business failure? What are the five components of a business plan? Do business licenses expire? What is a business license? How much money does it take to start a small business? Can I deduct expenses for starting a business? How do you become a small business owner? How can I be a successful entrepreneur? How do you get a food license? How much money do you need to open your own restaurant? Do you need a business license to start a home based business? Do you have to have a business license to sell on Etsy? How much money do you have to make to pay taxes on a business? Is a hobby income taxable? How much does it cost to get a business license? How do I get a license for my business? How do I start my own freelance business? How do I apply for a business license? What is a good business plan? How do you develop a strategic plan? Why should you develop a business plan? What are the important parts of a business plan? What are the major causes of business failure? Are small businesses important? What are the seven key elements of a business plan? What are the key components of a business plan? Can you run a business without a license? 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How much money does a business have to make to pay taxes? How much does a business pay in taxes? How much money do you need to make to pay taxes? Where do you put hobby income? How can I get a business license? Do you need a business license for a home business? How do I start my own freelance business? Do you need a business license to do freelance work? Do you need a business license to sell crafts? How do I apply for a business license? What is a good business plan? What is a good plan? How do you develop a strategic plan? How do you create a strategy? Why should you develop a business plan? Why a business plan is important? What are the seven key elements of a business plan? What are the five components of a business plan? What are the three main causes of small business failure? What are the major causes of business failure? Are small businesses important? Why is it important to do business? What are the seven parts of a business plan? What are the four major components of a business plan? What are the components of a good business plan? What are the key components of a business model? What is an example of a start up cost? How much money does it take to start a small business? How much does it cost to start a business? How can I start my own small business? What is the average income of a small business owner? How do you become a small business owner? What are the disadvantages of becoming an entrepreneur? What are the main benefits of entrepreneurship? How can I be a successful entrepreneur? What training is needed to become an entrepreneur? How do you get a food license? How long does it take to get a business license? How much does it cost to get a food license? How much money do you need to open your own restaurant? How much does a restaurant owner make a year? How much money does a small restaurant make? How much does it cost to buy a Starbucks? How much does the average mcdonalds make a day? How can I get a business license? Do you need a business license for a home business? Can you sell products without a business license? Do you need a business license to start a home based business? Do you need a tax ID to dropship? Is drop shipping legal? Do you have to have a business license to sell on Etsy? Is it required to have a business license? What are the seven key elements of a business plan? What are the five components of a business plan? What are the four main sections of a business plan? Why a business plan is important? What are the three main causes of small business failure? What are the components of a good business plan? What are the key elements of a business model? What are the key components of a business model? What is an example of a start up cost? How much money does it take to start a small business? How much does a small business owner make a year? What is the average cost of starting a small business? How long does it take to get a business license? How much does it cost to start a business? What are the steps to starting a business? How can I start my own small business? Why do you need to write a business plan? What are the seven parts of a business plan? Can I own a Starbucks? How much does a Starbucks make in a day?

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Prenuptial and Ante-nuptial Contracts
Do you have any specific question on pre-nuptial or ante-nuptial contracts similar to that below? If yes, feel free to post it below. We will try to answer them for you as best we can.
How does a pre-nuptial contract work?
A pre-nuptial or ante-nuptial contract is an agreement an unmarried couple enters into before they get married. I deals with the proprietary aspects of their marriage and other related issues. For example, it would deal with what matrimonial property regime applies to the marriage. For example, whether they will be be married “In Community of Property and Profit and Loss”, or “Our of Community of Property and Loss”with our without the Accrual Regime. In an Ante-nuptial contract mention can also be made of what assets are excluded from the joint estate etc. Below are some questions that people have in relation to to ante-nuptial contracts. The Pre-nuptial agreement is executed, or signed before a Notary Public who then registers the document at the office of the Registrar of Deeds. In this way, the information in the Ante-Nuptial Contract becomes public.
How many years is a prenuptial agreement good for?
For the entire duration of the marriage.
What is a prenuptial agreement in marriage?
It is an agreement a couple enters into before the marriage.
How long should you wait to get married after signing a prenup?
You can get married the next day.
Can you get a prenup after you get married?
No. You should then enter into a postnuptial contract. You need to consent of the high court for that.
Can a prenuptial agreement be overturned?
Yes, if it was fraudulently done.
How much does it cost to get a prenuptial agreement?
Different places have different costs.
Can a will override a prenup?
No it cannot.
What good is a prenup?
One that is well written with no ambiguity.
What are ante-nuptials?
Agreements before the marriage.
Can you do a prenuptial agreement after marriage?
No. You should then enter into a postnuptial contract. You need to consent of the high court for that.
Can a prenuptial agreement be voided?
Yes it can, if there was fraud involved.
How long does it take to draw up a prenuptial agreement?
A good lawyer should take less than an hour for a basic one. A complicated one could take much longer.
Can you get a prenup for future assets?
Yes you can.
Can a prenup protect future inheritance?
Yes it can.
Is my husband entitled to half my inheritance?
It depends what the will of the person says.
How much money can you inherit before you have to pay taxes?
You need to speak to an accountant for that.
Can you get a postnuptial agreement?
Yes, but you need the High Court’s Consent before you can register it.
How do you get a prenuptial agreement?
You should see a lawyer.
Are post NUPS legal in South Africa?
Yes, it is.
Are postnuptial agreements valid in Cape Town?
Yes it is. You need the High Court’s Consent.
What does a postnuptial agreement mean?
An agreement, the same and an antenuptial agreement, but entered into after the marriage.
What is a marital agreement?

Is marriage a covenant or a contract? How long does it take for a divorce to be final after signing papers? What is the meaning of Antenuptial? Can you change your marriage contract after marriage? What does an invalid marriage mean? What does it mean to be married out of community of property? What is COP marriage? What does it mean to be married in community of property? What is a marriage settlement? Is a marriage a legal contract? What does it mean to contract a marriage? What is a settlement agreement in a divorce? Can a marriage settlement agreement be changed? Is a prenup a contract? Are prenuptial agreements valid in India? Is contract marriage legal in India? What is prenuptial agreement in us? How long should you wait to get married after signing a prenup? What good is a prenup? Can you deny a divorce? Do you have to go to court for an uncontested divorce? Do you have to have a lawyer to get a divorce? How do you get a divorce if you have no money? Can you get a divorce without a signature? Can you reopen a divorce case? How long do you have to respond to a divorce? Is money received in a divorce settlement taxable? Is a divorce agreement legally binding? How long does it take to get a final decree of divorce? Is a mediated agreement legally binding? Can you settle a divorce out of court? Can you appeal a divorce settlement? How do you enforce a divorce decree? How long does it take for a divorce to be final after signing papers? Can a separation agreement be changed after divorce? Can you have a divorce reversed? Can you have a divorce decree amended? How long do you have to file an appeal in a divorce case? Can a divorce be undone? Can I change my divorce settlement? Can you stop a divorce once you file? What is an appeal for divorce? Can a divorce agreement be amended? Can divorce papers be changed? Can you change a mediation agreement? How do I change my divorce decree? Can you ask for alimony after the divorce is final? What is an amended petition for divorce? What happens after you file a divorce petition? What does amend mean in court? What does it mean when a charge is amended? Can prosecutor change charges during a trial? Can a judge drop all charges? Can a judge change a verdict? Can a judge overrule the assessors? How can a judge be removed from office? Can a sentence be increased on appeal? Can a judge direct a guilty verdict? Can a prosecutor overrule a judge’s decision? What does notwithstanding the verdict mean? Can you appeal against a not guilty verdict? Can you appeal a jury verdict?

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I have to appear in the Cape Town Maintenance Court for a maintenance inquiry. How should I prepare for it?

If you need to claim maintenance from another party, you can do so through the maintenance courts. This applies whether you are claiming maintenance for yourself or for your minor children. The procedure is generally the same in both cases. It is important to be well-prepared when going to court, and this article will guide you through the necessary steps.

Approach the Correct Court

Many people assume they can go to any court to claim maintenance, but that is not correct. You need to approach the maintenance court located in the area where you live or work. The maintenance court is typically housed within the magistrates’ court. We recommend checking with your local police station (SAPS) to find out the location of your nearest magistrates’ court.

Download the Maintenance Application Form

The process begins with filing a maintenance application at the court. You can download the maintenance application form (Form A) from the official website (Department of Justice). Make sure you understand the form and complete it as thoroughly as possible. It’s a good idea to draft your responses on a separate page or spreadsheet before filling out the actual form.

Gather Proof of Your Expenses

Courts require proof to support your claims. When completing the maintenance application form, be sure to collect evidence for the expenses you list. For instance, if you state that you spend R500 on groceries per month, keep the corresponding receipts from the grocery store as documentation. This proof is essential for other expenses like rent, education, and clothing. Maintain and update your proof of expenses until your case is finalized.

Conduct Your Own Investigation and Preparation

When applying for maintenance, the other party might claim they cannot afford support or may not be employed. Therefore, it is important to do your own research and prepare in advance. You may look for information online or check social media to gather relevant evidence regarding the other party’s financial situation. Phoning around may also help.

Request the Court to Appoint a Maintenance Investigator

The maintenance court has the option to appoint a maintenance investigator. We recommend utilizing their services, as they can assist in obtaining bank statements, conducting credit checks, and contacting employers for necessary information.

Stay Active in Your Case

Finally, remain engaged in your case. Pay attention to what the other party claims, and continue your research. Familiarize yourself with the relevant laws, read legal articles, and stay informed. Being well-prepared will help you present your case effectively in court and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Do you own Divorce (DIY) No lawyers needed!

If you want to get divorced from your spouse, I strongly advise that your approach a legal practitioner, or an attorney to attend to it on your behalf. This I would implore even more under the following circumstances:

There will be a dispute over care and visitation rights over the child/children
One of the parties will be applying for forfeiture of patrimonial benefits from a marriage in community of property;
The joint estate is huge or complicated; or
The other party will be making use of legal representation.

If, however, you would like to know the general procedures on how to go about a divorce, they are listed summarily below. There are many rules that regulate divorce processes and the summary below does exclude certain of them. These include exceptions, strikeouts, compelling compliance, service addresses etc. Other matters incidental to divorce proceedings, e.g. interim arrangements, pending the divorce regarding maintenance for you or your children and care and contact regarding children are not dealt with. Therefore, please consult a legal practitioner or the divorce court throughout your divorce process should you decide to do the divorce yourself.

Summons and Particulars of Claim

A summons needs to be drafted which will be issued by the divorce court to commence the divorce process. It should have on it the details of the court you will be issuing divorce, details of the parties, e.g. names, occupation, and address etc. Every High Court in the area where you live has the authority to attend to a divorce. There are however specialized divorce courts that may attend to a divorce as well. You should then draft particulars of claim, outlining relevant matters concerning the marriage, children, reasons for wanting a divorce and what do you want the court to grant you in a divorce order. These particulars of claim you attach to the summons. Here is an example of a summons and particulars of claim for a divorce for a couple married in community of property with no children getting a divorce in the High Court in Cape Town.

Summons

IN THE HIGH COURT OF South Africa CASE NO.: (Western Cape High Court, Cape Town) In the matter between: John Smith (Plaintiff) And Jane Smith (Defendant) To the Sheriff or his/her Deputy INFORM Jane Smith (hereinafter referred to as the defendant an adult female, self-employed as a singer currently residing at 12 Club Road, Waterfront, Western Cape and whose full and further particulars are unknown, That: John Smith (hereafter referred to as the plaintiff), an adult male self-employed painter residing at Garden Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, Hereby institutes an action against her in which action the Plaintiff claims the relief and on the grounds set out in the particulars annexed hereto marked A. INFORM the Defendant further that if she disputes the claim and wishes to defend the action she shall (a) within 10 (TEN) days after the service upon her of this Summons, file with the Registrar of this Court at Kieron Street, Cape Town a notice of her intention to defend, and serve a copy thereof on the Plaintiff, on which notice shall be given an address (not being a post office or poste restante) referred to in Rule 19(3) for the service upon the Defendant of all notices and documents in the action; and (b) thereafter, and within 21 (TWENTY-ONE) court days after the filing and serving such notice of intention to defend as aforesaid, file with the Registrar and serve upon the Plaintiff a Plea, Exception, Notice to strike out, with or without a counterclaim. INFORM the Defendant further that if she fails to file and serve notice as aforesaid, judgment as claimed may be given against her without further notice to her, or if having filed and served such notice, she fails to plead, except, make application to strike out or counterclaim, judgment may be given against her. INFORM the Defendant also that if she does not intend to defend the action, she will inform the Registrar in writing to enable the Registrar to, on request in writing from Plaintiff, immediately set the matter down for hearing. AND IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER serve on the Defendant a copy of this Summons and return same with whatsoever you have done thereupon. DATED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS ____ THE DAY OF _________2018. ……………………………………………………………… REGISTRAR OF THE HIGH COURT ……………………………………………………………… Plaintiff in Person __________________________

Particulars of Claim “A”

(A) Parties Plaintiff is John Smith, an adult male Bus Driver, residing at no. 5 Truck Apartments, Cape Town, Western Cape. The defendant is Jane Smith (born Smit) an adult female, employed as a hairdresser, residing at Hectic House, 2 Main Road, Strand, Western Cape.

(B) Marriage

Plaintiff and Defendant (hereafter referred to together as “the Parties”) married each other on 10 August 2003 at Pretoria, in community of property and the marriage still subsists. Kindly find attached hereto a copy of the marriage certificate marked “MC”. The Parties are domiciled within the area of jurisdiction of this honourable court. There are no children born out of the marriage.

(C) Irretrievable breakdown

The marriage between the Parties has irretrievably broken down and there are no reasonable prospects of the restoration of a normal marital relationship between them in that: Defendant left the common home approximately 2 years ago; There is no love and affection, understanding and communication between the parties; The Parties are incompatible and continue arguing; and Plaintiff has a gambling problem.

(D) Prayer

WHEREFORE Plaintiff prays for Judgement against Defendant in the following terms: A decree of divorce; Each party retain the property in his or her possession as his or her sole property; Cost if this action is opposed; and Further and/ or alternative relief. DATED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS THE ______ DAY OF______ 2018. _____________________________ Per: John Smith (Plaintiff in Person) Service Address Once you have your summons and particulars of claim in order, make three (3) copies of your set of documents and have it issued at court.

Issuing & Service of Summons

Once you are at the court, go to the clerk of the court and have your documents issued. The clerk will sign the summons and provide a case number and write it on the summons. You should then take the original and a copy (both must be signed and stamped by the clerk of the court) and take it to the sheriff which serves documents where your spouse works of lives. You can ask the clerk of the court for that details. The extra—copy of the summons & particulars of claim you keep for your file and records.

Notice of intention to defend

Once the sheriff has served the documents, your spouse has a defined period to inform your whether he or she will be defending the divorce. This information is outlined in the summons as shown above.

Plea to particulars of claim

Once you received notice of your spouse’s intention to defend the divorce, about a months later, your spouse or their attorney will serve and file a plea. The plea will outline which parts of your particulars of claim your spouse agrees (or disagree) with which would give a direction of what to prove in court.

Counter Claim

Your spouse might want to file a counterclaim. In the same way, which you outlined your case as to what you want from the court and the reasons therefore in your particulars of claim, your spouse can file on your as well a counterclaim. A counterclaim might still be filed if your spouse agrees to a divorce, by maybe wants care of the children, but in your particulars of claim, you asked for care. You should then within 10 (ten) days plead to the counterclaim the same manner in which your spouse pleaded to your particulars of claim.

Obtaining a Trial date

Once you received the plea, without a counterclaim, or have pleaded to your spouse’s counterclaim, you should then approach the clerk of the court for a trial date. This you or your spouse may do.

Discovery

While you waiting for a trial date, and way before the trial, you may ask or may be asked to provide, under oath, a schedule of books and documents in your possession and under your control relating to the divorce. This could be policy documents, deeds etc, and which you or your spouse might want to make use of at trial. Once you received this schedule you may inspect and request copies of the documents.

Divorce day / Trial

If your spouse does not defend the divorce within the time period, go back to court and ask for an unopposed divorce date and attend to your divorce on that date. If, however, your divorce is defended, a trial will ensure. During the trial, each party will prove his or her case. Witnesses will be called and at the end, the Magistrate or Judge will deliver the verdict. Best of luck, and please, don’t take my word, contact a legal practitioner should you decide to get divorced.

Sharing is Caring

This and other articles and posts found on this website are written by Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf to assist people with various family law related issues they may have. If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like and share it on Social Media by clicking on the icons below. For more interesting articles and information on Family Law, view our articles and Q&A page. If you have a family law related legal issue and you want someone to answer or reply to it, feel free to post it on our Family Law Blog. Therefore, kindly like and share. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.