Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf – Litigation Lawyer, South Africa (Tought fighting lawyer) – Kimberly
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Top tips and tricks from a Senior Family Law Advocate on claiming maintenance for a five-year-old child in Alice.
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 Alice
Whether you claim child maintenance in Alice, 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 Alice.
The maintenance scenario – Alice South Africa
In this article, we will deal with the following fictitious scenario, in a child maintenance matter:
- The Child is seven years old and attends school in Alice
- The child is cared for by the mother who works in Alice
- The mother works and earns a Salary of R 10 000
- The father sees the child every second weekend. He also lives and works in Alice
- The child’s monthly expenses are R 6000 – 00 which includes food, clothing, accommodation, education, travel etc.
- The father earns a reasonable salary and can afford the R 20 000 – 00 per month
- 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 Alice, it would be the maintenance court in Alice. 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 Alice, 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 Alice Maintenance Court?
Once you have been notified of the maintenance court date by the Alice 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 Alice?
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 Alice 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 Alice 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, Alice, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester
Posted on by Telelaw
Best advice on finding a top divorce lawyer for your divorce case in Claremont, Cape Town
Do you live in Claremont, and are you considering divorcing your spouse? Or have you been threatened with divorce? Either way, a divorce is a legal matter, and it is best to find sound legal advice or assistance. Furthermore, divorcing someone has potential severe legal consequences you may not know of. The first consequence, of course, is that you are no longer married to your former spouse, and there is no legal obligation to maintain each other (unless you qualify for alimony). You may also not inherit from your former spouse’s intestate. Lastly, and obviously, you are free to marry someone else. However, do you know of the proprietary (property) consequences of getting a divorce? What about the assets and debt you and your spouse incurred in Claremont or elsewhere during your marriage? Do you know what should happen to it? If not, it is best you find out about these critical aspects and others before getting divorced. Then there is the issue of parental responsibilities and rights after the divorce should there be minor children involved. This article aims to provide guidance on finding the best attorney or advocate for your divorce matter that can adequately and properly advise you or handle your divorce. The advice would apply whether you live in Claremont or anywhere else in South Africa. The issues we shall deal with are the following.- Gender of the Advocate or attorney;
- Location of the Advocate or attorney;
- Experience of the Advocate or attorney;
- Costs of the Advocate or Attorney; and
- The personality of the Advocate or Attorney.
What is the best gender of the Advocate or Attorney I need to use for my divorce? Is a male or female better?
Generally, the gender of your Advocate or Attorney should not play a role at all in a legal matter. However, depending on your background and the issues involved in your divorce, you may prefer a specific gender where you may feel more comfortable. A female who has been emotionally, physically and psychologically abused may be more comfortable with a female Attorney or Advocate. However, the same female client may prefer a male Advocate or Attorney. No more will be said on this issue.What is the ideal office location of the Advocate or attorney? Does it have to be in Claremont?
The location or office of your attorney or Advocate is essential if you wish to consult with them in person. It is also ideal, but not necessary, for their offices to be close to the Court where the divorce would be handled. However, many lawyers make use of correspondent lawyers for this purpose. Furthermore, location should not be an issue if you want a specific lawyer to handle your case. This is so especially seeing that people are making use of virtual meetings.What level of experience should the Advocate or attorney have?
It is important to remember that not all legal matters require the best lawyer. If your divorce is straightforward, finding the best lawyer in the field is unnecessary. The best may be very busy and lack the time to give your case the attention it deserves. However, if your matter is complicated, then in that case, the most experienced and best lawyer out there is not warranted.What about the Costs of an Attorney or Advocate?
For many, the costs of the Attorney or Advocate are the most crucial consideration when it comes to enlisting their services. Usually, the more experienced the Attorney or Advocate, the more they would charge. Another aspect that affects costs is the nature of the expertise of the Advocate or Attorney. If the issues in your matter are highly technical and complicated, an Advocate or Attorney with expertise and experience may charge more.What about the personality of the Advocate or Attorney?
Many may discard the Advocate or Attorney’s personality as not important. However, it is essential to note that it may be time to change lawyers if you do not get along well with the Advocate or Attorney because of their personality. A lawyer and their client would develop a professional relationship in family law matters. This is especially so when the lawyer must discuss many personal issues regarding you, your marriage, children, finance, spouse etc. If you cannot get along well with your Attorney or Advocate, you may not divulge important information relevant to your case.What is our best advice to a client looking for an Advocate or Attorney in a divorce matter?
Considering all the factors mentioned above, before enlisting the services of an Advocate or Attorney, ensure you enlist the right one. Do not look for the most experience or best, or the top one in family law. You may have to change lawyers if you do so and cannot afford legal bills. Therefore consider the above and any other factors that you may consider necessary when deciding on enlisting the services of an Advocate or an Attorney. Best of luck.
Posted on by Telelaw
I am searching for the top divorce attorney or advocate in Cape Town, South Africa.
How do I find the best divorce lawyer in Cape Town?
There are a few ways to find the best divorce lawyer in Cape Town. One option is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members in Cape Town who have gone through a similar experience. Another option is to search online for divorce lawyers in Cape Town and read reviews from previous clients. You can also check with the law associations to find reputable lawyers in Cape Town. It’s essential to do your research and find a lawyer who has experience and expertise in divorce law to ensure that your case is handled correctly.How do I find the best lawyer for my divorce in Cape Town?
Finding the best lawyer for your divorce in Cape Town can be a complex and overwhelming process, but there are a few steps you can take to help ensure that you find the right one. Here are some tips: 1. Do your research: Start by researching divorce lawyers in your area or in Cape Town. You can do this by looking online, asking for recommendations from friends or family, or checking with your local bar association. 2. Read reviews: Once you have a list of potential lawyers, read reviews from previous clients to get a sense of the lawyer’s track record and reputation. 3. Schedule consultations: Schedule consultations with a few different lawyers in Cape Town to discuss your case and get a sense of their experience and approach. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. 4. Ask questions: During the consultation, ask the lawyer questions about their experience, track record, and approach to divorce cases. Be sure to ask about their fees and how they bill for their services. 5. Trust your instincts: Ultimately, the best divorce lawyer for you in Cape Town is someone you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to handle your case effectively. Trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who you feel has your best interests at heart. By following these tips, you can find a divorce lawyer in Cape Town with the experience, skills, and expertise necessary to help you navigate the divorce process and achieve a favourable outcome.What makes a good divorce lawyer in Cape Town?
A good divorce lawyer in Cape Town should understand the law and legal procedures related to divorce cases. They should have experience handling cases similar to yours and be able to provide you with sound legal advice and guidance throughout the process. A good divorce lawyer should also be a good communicator and listener, as they will need to understand your unique situation and work with you to develop a strategy that meets your needs and goals. Additionally, a good divorce lawyer should be compassionate and empathetic, as divorce can be emotionally challenging for their clients. Finally, a good divorce lawyer should be able to work efficiently and effectively to ensure that your case is resolved as quickly and smoothly as possible.Is the most expensive divorce lawyer in Cape Town better?
Not necessarily. The most expensive divorce lawyer in Cape Town may not necessarily be the best one for your specific case. Considering factors such as experience, track record, and reputation is essential when choosing a lawyer rather than just their fees. While it’s true that experienced and highly skilled lawyers may charge higher fees, this is not always the case. Finding a divorce lawyer in Cape Town who has the skills and expertise necessary to handle your case effectively and who you feel comfortable working with is essential. It’s also a good idea to discuss fees and costs upfront with any potential lawyer so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not their services are within your budget.Is it better to contest a divorce in Cape Town?
It’s difficult to say whether it is better to contest a divorce, as every situation is different. Sometimes, contesting a divorce may be necessary if spouses have significant disagreements about child custody, property division, and spousal support. However, in many cases, it may be better to try to reach a settlement or agreement through negotiation or mediation to avoid the time, expense, and stress of a contested divorce. Contested divorces can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining, mainly if the dispute involves children. It’s also important to remember that the court will decide in a contested divorce, which may not always align with what either spouse wants. In contrast, settling through negotiation or mediation can give both spouses more control over the outcome and may be less stressful and costly overall. Ultimately, the decision to contest a divorce should be made after careful consideration of the case’s specific circumstances and with the advice and guidance of an experienced divorce lawyer.What is the fastest way to get divorced in Cape Town?
The fastest way to get divorced in Cape Town is through an uncontested divorce, which involves both spouses agreeing to the divorce terms, including issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. If both spouses agree on these issues, they can file for an uncontested divorce, which can be resolved relatively quickly and without a trial. An uncontested divorce can be filed with the court once the spouses have been separated for at least one year. Once the divorce papers are filed, the court will review the agreement and issue a final divorce decree if everything is in order. The entire process can take as little as a few months, depending on the court’s schedule and the case’s complexity. It’s important to note that if there are disputes or disagreements between spouses regarding the divorce terms, the process may take longer and be more complicated. In these cases, hiring a divorce lawyer in Cape Town may be necessary to help resolve the issues and negotiate a settlement.How are children affected in a divorce matter?
Divorce can have a significant impact on children, both emotionally and psychologically. Children may feel confused, anxious, and uncertain about the future when their parents are going through a divorce. They may feel caught in their parent’s conflict, blame themselves for the divorce, or feel they have to choose sides. Children of divorce may also experience changes in their living arrangements, routines, and relationships with family members, which can be challenging to adjust to. Parents need to prioritise their children’s well-being during a divorce and minimise the divorce’s impact on their children. This can involve working together to create a parenting plan that considers the children’s needs and preferences and allows both parents to stay involved in their children’s lives. It can also involve seeking the help of a therapist or counsellor to support the children and help them cope with the changes that come with divorce.
Posted on by Telelaw