Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf being interviewed by eNCA on 18 May 2020 talking about child maintenance issues during the lockdown

Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf highlights the importance of parents paying child maintenance during the lockdown and what parent can do should they be unable to pay it. Click below to view the video.

Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf being interviewed by eNCA on 18 May 2020 talking about child maintenance issues during the lockdown

Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf highlights the importance of parents paying child maintenance during the lockdown and what parent can do should they be unable to pay it.

Click below to view the video.

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Dear Advocate Abduroaf. My child custody case is very complicated. How do I find the best child custody lawyer, attorney or advocate for my case in Durban?

A great child custody lawyer (attorney or advocate) is a legal practitioner who specializes in family law and has expertise in handling cases related to child custody and visitation rights. Family law matters can be very emotionally challenging for both parents. The same applies to the child concerned. Whether you live in Cape Town or in Durban, the law applicable would be the same throughout South Africa.

Here are some qualities and characteristics that can define a great child custody lawyer, or the best one for your case:

Experience and Expertise:

  • Specialization in family law, particularly child custody cases.
  • Proven track record of successfully handling similar cases.

Knowledge of Family Law:

  • In-depth understanding of family law.
  • Awareness of recent legal developments and changes in family law.

Communication Skills:

  • Effective communication skills to clearly articulate your case in court.
  • Ability to negotiate and mediate to reach favourable settlements.

Compassion and Empathy:

  • Understanding and empathy towards the emotional challenges involved in child custody disputes.
  • Ability to provide emotional support to clients during a difficult time.

Strategic Thinking:

  • Ability to devise a strategic legal approach tailored to the unique aspects of your case.
  • Forethought and anticipation of potential challenges.

Availability and Responsiveness:

  • Prompt responses to client inquiries and concerns.
  • Availability for meetings, court appearances, and consultations.

Client Reviews and References:

  • Positive reviews from previous clients.
  • Recommendations from colleagues or other legal professionals.

Ethical Conduct:

  • Adherence to professional and ethical standards.
  • Transparent and fair billing practices.

Courtroom Experience:

  • Comfort and confidence in a courtroom setting.
  • Skillful presentation of arguments and evidence.

Resourcefulness:

  • Resourcefulness in finding legal precedents and utilizing available resources to strengthen the case.

Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Creative problem-solving skills to navigate complex family dynamics and legal issues.

Custody and Visitation Knowledge:

  • In-depth knowledge of various custody arrangements and visitation schedules.
  • Ability to advocate for the best interests of the child.

What should you consider when meeting with a family law attorney or advocate?

When looking for a great child custody lawyer, it’s essential to schedule consultations, discuss your case, and assess whether the lawyer, attorney, or advocate possesses the qualities and skills that align with your needs and goals. Additionally, consider seeking recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or other legal professionals. Finding the best child custody lawyer involves thorough research, careful consideration of your specific needs, and evaluation of the lawyer’s qualifications. Here are some steps you can take to find the right child custody lawyer for your situation:

Define Your Goals and Needs:

  • Clearly identify your goals and priorities in the child custody case.
  • Determine the specific services you need from a lawyer, such as legal representation, mediation, or collaborative law.

Research Local Family Law Attorneys:

  • Use online legal directories and referral services to identify family law attorneys or Trust Account Advocate in your area.
  • Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have gone through similar situations.

Check Credentials and Specialization:

  • Look for lawyers who specialize in family law and, more specifically, child custody cases.
  • Check their credentials, education, and any certifications related to family law.

Read Reviews and Testimonials:

  • Read online reviews on legal review websites, social media, or the lawyer’s own website.
  • Consider testimonials from previous clients to gauge the lawyer’s reputation and success rate.

Consult with Multiple Lawyers:

  • Schedule consultations with several child custody lawyers to discuss your case.
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultation, covering topics such as experience, approach to cases, and expected outcomes.

Evaluate Communication Skills:

  • Assess the lawyer’s communication style and whether you feel comfortable discussing your case with them.
  • Ensure that the lawyer listens actively and provides clear explanations of legal processes.

Consider Experience:

  • Inquire about the lawyer’s experience in handling child custody cases similar to yours.
  • Ask about their success rate and outcomes in past cases.

Review Legal Fees:

  • Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during the consultation.
  • Clarify billing practices, retainer fees, and any additional costs associated with your case.

Check Disciplinary Records:

  • Verify the lawyer’s standing with the Legal Practice Council of South Africa.
  • Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints against the lawyer.

Seek Second Opinions:

  • If you have initial concerns or uncertainties, consider seeking a second opinion from another attorney or advocate.
  • Compare advice and recommendations from multiple sources.

Trust Your Instincts:

  • Pay attention to your instincts and gut feelings about the lawyer.
  • Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable working with and who understands your unique situation.

Negotiation and Mediation Skills:

Assess the lawyer’s ability to negotiate and mediate, especially if you prefer an amicable resolution.
  • Remember that finding the best child custody lawyer is a personalized process, and the right fit for one person may not be the best for another. Take the time to thoroughly research and evaluate potential lawyers to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances.
We service clients in all cities: Cape Town Rustenburg Kimberley East London Nelspruit Polokwane Pietermaritzburg Bloemfontein Port Elizabeth Pretoria Durban Johannesburg

Custody cases South Africa

Our law offices are situated in the heart of the CBD in a professional, safe settings. We are family legal experts when it comes to handling child custody,
divorce and child maintenance legal matters. Throughout our years of experience, we have found that the legal rules for child custody tends to favor the mother, unless the mother happened to be unstable. [caption id="attachment_4243" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] As time passed, the rules have changed and in turn, accommodates for the rights of fathers as well. With different circumstances constantly arising in custody battles; the law have had to adapt under these changing priorities as well. Today, fathers are more aware of their legal rights and make it their duty to educate themselves about their rights. Our Lawyer Pty Ltd is a professional legal consultancy that offers legal services and to cater for the layman, we have managed to compile a range of child custody legal articles with expert legal advice. Simply click on the links below: Feel free to call our law offices today and have our friendly receptionist make an online appointment for you. Are you residing out of Cape Town? No problem Simply make use of national number on 087 701 1124 today.

Child custody for fathers

As previously mentioned, child custody rights are usually awarded to the father if the mother happens to be an alcoholic or substance abuser. Times however, have proven that there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to awarding custody rights. The court will decide within the best interest of the child whilst the Children’s Act will be used as a guideline by legal experts on the way forward. [caption id="attachment_4241" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] At the end of the day, the relationship between the parents plays a crucial role as both parents will need to reach a mutual agreement. A parenting plan is a common way of helping the estranged parents find a common ground. This agreement can be changed along the way as the circumstances or nature of the situation changes. Father however, should have equal access to their child and should be able to have visitation rights as well.

Parental rights in South Africa

The court can grant an order that can limit parental responsibilities and rights, depending on the nature or circumstance of the matter of course. However, when the court does make these changes, they will consider what’s in the child’s best interests. [caption id="attachment_4268" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] When terminating parental responsibilities and rights, the court will:
  • What is best for the child rather than parents
  • The relationship between the child and guardian
  • The dedication the guardian has shown to taking care of the child and
  • Other factors that may be relevant to the court.
For more on your parental rights and child custody legal advice, call our law offices today and have an online appointment made for you for a professional legal consultation. Connect with us today!