I am currently married in terms of Muslim Rites. I want legal assistance regarding my divorce. What can I do?

In South Africa, there are close to a million Muslims. That is a minimal number compared to the entire population of South Africa. When a Muslim gets married, they need to follow the prescripts of Islam. The same applies to when they get divorced. This would either be via a Talaq of Faskh or other lawful manner. Therefore, lawyers would not get involved regarding the issue of the actual Talaq of Faskh. Lawyers would, however, get involved in property aspects or issues regarding minor children. This is what this article will deal with.

How do I resolve property disputes post-my Muslim marriages?

Spouses married in terms of Muslim Rites in South Africa would own their property. They are, therefore, not married in community of property where all their assets and liabilities are shared. In an Islamic marriage, the wife would own her property, and the husband would own his property. It can be compared to being married out of community of property without the accrual regime. Therefore, unless your spouse owes you money or you want to resolve the issue of a jointly owned property, there would not be a claim against your spouse’s estate. If there is a specific reason why you think you are entitled to claim from the estate of your spouse at the time of your Muslim marriage divorce, then we strongly recommend you consult with a lawyer in this regard—for example, Universal Partnership.

How do I resolve Child Care and Contact disputes post-Muslim marriage?

There is no distinction between the rights and responsibilities of parents or children who marry each other in terms of Muslim Rights or Civilly (in Court or terms of the Marriage Act). Therefore, your case would be dealt with just as if you were married to your ex-spouse in terms of the laws of South Africa. However, because your marriage was dissolved in terms of a Faskh or Talaq, or not via a divorce court (where parental rights are dealt with at the divorce), you would need to resolve any disputes regarding care and contact after the Faskh or Talaq in a Court or law. You may either approach the Children’s Court or the High Court.

How do I resolve child Maintenance disputes, post-Muslim marriages?

Whether parents are married or not, their obligations towards the maintenance of their children remain the same. In other words, a person who was married in terms of Muslim Rites or Civil law has no greater or lesser obligation to maintain their child than a parent who was not married. Unless a court dissolves your marriage and resolves the issue of child maintenance, you would need to approach the maintenance court for a maintenance order. In the case of a Mulsim divorce, that would happen after the Faskh or Talaq was finalised. However, any parent can approach the maintenance court for child maintenance at any time. They can do this while married, separated or after their divorce. You can also approach the court for a variation of the maintenance order for either an increase or decrease in child maintenance.

Do you require assistance with the legal issues regarding your Muslim marriage and divorce (Faskh or Talaq)?

Please get in touch with us if you require legal assistance with any aspect of your Muslim Faskh or Talaq. You may schedule a consultation using the link www.ourlawyer.co.za/advice.

Changing your matrimonial property regime from in community of property to out of community of property

Are you married? Do you know what is your matrimonial property regime?

In Community of Property

Out of Community of Property

Accrual system

• That there shall be no community of property;
• That there shall be no community of profit or loss; and
• That the accrual system provided for in Chapter 1 of the Matrimonial Property Act, no 88 of 1984 is expressly excluded from the marriage.

Getting the High Court’s Consent to change your matrimonial property regime to Out of Community of Property

Drafting a post-nuptial contract

Application to the High Court for consent to change your matrimonial property regime to Out of Community of Property

• There are sound reasons for the proposed change of the matrimonial property regime;
• There has been sufficient notice to creditors regarding the proposed change; and
• No other person will be prejudiced by the proposed change.

Costs involved in changing your matrimonial property regime

Complicated applications to change your matrimonial property regime to Out of Community of Property

Time estimates to change your matrimonial property regime to Out of Community of Property

Registering the postnuptial contract

Sharing is Caring

Civil Appeals to the Western Cape High Court

Did you know that if you are not satisfied with a decision in a court matter, you can appeal to the High Court? Someone might appeal a court’s decision for several reasons, typically revolving around the belief that an error was made during the trial or hearing or in the court’s interpretation of the law. Here are the main reasons for appealing a court decision:

Legal Errors

The appellant believes that the trial court made errors in applying or interpreting the law. This could include improperly admitting or excluding evidence or misinterpreting legal principles.

Procedural Errors

There were mistakes in the way the trial was conducted, such as improper procedures that could have affected the outcome. Examples include not following proper courtroom protocol or violating the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Evidence Issues

The appellant might argue that crucial evidence was wrongly admitted or excluded or that there was insufficient evidence to justify the verdict reached by the magistrate or the judge.

Abuse of Discretion

The trial judge made decisions that are seen as unreasonable or arbitrary, such as unfairly limiting the scope of examination of witnesses or making biased rulings on motions.

New Evidence

New evidence has emerged that could potentially change the outcome of the case. This is more common in criminal cases, where new evidence might show the defendant’s innocence.

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

In criminal cases, the defendant might argue that their attorney did not provide competent legal representation, thereby affecting the trial’s outcome. Appeals are typically reviewed by a higher court, which examines the record of the proceedings from the lower court to determine if there were significant errors that affected the case’s outcome. If the appellate court finds that errors were indeed made, it might reverse the decision, order a new trial, or modify the lower court’s decision. If no significant errors are found, the original decision is usually upheld.