Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf – Trust Account Lawyer- Best Top Legal Law Practitioners (Advocate Attorney) Child Custody Maintenance Contact Divorce Relocation Passport Consent High Court Cape Town

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf – Trust Account Lawyer- Best Top Legal Law Practitioners (Advocate Attorney) Child Custody Maintenance Contact Divorce Relocation Passport Consent High Court Cape Town

The Family Trust in South Africa – Do you have your Family Trust registered?
A family trust can play an important role in your family’s life. It may continue to do so after you passed away. The same like owning property, a car or a business, creating and running a family trust may sometimes be beneficial to both you and your family. The aim of this article is to bring the concept of the Family Trust to your attention.
What is a Family Trust in simple terms?
Basically, someone called a founder or donor would donate some money or property and appoint trustees to administer the property for the benefit of certain identified beneficiaries. The property would then be called the Trust Property. This arrangement and agreement is called a Trust. The terms of the agreement would be stipulated in a Trust Deed. The Trust Deed is a legal document. This document would then be registered with the Office of the Master of the High Court. The Trustees may only act in terms of the Trust Deed. All property, money and so on that is donated to the Trust, by the founder or anyone else, does not belong to him or her. The property belongs to the trustees in their capacity as trustees for the time being of the Trust. So, if trustees change, the new trustees take on the responsibility to manage the Trust Property as initially agreed to by the initial Trustees and the Donor. And of course, the Trustees can only use the Trust Property as stipulated in the Trust Deed.
Example of the implementation of a Family Trust
Let’s say the Trust Deeds states that the Trust assets are to be used for the benefit of the Founder’s grandchildren. It is to be used for school fees, and tertiary education and the like. Therefore, the Trustees would then have to utilise the Trust property to pay for the school fees of the founder’s grandchildren. If the grandchildren are not at school yet, the Trustees may have to invest the Trust assets until such time it is needed for school fees.
When would a Trust Terminate?
The Trust Deed would stipulate when the Trust would terminate and what should happen to its assets at the time. If one applies the example above, it may state that the Trust terminates when the youngest grandchild completes University. Should this happen, then the Trust Deed may stipulate that the remaining Trust assets be distributed to all these grandchildren in equal shares.
Tax and legal implications of a Trust
The tax laws applicable to a Trust may differ significantly to that of an individual or a company. It is therefore important to consult an accountant or tax practitioner on such implications. If a Trust is an ideal vehicle to use to secure your family’s financial future, then creating a Trust sooner than later may be the best thing to do.
Speak to us should you wish to register a Family Trust
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Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I am a Muslim and married. What is the best legal advice you can provide to a Muslim Couple getting divorced in South Africa?
Although Muslim marriages in South Africa are not formally legislated yet, Muslims married in terms of Muslim Rites are afforded broad recognition and protection when it comes to the enforcement of their rights. However, until such time that parliament passes laws that deal explicitly with Muslim marriages and the legal consequence thereof, South Africans would be dependent on Courts to enforce their rights. It should also be noted that if a South African Court makes a ruling that affects Muslim marriages, it does not mean that the Court ruling is Shariah Compliant. The laws of Islam cannot be tainted by secular Courts, no matter how good their intentions are. Therefore, before approaching a South African court to deal with an aspect of your Islamic marriage, ensure that you first obtain the proper Sharia advice.
When is the best time to seek legal advice from an attorney or advocate if I want to divorce my spouse?
The best time to seek legal advice is before the actual talaq of faskh. You would then know your rights regarding your property, personal maintenance (alimony), child maintenance, child custody and so on. You and your spouse can then discuss these issues and come to an amicable agreement. This is the first prize, as no one wants to spend money on lawyers’ fees to resolve simple issues after divorce. It may be ideal to utilise an attorney’s services or advocate to draft a legally binding settlement agreement. If you and your spouse cannot agree regarding the item mentioned above, then unfortunately, those issues would have to be resolved in a court of law. This is what this article deals with.
How do we best deal with the issue of jointly owned property after the Islamic Divorce?
If you and your spouse own jointly owned property, for example, a house, you can continue owing it together after the marriage. However, if one of you wants to sell it and the other does not, you would need to approach the High Court to terminate the joint ownership. This can be a very long and expensive process. It would entail applying to the court for an order outlining how the property must be sold. It may first be sold via private sale and, if not possible, via a public auction. The court can also order how the proceeds should be divided. It is best to consult with an attorney or advocate in this regard.
What is the best way to resolve care and contact issues regarding minor children after a talaq or faskh?
For any legal matter, it is best to resolve issues without the need to approach a Court of Law. In the case of a Muslim marriage where there are minor children involved, it may be the best option. This is because children are negatively affected if parents litigate over them. However, it must be done if it is the only option because parents cannot see eye to eye. However, before considering litigation regarding your children, it is best to try to mediate the dispute. We suggest using a professional like a social worker, psychologist, or suitably qualified person to resolve the dispute. Most of the time, it works.
How do I apply to the Children’s Court for contact with my child?
To apply for child custody in South Africa, you may approach the Children’s Court in the area where the child resides or where the custody dispute arose. The process involves completing a form, which can be obtained from the court or downloaded from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s website. You must provide details of yourself, the child, and the person you claim custody. It would be best to give reasons for your claim and any evidence that may support your case. Once the application has been submitted, the court will set a hearing date, and both parties must attend. At the hearing, the court will consider the best interests of the child and may also appoint a social worker to investigate and report on the child’s circumstances. The court may also order mediation to try and resolve the dispute amicably. It is important to note that custody disputes can be emotionally draining and stressful for all parties involved, especially the child. It is, therefore, advisable to seek legal advice and support from a family law attorney or advocate who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights and the child’s best interests are protected.
What is the best way to resolve child maintenance issues regarding minor children after a talaq or faskh?
In South Africa, each parent must maintain their child according to their mean. This applies to all parents, whether or not they were married to each other in terms of Muslim Rites, Civil law, or not married at all. Before parents venture into a Faskh or Talaq, they need to discuss whether they will be paying for the minor children after they divorce. They must discuss who will pay the school fees, extra-mural, and medical expenses. If the child will be living with the mother primarily, then the father would need to pay the mother cash maintenance as well. This needs to be resolved as soon as possible. If the parents cannot resolve the issues regarding child maintenance amounts themselves, the parent claiming maintenance would need to approach the maintenance court as soon as possible. There is no need to wait until the marriage has first been resolved.
How do I apply for Child Maintenance if I am married Islamically?
The process to apply for child maintenance is the same for everyone. Whether or not you are married or not. You would need to approach the maintenance court in the area where the child resides or where the maintenance defaulter resides. The process involves completing a form which can be obtained from the court or downloaded from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s website. You must provide details of yourself, the child, and the person you are claiming maintenance from. You will also need to provide proof of your income, the expenses incurred for the child, and the expenses of the person from whom you are claiming maintenance. Once the application has been submitted, the court will set a hearing date, and both parties must attend. At the hearing, the court will consider the financial circumstances of both parties and make a maintenance order, which will determine the amount of maintenance that needs to be paid.
I require legal assistance after my Talaq or Faskh. What is the best way to obtain legal advice or assistance?
If you require legal advice or assistance before or after your Talaq or Faskh, schedule an appointment using the link www.ourlaywer.co.za/advice. We would be able to advise and assist you where necessary.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw