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.

Appeals and Reviews in South African Court – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf

If you are considering appealing or reviewing a decision from a court in South Africa, it’s essential to understand the process and your options. In this context, you can approach an Advocate directly, especially one with a trust account, such as Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf. This allows you to streamline the appeal process since you won’t need to engage an instructing attorney.

Advantages of Using a Trust Account Advocate:

Direct Engagement

You can instruct the advocate directly, which can simplify communication and potentially reduce costs.

Trust Account

Payments for legal services are made into a trust account, ensuring that your funds are handled securely and transparently.

Statement of Account

After the work is completed, you’ll receive a detailed statement, providing clarity on the services rendered and any fees incurred.

Types of Appeals:

Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf specializes in various types of appeals, including but not limited to:

Appeals from the Magistrate’s Court

Challenging decisions made in lower courts.

Appeals from the Maintenance Court

Addressing issues related to maintenance orders.

Appeals from the Criminal Court

Contesting convictions or sentences in criminal cases.

Appeals from the Domestic Violence Court

Seeking changes to orders or decisions regarding domestic violence matters.

Appeals from the various High Courts

Engaging in appeals that address higher court decisions.

Appeals from Labour Courts

Handling disputes arising from employment and labour law matters. If you feel strongly about a court’s decision and wish to challenge it, engaging with Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf may be a viable option. You can discuss your specific situation directly with him to determine the best course of action for your appeal.

Looking for Family Legal Services in Constantia- Child Maintenance, Child Custody, Visitation Rights and Divorce

Here at our law officers, we understand the struggle of your anxious search for family legal services. Most often, you under the impression that you may not find the legal services you require within close proximity. Look no further.

Family Legal Advice Consultancy

We are a family legal consultancy that strive to cater for all your legal needs by offering legal advice and guidance in family law. If you happen to be residing in the Constantia area, then legal advice is still in your favor. Searching for a legal solution is tough enough and we are fully aware of this. With this in mind, we have made our legal advice and legal guidance easily accessible for your convenience. Our online system enables you to make an online appointment for a professional legal consultation within minutes, while in the comfort of your own home.

Price listings for Family Legal Services in Constantia

Legal Advice in Constantia– Family law legal topics

• Child Maintenance
• Ante-nuptial Contact
• Change Matrimonial Property Regime
• Child Adoption
• Child Custody and Access
• Domestic Violence Protection
• Family Trust Registration
• Fast Unopposed Divorces
• Non-Compliance with maintenance orders
• Parenting Plans
• Postnuptial Contract Registration
• Pre-nikkah Agreement

Child Maintenance

1. How to Apply for Child Maintenance at Court – Step by Step Guide and Advice
2. Child Maintenance Question. How much should I pay or contribute as a p
3. Child Support or maintenance claims. Does an unemployed father pay?
4. Non-compliance with Maintenance Orders — Civil and Criminal Remedies
5. Tricks and tips on how to win your child maintenance case

Child Custody

1. The Law Regarding Children – The Children’s Act 38 of 2005
2. Child born out of wedlock: Mother will not consent to her surname change and to be registered as her biological father. What can I do?
3. How do I get full custody over my child?
4. Parental Child Abuse in Custody Cases
5. Relocate with minor child. Parent Refusing Consent for a Passport
6. Father being refused contact to his child! What are his rights as a Father?
7. Father’s Parental Responsibilities and Rights to his Child
8. Urgent Access to your Children without a Lawyer
9. Parenting Plans and the Law
10. What happens in a custody dispute where one parent is mentally ill?
11. How to win your child custody and access court case – Tips and Tricks
12. Rights of care, contact and guardianship of grandparents to their grandchildren – What does the law say?

Divorce and Property

1. How to Change your Matrimonial Property Regime
2. Do your own Unopposed Divorce. No lawyers needed and its Free.
3. Parental Rights of Divorced Muslim parents after a Talaq or Faskh
4. Free Online Divorce Assistance Form – DIY Cape Town South Africa comprising of:

• Divorce guide
• Sample High Court Summons
• Particulars of Claim
• Notice of Set Down

Legal consultation – telephonic, face to face or via video chat / Skype legal advice for those residing in Constantia

1. Call our friendly receptionist and ask to have an appointment made for you online which will only take a minute or two.
2. You have the choice of deciding whether you would like a telephonic, email, video chat/Skype legal consultation.
3. Once you call our law offices on 021 424 3487, the receptionist will make an appointment online for you. Thereafter, you will receive an automated email which will contain all relevant details about the legal consultation. The date, time, nature of legal matter and payments methods will be highlighted within the email.
4. We urge potential clients to read their email well as well as the terms and conditions within the email.
5. Only once payment has been made, will the face to face legal consultation be confirmed.
6. Bear in mind that the date and time of the legal consultation is subject to change on either our part or the potential client’s part. Hence the potential client is free to change the date and time should they later find a more convenient date or time.

Free legal products if you live in Constantia

1. Free Basic Will Tool Kit
2. Free Shariah Will Template
3. Free Divorce Starter Tool Kit
4. Free Child Maintenance Calculator
5. Free DIY Urgent Child Contact Toolkit
6. Urgent Holiday Contact Toolkit