Change your matrimonial property regime – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf – Best family lawyers attorneys South Africa

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.

Support – Frequently Asked Questions on Child Maintenance

Support and Child Maintenance: We proud ourselves on our knowledge on family law matters in South Africa. This includes issues and questions surrounding child maintenance. Feel free to browse through the this or question and answers below. Should you not find the answer to a child maintenance question you are look for, feel free to post  your divorce question here.

Child Maintenance links

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 parent?
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

How much is the average child support a parent must pay Cape Town?

How much do you get for child support in Cape Town?

How do you determine the amount of child support?

What is the average amount for child support?

How much child support will I get in Cape Town?

Is South African an alimony state?

Can you ask for retroactive child support?

How much is minimum wage in Cape Town?

What percentage do they take out of your salary for child support?

How do you calculate child support in Town?

Who is the obligor in child support?

Do I have to pay child support if I have 50 50 custody?

How much is child support for two children?

How much do you have to pay in child support?

What percentage of custody is every other weekend?

How does child support work when parents live in different provinces?

When can you modify a child support order?

Do you have to pay child support after a child turns 18?

How long will it take to get my child support?

How can I get my child support payments lowered?

What is your monthly gross income?

You would need to approach the court and prove your case. What is the definition of gross income?

How do you find your gross income?

How do I calculate my monthly salary?

How do you calculate adjusted gross income?

How do you figure out your net income?

How do you calculate monthly income when you get paid biweekly?

What is the net annual income?

What is my gross annual income?

How do you work out your weekly pay?

What is the definition of net income?

How do you determine your net pay?

What is the definition of total income?

Is total earned income gross or net?

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