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 Kimberley?

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?

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:

• 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.

I’m searching for the top and best divorce attorney in Cape Town

When is it necessary to hire a lawyer during a divorce?

How do I find a good divorce attorney or Trust Account Advocate?

What do people fight over in divorces?

Finding the best divorce lawyer for your needs is crucial to ensuring a smooth and fair divorce process. Here are some steps to help you find the right divorce attorney:

1. Determine Your Needs:
   • Assess your divorce situation. Is it amicable or contentious? Do you have complex financial assets or child custody issues? Knowing your needs will help you find an Advocate or attorney with the right expertise.
2. Seek Recommendations:
   • Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have gone through divorce for recommendations. Personal referrals can be valuable.
3. Research Online:
   • Look for divorce lawyers in your area through online directories, legal websites, the Legal Practice Council, and law societies.  Read reviews and check ratings.
4. Interview Multiple Attorneys:
   • Schedule initial consultations with a few trusattorneys to discuss your case. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations. Prepare questions to ask them, such as:
     • What is your experience with divorce cases similar to mine?
     • What is your approach to handling divorce cases?
     • How do you charge for your services (hourly rate, flat fee, retainer)?
     • Do you have references or past clients I can contact?
     • What is your availability for meetings and communication?
5. Assess Communication:
   • Pay attention to how well the trust account advocate or attorney communicates with you during the initial consultation. You want someone who listens, understands your concerns, and can explain legal concepts clearly.
6. Check for Compatibility:
   • Choose an attorney or account advocate you feel comfortable working with. Trust and a good working relationship are essential in divorce cases.
7. Evaluate Experience and Specialization:
   • Look for a lawyer or account advocate with extensive experience in divorce and family law. Specialization in divorce cases ensures they have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and procedures.
8. Consider Cost:
   • Discuss fees and payment options upfront. Make sure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services and if there are any hidden costs.
9. Review Client Testimonials and Case History:
   • Ask for references or access to client testimonials and case results. This can give you an idea of the attorney’s track record.
10. Verify Credentials:
    • Ensure the attorney or account advocate is licensed to practice law in South Africa and a Legal Practice Council member.
11. Trust Your Instincts:
    • Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when selecting a divorce lawyer. Choose someone who makes you feel confident and supported during this challenging time.

Best advice on finding a top divorce lawyer for your divorce case in Muizenberg, Cape Town

• Gender of the Advocate or attorney;
• Location of the Advocate or attorney;
• Experience of the Advocate or attorney;
• Costs of the Advocate or Attorney; and
• The personality of the Advocate or Attorney.

What is the best gender of the Advocate or Attorney I need to use for my divorce? Is a male or female better?

What is the ideal office location of the Advocate or attorney? Does it have to be in Muizenberg?

What level of experience should the Advocate or attorney have?

What about the Costs of an Attorney or Advocate?

What about the personality of the Advocate or Attorney?

What is our best advice to a client looking for an Advocate or Attorney in a divorce matter?

Top tips from a Senior Family Law Advocate on how to deal with your Child Custody matter in the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

Family law legal matters can be very stressful. This is so whether you live in Potchefstroom or any other city in South Africa. Especially so if you have no idea how the legal processes work. It is one thing to know that you are entitled to child support, but it is a totally different matter to know the law and procedure on how to claim child support. Luckily in child maintenance matters, the maintenance court is there to assist you in completing the application form. However, many times that is not enough. Especially so if the other parent has a lawyer and knows how to present the case for his or her client.

This article, however, deals with some top tips in care and contact or custody matters in the Children’s Court in Potchefstroom. It would explain the processes involved and advise on how to be best prepared for your matter. This advice is applicable whether you live in Potchefstroom or any other city in South Africa.

What to do before visiting the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

Before you approach the Children’s Court in Potchefstroom, first try to resolve the issues with the other parent. Therefore, if you want more contact with your child and the other parent is refusing, try to resolve the matter first with that parent. If that does not work, try mediation. The mediator can be anyone, from a trusted mutual friend, priest, or other religious leaders, or a professional like an attorney, psychologist, or the office of the Family Advocate. Potchefstroom has many professionals that can assist you in this regard. If resolving the matter by yourselves is not possible, or mediation fails, then we suggest you approach the Potchefstroom Children’s Court for assistance.

TIP: Focus on getting someone neutral to assist in mediating your matter. Organisations like FAMSA and FAMAC can be of assistance. Google them.

Approaching the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

The Potchefstroom Children’s Court should be approached if it is the closest Children’s Court to you. You need to verify with the Potchefstroom Children’s Court that you fall under their area of jurisdiction. If not, they would direct you to which Children’s Court is applicable to you.

Once you arrive at the Potchefstroom Children’s Court, they will provide you with a form headed “Bringing Matter to Court in Terms of Section 53 Children’s Act, 2005 (Act no. 38 of 2005) Regulation Relating to Children’s Court and International Child Abduction, 2008 [Regulation 6]. This form is also called Form 2.

In this form, you will provide all your particulars and that of the child or children and the other parent. The sections in the form are as follows:

• PART A: PARTICULARS OF CHILD(REN)
• PART B: PARTICULARS OF *CHILD WHO IS AFFECTED BY OR INVOLVED IN THE MATTER/PERSON *ACTING IN THE INTEREST OF THE CHILD/*ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD WHO CANNOT ACT IN HIS/HER OWN NAME/ *MEMBER OF A GROUP OF CLASS OF CHILDREN/*IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (SECTION 53(2)
• PART C: PARTICULARS OF PERSONS HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE MATTER
• PART D: PARTICULARS OF MATTER

In part D, the following is stated which you need to provide in the form:

• Nature of matter brought to Court: (Please give full details of the matter e.g., registration/amendment of parenting plans, removal of child to safe care, children in need of care and protection, placement in youth care centers, adoption etc.
• Documents: Are there any documents relating to the matter? (If so please attach)

Once you have completed the form and attached the relevant documents to it, you must take it to a commissioner of Oaths to have it commissioned. It does not have to be in Potchefstroom.

TIP: Draft a separate affidavit explaining your case. Outline some background information and reasons why the Court should give you what you request. Attach it to Form 2.

Processing your Application at the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

Once you complete the Form A and submit it to the Clerk of the Potchefstroom Children’s Court, they will process it and allocate it a case number or reference number. The Clerk of the Court would then allocate a date to the matter and advise the parties accordingly when the court date is. Please note that some courts follow a different process for processing the application and informing the parties of the court date. Please enquire from the Court when making the application what process they follow.

TIP: Obtain the contact details of the Court for you to contact them to obtain the Court date or other information. Ask for their contact number and email address.

Appearing in the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

When notified of the Court date, both you and the other parent should attend. If you are making use of a lawyer (Advocate or Attorney), inform them timeously of the date. Depending on the Court, you may first see the Clerk or go directly to the Magistrate. The Children’s Court would do its best to try to resolve the matter. If the parents cannot come to an agreement, the Children’s Court may postpone the matter for either of the following:

• Get a social worker involved in the matter;
• Appoint a legal representative for the minor child;
• Implement interim care and contact arrangements;
• Having the parties attempt to agree on a parenting plan;
•  

In serious matters, the Court may remove the minor child from both parents and place the child in foster care. The powers of the Children’s Court are extensive. It will, however, focus on what is in the child’s best interests.

TIP: Be as vocal as possible. Do not expect the Court to be understanding of your case or be on your side. It is your duty to explain your case and provide the Court with all the relevant information they require for them to make a fair decision.

Finalising the matter in the Potchefstroom Children’s Court

Once the Potchefstroom Children’s Court has enough information to make a final decision, it will do so. Depending on the facts of the matter, that could either be making a Parenting Plan, an Order of the Court or a final care and contact Order. The Court may even make further interim orders, where the parties are to return to Court after a few months, or a year later.

TIP: Do not agree to something just because the social worker, a lawyer, or the Court suggest it. You need to be happy with what is decided.

The above Potchefstroom Children’s Court Application tips should apply to the following provinces and cities:

Eastern Cape:

Alice, Butterworth, East London, Graaff-Reinet, Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Mthatha

Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Uitenhage, Zwelitsha

Free State:

Bethlehem. Bloemfontein, Jagersfontein, Kroonstad, Odendaalsrus, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Sasolburg, Virginia, Welkom

Gauteng:

Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Carletonville, Germiston, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, Pretoria, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging

KwaZulu-Natal:

Durban, Empangeni, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Ulundi, Umlazi

Limpopo:

Giyani, Lebowakgomo, Musina, Phalaborwa, Polokwane, Seshego, Sibasa, Thabazimbi

Mpumalanga:

Emalahleni, Nelspruit, Secunda, North West, Klerksdorp, Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Northern Cape, Kimberley, Kuruman, Port Nolloth

Western Cape:

Bellville, Potchefstroom, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester

Top tips and tricks from a Senior Family Law Advocate on claiming maintenance for a five-year-old child in Zwelitsha.

Child Maintenance is the right of the child, and not that of the parent. It is also not a privilege granted to parents who must pay it. It is their duty to pay child maintenance and support their children. Once the child is self-supporting (being able to care for him or herself), the obligation falls away. This can happen when the child is 18, 20, or even 30. It all depends on the circumstances of the case.

Claiming child maintenance for your child in Zwelitsha

Whether you claim child maintenance in Zwelitsha, or any other city in South Africa, the procedures would be the same. There are however two (2) courts that can deal with child maintenance matters. That is a divorce court, in a divorce matter, and a Child Maintenance Court. For this article, we will focus on claiming maintenance in a Maintenance Court matter in Zwelitsha.

The maintenance scenario – Zwelitsha South Africa

In this article, we will deal with the following fictitious scenario, in a child maintenance matter:

1. The Child is seven years old and attends school in Zwelitsha
2. The child is cared for by the mother who works in Zwelitsha
3. The mother works and earns a Salary of R 10 000
4. The father sees the child every second weekend. He also lives and works in Zwelitsha
5. The child’s monthly expenses are R 6000 – 00 which includes food, clothing, accommodation, education, travel etc.
6. The father earns a reasonable salary and can afford the R 20 000 – 00 per month
7. The mother claims R 4 000 – 00 maintenance as the father earns double her salary

What is the first step the mother must take in claiming child maintenance?

The first thing the mother must do is work out exactly what the child costs by item. She breaks down the minor child’s living expenses, starting from rent or accommodation to groceries to school fees etc. Once she has done that, she would need to determine what exactly does the minor child cost per month, seeing that she will be asking the father to contribute towards that. As best as possible, she needs to collect proof of expenses. This can be in the form of receipts.

How does she start the legal process?

The mother now needs to approach the maintenance court in the area where she lives or works to lodge a complaint for child maintenance. If she lives or works in Zwelitsha, it would be the maintenance court in Zwelitsha. She will complete a Form A wherein she will provide all the expenses for her and the minor child. She would also have to stipulate her income. Once she completed the form and submitted it to the maintenance court, she must then follow the next step.

What do you do while waiting for the maintenance court date?

While you wait to be informed of the court date by the Maintenance Court of Zwelitsha, and up until the actual first court date, you need to ensure that you keep a record of all income and expenses for you and the child. This is very important as the court allocates maintenance based on recent income and expenses.

What happens at the first court appearance at the Zwelitsha Maintenance Court?

Once you have been notified of the maintenance court date by the Zwelitsha Maintenance Court, you need to ensure that you attend it. On that day, both you and the father of the child would appear before a maintenance officer. The maintenance officer would go through both your income and expenses as well as that of the father. If all the relevant information is not before the maintenance court, then the matter may be postponed in order for the parties to submit it.

The maintenance officer will try to settle the matter and have the parents come to an agreement regarding the amount of child maintenance to be paid. If they cannot come to an agreement regarding the child maintenance to be paid, the matter would have to proceed to a formal hearing or trial before a Magistrate.

How does the Maintenance Court hearing or trial work in Zwelitsha?

Essentially, the maintenance court is called upon to make a fair ruling regarding what is a fair amount of child support that needs to be paid. For that to happen, the parents would have to give evidence in that regard. The mother would present to the court what the child costs, what she contributes and what she requires the other parent to pay. The Father would have a right to question the mother and to present evidence as to why he cannot afford the amount requested or why he feels it is an unfair amount. The mother can they also question him.

At the end of the day, the Zwelitsha Maintenance Court would be able to properly determine what is a fair and adequate amount of child maintenance to pay after being presented will all relevant information. The Zwelitsha Maintenance Court should play an active role in determining what is a fair amount of child maintenance the father should pay.

The above child maintenance application principles should apply to the following provinces and cities:

Eastern Cape:

Alice, Butterworth, East London, Graaff-Reinet, Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Mthatha

Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Uitenhage, Zwelitsha

Free State:

Bethlehem. Bloemfontein, Jagersfontein, Kroonstad, Odendaalsrus, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Sasolburg, Virginia, Welkom

Gauteng:

Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Carletonville, Germiston, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, Pretoria, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging

KwaZulu-Natal:

Durban, Empangeni, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Ulundi, Umlazi

Limpopo:

Giyani, Lebowakgomo, Musina, Phalaborwa, Polokwane, Seshego, Sibasa, Thabazimbi

Mpumalanga:

Emalahleni, Nelspruit, Secunda, North West, Klerksdorp, Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Northern Cape, Kimberley, Kuruman, Port Nolloth

Western Cape:

Bellville, Zwelitsha, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester

I want to relocate from South Africa to Spain with my minor child. The other parent does not want my child to relocate to Spain. What can I do?

Why do I require the other parent’s Consent to relocate to Spain?

What are Parental Responsibilities and Rights of a parent in relation to a child?

When would the other parent be seen as a guardian in the case of a relocation matter to Spain?

Mother’s Consent for relocation of the minor child to Spain

Married father’s Consent for the relocation of the minor child to Spain

Consent of unmarried fathers for the relocation of their minor children to Spain.

What do you do if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child relocating to Spain?

How do I strategies my child maintenance case? I am struggling to grasp how to approach my maintenance matter. Please give me some advice?

Understand the maintenance laws and how it works

What are the basic principles in a child maintenance matter?

You need to focus on two words, “reasonable”, and “necessary.”

Look at the means or money available in the maintenance equation

Remember, parents have to live as well (They also have expenses)

Analyse the situation from all angles

Are the parents spending reasonably?

Create arguments to support your point of view

Happy Father’s Day 2020

Obtain advice from Felicity An Guest

Passport Application for a minor child: Mother cannot find the father to provide the necessary consent at the Department of Home Affairs. The Application is therefore refused.