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

Do you live in Somerset West, and are you considering divorcing your spouse? Or have you been threatened with divorce? Either way, a divorce is a legal matter, and it is best to find sound legal advice or assistance. Furthermore, divorcing someone has potential severe legal consequences you may not know of. The first consequence, of course, is that you are no longer married to your former spouse, and there is no legal obligation to maintain each other (unless you qualify for alimony). You may also not inherit from your former spouse’s intestate. Lastly, and obviously, you are free to marry someone else. However, do you know of the proprietary (property) consequences of getting a divorce? What about the assets and debt you and your spouse incurred in Somerset West or elsewhere during your marriage? Do you know what should happen to it? If not, it is best you find out about these critical aspects and others before getting divorced. Then there is the issue of parental responsibilities and rights after the divorce should there be minor children involved. This article aims to provide guidance on finding the best attorney or advocate for your divorce matter that can adequately and properly advise you or handle your divorce. The advice would apply whether you live in Somerset West or anywhere else in South Africa. The issues we shall deal with are the following.

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?

Generally, the gender of your Advocate or Attorney should not play a role at all in a legal matter. However, depending on your background and the issues involved in your divorce, you may prefer a specific gender where you may feel more comfortable. A female who has been emotionally, physically and psychologically abused may be more comfortable with a female Attorney or Advocate. However, the same female client may prefer a male Advocate or Attorney. No more will be said on this issue.

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

The location or office of your attorney or Advocate is essential if you wish to consult with them in person. It is also ideal, but not necessary, for their offices to be close to the Court where the divorce would be handled. However, many lawyers make use of correspondent lawyers for this purpose. Furthermore, location should not be an issue if you want a specific lawyer to handle your case. This is so especially seeing that people are making use of virtual meetings.

What level of experience should the Advocate or attorney have?

It is important to remember that not all legal matters require the best lawyer. If your divorce is straightforward, finding the best lawyer in the field is unnecessary. The best may be very busy and lack the time to give your case the attention it deserves. However, if your matter is complicated, then in that case, the most experienced and best lawyer out there is not warranted.

What about the Costs of an Attorney or Advocate?

For many, the costs of the Attorney or Advocate are the most crucial consideration when it comes to enlisting their services. Usually, the more experienced the Attorney or Advocate, the more they would charge. Another aspect that affects costs is the nature of the expertise of the Advocate or Attorney. If the issues in your matter are highly technical and complicated, an Advocate or Attorney with expertise and experience may charge more.

What about the personality of the Advocate or Attorney?

Many may discard the Advocate or Attorney’s personality as not important. However, it is essential to note that it may be time to change lawyers if you do not get along well with the Advocate or Attorney because of their personality. A lawyer and their client would develop a professional relationship in family law matters. This is especially so when the lawyer must discuss many personal issues regarding you, your marriage, children, finance, spouse etc. If you cannot get along well with your Attorney or Advocate, you may not divulge important information relevant to your case.

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

Considering all the factors mentioned above, before enlisting the services of an Advocate or Attorney, ensure you enlist the right one. Do not look for the most experience or best, or the top one in family law. You may have to change lawyers if you do so and cannot afford legal bills. Therefore consider the above and any other factors that you may consider necessary when deciding on enlisting the services of an Advocate or an Attorney. Best of luck.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

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

However, do you know of the proprietary (property) consequences of getting a divorce? What about the assets and debt you and your spouse incurred in Somerset West or elsewhere during your marriage? Do you know what should happen to it? If not, it is best you find out about these critical aspects and others before getting divorced.

Then there is the issue of parental responsibilities and rights after the divorce should there be minor children involved. This article aims to provide guidance on finding the best attorney or advocate for your divorce matter that can adequately and properly advise you or handle your divorce. The advice would apply whether you live in Somerset West or anywhere else in South Africa. The issues we shall deal with are the following.

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 Somerset West?

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?

What is child maintenance / child support?
The terms “child maintenance” or “child support” is pretty much self-explanatory. To put it simply, it is when both parents sees to the needs and well-being of their child / children. Needs can be classified as food, clothes, education, medical expenses and other general maintenance of the child’s living costs.
Child Maintenance Law
This is where the guidance and help of a family law legal professional comes in handy. To understand the rules and regulations that govern child maintenance/child support, expert legal advice is required from a professional. The Child Support Act is there to ensure that both parents fulfill their legal obligations towards their child/children. In other words, the Act ensures that parents continue taking care of their children even after divorce. Child Maintenance includes the basic necessities such as:
Shelter
Clothing
Medical Care
Schooling
Food
Any legal executions regarding maintenance shall be carried out in accordance with the Child Maintenance Act.

Maintenance Court Procedure

Find out where about is the closest magistrates’ court in your area and pay them a visit. It is however, important to bring along the necessary documents such as:

Birth certificate of your child/children.
Your identity document.
Proof of residence.
A divorce settlement.
Proof of your monthly income and expenses.
The personal details of the parent required to pay maintenance such as their name, surname physical and work address.
Copy of your bank statement.

Maintenance Court Procedure

When undergoing the process of claiming maintenance, you will have to fill in a detailed form stipulated by the Magistrate’s Court. This form shall request all details regarding your income and expenses. The form will cover essential expenses such as clothing, food, medical expenses and other relevant bills. Lighter expenses such as entertainment, pocket money and so forth, are also included in the “expenses” section. Expenses of parents and the child are however, listed separately. The court however, will take a number of factors into consideration when stipulating the amount of maintenance that should be paid. Both parent’s income will be analysed and the court’s decision will be based accordingly.

Child maintenance calculator

Many people do not proceed with claiming child maintenance because they do not know if they have a case. This is minimized by making use of the calculator which would assist you with the following:

To have an idea on how much maintenance you should be receiving from the other parent of your child;
How much maintenance you should be paying; and
Assist in reaching a mutual agreement with the other parent due to having a more accurate idea of how much either parent should be contributing to the child or children’s living expenses.

Download your free child maintenance calculator today. Start calculating today and find out how much to claim or pay with our free child maintenance calculator.

Child Maintenance office numbers

Our Lawyer Pty Ltd offers a range of family law legal services for your convenience. You can find our office in the heart of the buzzing CBD at Suit 702, 7^th Floor, The Pinnacle, corner of Strand and burg Street. Feel free to visit us at our offices in a safe, central setting and enjoy professional, confidential, legal consultations at its best. Call our legal offices today and have your legal appointment booked online for a legal consultation in child maintenance. Our Lawyer Pty Ltd is highly accommodating towards its clients and believe in making life easier for its clients. This is why we have decided to initiate an online appointment system as well as an online platform in which you can share your thoughts and post your legal questions. Connect with us today!

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

How do I find a property law firm in Cape Town that fits your needs?

Are you in the market to sell your home, flat, or immovable property? If that is the case, you may require the services of a property lawyer. The same may apply should you wish to become a purchaser of immovable property. The sale of immovable property is a legal transaction. Furthermore, it needs to be registered in the name of the purchaser. Having the right property lawyer on your side can avoid many issues in the future. Here are some tips:

Define Your Needs: Identify the specific legal services you require (e.g., family law, criminal defence, corporate law).
Research Online: Use legal directories;
Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for client reviews and ratings to gauge the firm’s reputation and client satisfaction.
Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who may have had similar legal needs for personal recommendations.
Evaluate Experience: Consider the firm’s experience in your specific legal issue, including years in practice and case outcomes.
Schedule Consultations: Many firms offer free or less expensive consultations. Use this opportunity to meet attorneys, discuss your case, and assess their communication style.
Assess Costs: Inquire about fees and billing practices. Understand whether they charge hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees.
Trust Your Instincts: Choose a firm that you feel comfortable with and confident in their ability to handle your case.
Verify Credentials: Check the attorneys’ qualifications and any disciplinary history.
Consider Location: Proximity can be important for ease of communication and meetings.

Taking the time to research and evaluate different firms will help you find the right fit for your legal needs.

Father being refused contact to his child! What are his rights as a Father?

The concept of Family

Fam-i-ly. A three-syllable word, that means so much. The concept of family is a very broad one and one that takes more than one form. There is the traditional form, and a more modern one. When you say “she is family”, you may be referring to your father’s cousin, a grandparent, or a niece. However, people most often referred to are those closest to you, referring to blood relations, for example, a parent or child. The most basic social unit of what a family comprises of – two parents and in most cases a child.

We are conveniently located in the Pinnacle Building, in the Cape Town CBD. Click here to call us on (021) 4243487 or send us an email.

However, the law now sees people as family who are not necessary married to each other in law, but who may be cohabiting as life partners, bringing a more modern concept to it. As the law recognises family relations, it therefore imposes certain rights, obligations, and certain restraints when it comes to family. For example, spouses have a legal obligation to maintain each other, and you may not marry your sibling. Another example is that of inheritance, even if you never knew you had a child, at your death, he or she would inherit from you if you die intestate, all just because, you are Fam-i-ly.

What is a father?

This article deals with the legal relationship between a biological father and a child. Not all men are blessed with being referred to as a father. In order to be a father, you have to be a male parent to a child. The child must have been born from you. And therefore, every child can only have one father. However, from the moment you became a father, the law imposed certain rights and responsibilities. These responsibilities will remain until you or your child’s demise. The scope of this article is not to stipulate what a good or bad father is. It is to outline what the responsibilities and rights of a father are towards his child.

What are the father’s rights towards his child?

This article is inspired by the fact that many fathers who are not in a marital, or romantic relationship with the mother of his child, are refused the rights to exercise his parental rights and responsibilities towards his child. In South Africa, we have the Children’s Act 38 (Act 38 of 2005), which came into effect on 1 April 2010. Here section 10 of the Act is of use. It defines parental responsibilities and rights, which includes the right to care for the child, to maintain contact with the child, to act as guardian of the child; and to contribute to the maintenance of the child. Fathers of children born out of wedlock does not automatically have rights towards their child. In order for you to form part of such a child’s life you need to fulfil the requirements of section 21 of the Act, which basically states:

at the time of the child’s birth, you are living with the mother in a permanent life-partnership; and
you contribute or have attempted in good faith to contribute to the child’s upbringing for a reasonable period;
you contribute or have attempted in good faith to contribute towards expenses in connection with the maintenance of the child for a reasonable period.

Many fathers would have been married to the mother. Others would have meaningfully partook in the child’s life from birth. Therefore, there should generally be no difference between a child born from a marriage and a child born outside of a marriage. To take the statement further, it is possible for a father of a child born out of wedlock to be the primary care giver of the child, where the mother is only entitled to see the child at certain times and circumstances, or not at all.

What is meant by the terms care and contact?

The question is now posed, what is meant by this right of care and contact a father has towards his child? The Act provides a very holistic understanding of the concept of care. This includes providing the child with proper accommodation, guidance, protection and so on. Basically, to do, and provide the child with whatever is in his or her best interests. Contact, on the other hand entails maintaining a personal relationship with the child, visiting or being visited by him or her, and communication with the child in various forms.

Can the mother of your child deny you contact and care rights?

Now we deal with the issue of whether or not the mother of your child can arbitrary deny you from exercising your parental responsibilities and rights of care and contact. Should a mother feel that the father of her child should have limited rights and care to his child; in order for her to limit his rights, the mother should have a very good reason for doing so. Her reason should be motivated by what is in the child’s best interest and nothing else. However, what is in the child’s best interest is an objective assessment and not a maternal one. All factors are to be considered. Therefore, by way of example, should the mother’s reason be that the father has a new girlfriend, or that she does not like his parents – that would not on the face of it be a good reason. Therefore, should the father unreasonably be refused care and contact, he can invoke the law. Should he decide to litigate, the court would assess the matter and make a ruling as to what is in the minor child’s best interest. The court may agree with the mother, or the father, or with none of them.

Final words to fathers

As a father of a child, you are legally afforded with certain parental responsibilities in relation to your child. In South African law, there is no distinction between the rights of a mother and that of a father in relation to a child if the father has full parental rights and responsibilities. However, what the law looks at is what would practically make sense when exercising those rights and responsibilities. In other words, we cannot cut the child in half. The yardstick is, what is in the child’s best interests. All families are different, with many variables at play. Therefore, if it would be in the minor child’s best interests to reside with their mother, that should happen. Even if the father only sees the child on Christmas eve, then that should be the case. However, in the same breath if it would be in the minor child’s best interest for the minor child to reside with the father and the mother to have contact once a month, then that should be enforced. Therefore, if you as a father are unreasonably being obstructed from exercising your rights of care and contact, get legal advice, and enforce your rights.

Sharing is Caring

This and other articles and posts found on this website are written by Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf to assist people with various family law related issues they may have. If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like and share it on Social Media by clicking on the icons below. For more interesting articles and information on Family Law, view our articles and Q&A page. If you have a family law related legal issue and you want someone to answer or reply to it, feel free to post it on our Family Law Blog. Therefore, kindly like and share. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.

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

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 Somerset West?

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?

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