Child Maintenance Saga: How a mother forced the father of her child to pay child maintenance after battling for 5 years

Maintenance Saga: When Jill was 17 years old, she met Jack. He was much older than her, working, and very charming. Jill was in her final year of high school and in love with Jack. One thing led to another, and Jill fell pregnant with his child. When she told Jack the good news, he asked her to have an abortion. She refused. Jack was then out of the picture and nowhere to be found. She did not know where he stayed, nor did she have his work details. All she had was his mobile number. This number was useless as he blocked her. The furthest thing from her mind at the time was the issue of child maintenance.

Parents finding out

Needless to say, things did not go well for Jill. Other than having to keep the fact of her pregnancy from her parents, she also had to deal with morning sickness and weight gain. After the first trimester, her parents knew something was wrong and confronted her. She told them she was pregnant. Things then just got worse. Jill’s parents took her out of school, and she was kept out of the public eye. To them, she disgraced them. What made it even worse was that Jill could not provide much information about the father of her child. Her parents, already struggling to make ends meet, had an additional burden to pay for Jill’s gynaecological visits and medication. The child was born, and Jack was still nowhere to be found. Jill named her baby James.

Realities of life

Life moved on for Jill and her child. Jill’s mother gave up her job to care for the child and Jill had to go to work. With no matric or any special skills, Jill had to get a job in retail, working the late shifts. What she earned was not enough for her and the child’s expenses. Her parents were complaining and putting pressure on her to find the father of the child to help support him. This was not the life her parents, nor she, envisaged for her.

The Shock – He was married

Jill called around, spoke to some people and found out where the father lived. It turned out, that Jack was married, since before he met Jill and has three children with his wife. When she met with Jack, he wanted nothing to do with her and said that it is not his child. He also told her that should she take him to the maintenance court, he will deny paternity. This left her despondent and she did not know what to do. He did not even want to meet the child. Jill could not leave it at that. She had to find a way to get Jack to support his child. It is unfair that he supports his other 3 children and gives nothing towards James. She finally found out what Jack did for a living. He was a self-employed graphic designer, working from home. Nonetheless, she wanted him to pay. She, however, did not know what to do.

The Maintenance Court

Two years passed and things were not getting better financially. Jill’s mother was getting old, and her father was soon to retire. With inflation, she earned about the same as she did when she first started working. Jill then spoke to some people who advised her to approach the maintenance court for assistance and advise. She then went to the Maintenance Court. She completed the Application Form and provided all relevant information. This included the home address of Jack. She then waited. Three months later, she received a letter in the post advising her of the date she needs to appear in court for the maintenance enquiry. The Court date was a month later. She then appeared at Court, and Jack was not there. The maintenance officer had no proof that Jack knew about the court date, so she had to issue a subpoena. Jill was told to leave and that she would be notified of the next date in due course. James just turned 3.

The Blood tests

Four months later, Jill, this time received a subpoena to appear in the same maintenance court. This time, she had to appear two weeks later as they took some time to get the subpoena to her. When she entered the court, she saw Jack walking with a lady wearing a suit and holding a briefcase. He did not even greet her. Jill waited outside the maintenance officer’s office and when her name was called, she entered the office where she saw Jack and his lawyer sitting. She was the same lady she saw him walking with earlier. Before Jill could say anything, the maintenance officer told Jill that Jack is disputing paternity and that she would have to go for a blood test with the child. Obviously, if Jack is not the father of James, then Jill has no right to make the application. Everything had to be kept on hold until the results were confirmed.

The paternity outcome

The first time Jack met his son James was when the blood samples were taken. Jack still wanted nothing to do with him. When they appeared back at the maintenance court 3 months later, the results were announced. Jack was 99.99999 percent the father of James. Neither Jack nor Jill was surprised with the results. But Jack’s lawyer was. She then withdrew as his lawyer. She could not represent a client who was dishonest to her. The matter, therefore, had to be postponed for legal representation. The Maintenance Court Delays Three months later, Jack and Jill again appeared before the maintenance officer. This time, Jack came with his wife. She, however, had to sit outside the office when the maintenance enquiry took place. Jack said he could not afford a lawyer and neither could Jill. When asked to produce his income and expenses, he said he did not have any. He also said that all monies he gets paid go into his banking account. But for the past 6 (six) months, he did not earn any money. The case was then postponed for Jack to bring copies of the last 6-months bank statements and for the maintenance investigator to look into the matter. The matter was then postponed for another 3 months. James was turning 4.

The paternal grandparents

When the parties appeared before the maintenance officer, Jack provided his bank statements. It depicted that he did not earn anything for the past 3 months. The maintenance investigator also could not find anything of value to show that James had money. Jill knew that Jack was lying about his income, but because he got paid in cash, there was no proof of the fact. It was then decided that they will call in the paternal grandparents to contribute towards James’s maintenance. This made Jack very nervous as his parents did not know that he had a son. Nonetheless, they were subpoenaed to Court. The matter was then again postponed for 3 months.

The maintenance settlement

When the parents of James and his grandparents appeared at the Maintenance Court, they were distraught. Never would they have thought they would ever have to visit a Court. What made it worse was that they were there because their son did not want to pay child support for his child. Embarrassed with the situation, Jack agreed to pay child support to James, on condition that his parents are kept out of the settlement. Jill agreed, and a maintenance order was granted.

Moral of the story

Never give up on claiming child maintenance for your child. Even if it takes you almost 5 years.

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 share it on Social Media. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal. Purchase a Consultation with us from our Online Shop, by clicking here.

View some of our other Child Maintenance Articles below

[pt_view id=”ff9fb06k6j”]

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Child Maintenance Saga: How a mother forced the father of her child to pay child maintenance after battling for 5 years

Parents finding out

Realities of life

The Shock – He was married

Jill could not leave it at that. She had to find a way to get Jack to support his child. It is unfair that he supports his other 3 children and gives nothing towards James. She finally found out what Jack did for a living. He was a self-employed graphic designer, working from home. Nonetheless, she wanted him to pay. She, however, did not know what to do.

The Maintenance Court

The Blood tests

The paternity outcome

The Maintenance Court Delays

Three months later, Jack and Jill again appeared before the maintenance officer. This time, Jack came with his wife. She, however, had to sit outside the office when the maintenance enquiry took place. Jack said he could not afford a lawyer and neither could Jill. When asked to produce his income and expenses, he said he did not have any. He also said that all monies he gets paid go into his banking account. But for the past 6 (six) months, he did not earn any money. The case was then postponed for Jack to bring copies of the last 6-months bank statements and for the maintenance investigator to look into the matter. The matter was then postponed for another 3 months. James was turning 4.

The paternal grandparents

The maintenance settlement

Moral of the story

Never give up on claiming child maintenance for your child. Even if it takes you almost 5 years.

Sharing is Caring

Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.

Purchase a Consultation with us from our Online Shop, by clicking here.

View some of our other Child Maintenance Articles below

[pt_view id=”ff9fb06k6j”]

[caption id="attachment_10799" align="alignnone" width="720"] Relocation consent for minor child to Brazil – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf[/caption]
I want to relocate from South Africa to Brazil with my minor child. The other parent does not want my child to relocate to Brazil. What can I do?
Brazil is a popular destination to emigrate to. People emigrate from South Africa for many reasons. It ranges from better employment opportunities, family relations, or for a better standard of living. Whatever the reason a parent wants to relocate to Brazil, if a minor child will be joining that parent and also relocating to Brazil, then the parent remaining in South Africa’s consent would usually be required. Let us unpack the legal issues a parent may encounter when wanting to emigrate to Brazil. Before we do so, let us list the various cities and towns in Brazil to which you may want to relocate: Acre, Rio Branco, Alagoas, Maceió, União dos Palmares, Amapá, Macapá, Amazonas, Itacoatiara, Manaus, Tefé, Bahia, Alagoinhas, Feira de Santana, Ilhéus, Itabuna, Jequié, Juazeiro, Paulo Afonso, Salvador, Vitória da Conquista, Ceará, Aracati, Crato, Fortaleza, Juazeiro do Norte, Sobral, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Espírito Santo, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Colatina, Fundão, Vila Velha, Vitória, Goiás, Anápolis, Catalão, Goiânia, Goiás, Ipameri, Jataí, Maranhão, Alcântara, Caxias, São Luís, Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Corumbá, Três Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Araguari, Barbacena, Belo Horizonte, Congonhas, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Diamantina, Divinópolis, Governador Valadares, Juiz de Fora, Mariana, Montes Claros, Nova Lima, Ouro Prêto, Passos, Patos de Minas, Poços de Caldas, Sabará, São João del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Teófilo Otoni, Uberaba, Uberlândia, Pará, Belém, Bragança, Monte Alegre, Óbidos, Santarém, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Campina Grande, João Pessoa, Paraná, Curitiba, Londrina, Maringá, Paranaguá, Ponta Grossa, Pernambuco, Caruaru, Garanhuns, Jaboatão, Olinda, Petrolândia, Petrolina, Recife, Piauí, Floriano, Parnaíba, Teresina, Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis, Barra Mansa, Campos dos Goytacazes, Copacabana, Duque de Caxias, Nilópolis, Niterói, Nova Friburgo, Nova Iguaçu, Petrópolis, Resende, Rio de Janeiro, São Gonçalo, São João de Meriti, Teresópolis, Volta Redonda, Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Natal, Rio Grande do Sul, Bagé, Bento Gonçalves, Canoas, Caxias do Sul, Novo Hamburgo, Passo Fundo, Pelotas, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande, Santa Maria, São Leopoldo, Uruguaiana, Rondônia, Guajará-Mirim, Pôrto Velho, Roraima, Boa Vista, Santa Catarina, Blumenau, Criciúma, Florianópolis, Itajaí, Lajes, Tubarão, São Paulo, Americana, Araçatuba, Araraquara, Barretos, Bauru, Botucatu, Campinas, Catanduva, Cubatão, Franca, Guaratinguetá, Guarujá, Guarulhos, Itapetininga, Jacareí, Jaú, Jundiaí, Limeira, Marília, Mogi das Cruzes, Osasco, Ourinhos, Piracicaba, Presidente Prudente, Ribeirão Prêto, Rio Claro, Santo André, Santos, São Bernardo do Campo, São Caetano do Sul, São Carlos, São José do Rio Prêto, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, São Vicente, Sorocaba, Taubaté, Sergipe, Aracaju, São Cristóvão, Tocantins, Palmas. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-cities-and-towns-in-Brazil-2055400)
Why do I require the other parent’s Consent to relocate to Brazil?
According to South African law, if you are a co-holder of parental responsibilities and rights over your minor child, you must consent to your child leaving South Africa. In this case, relocating to Brazil. Here we refer to section 18 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The entire provision is as follows: 18 Parental responsibilities and rights (1) A person may have either full or specific parental responsibilities and rights in respect of a child. (2) The parental responsibilities and rights that a person may have in respect of a child, include the responsibility and the right- (a) to care for the child; (b) to maintain contact with the child; (c) to act as guardian of the child; and (d) to contribute to the maintenance of the child. (3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), a parent or other person who acts as guardian of a child must- (a) administer and safeguard the child’s property and property interests; (b) assist or represent the child in administrative, contractual and other legal matters; or (c) give or refuse any consent required by law in respect of the child, including- (i) consent to the child’s marriage; (ii) consent to the child’s adoption; (iii) consent to the child’s departure or removal from the Republic; (iv) consent to the child’s application for a passport; and (v) consent to the alienation or encumbrance of any immovable property of the child. (4) Whenever more than one person has guardianship of a child, each one of them is competent, subject to subsection (5), any other law or any order of a competent court to the contrary, to exercise independently and without the Consent of the other any right or responsibility arising from such guardianship. (5) Unless a competent court orders otherwise, the Consent of all the persons that have guardianship of a child is necessary in respect of matters set out in subsection (3)(c). Now let us explain what Parental Responsibilities and Rights are.
What are Parental Responsibilities and Rights of a parent in relation to a child?
As can be seen from section 18(2) of the Children’s Act, when we refer to Parental Responsibilities and Rights, we refer to the following: (a) to care for the child; (b) to maintain contact with the child; (c) to act as guardian of the child; and (d) to contribute to the maintenance of the child. Therefore, if a parent has parental responsibilities and rights over a minor child, and accordingly, rights of guardianship, their Consent is required when it comes to issues of guardianship. As seen from section 18(3)(c) of the Children’s Act above, both parents’ Consent is required should a minor child depart from the Republic of South Africa. In this case, to emigrate to Brazil. Even if the minor child only wants to go for a short holiday to Brazil, both guardians’ Consent would be required.
When would the other parent be seen as a guardian in the case of a relocation matter to Brazil?
It must be noted that not all parents are legal guardians over their minor children. We should therefore distinguish between married or divorced parents and parents who were never married. As you would see below, usually married, or divorced parents’ Consent would be required for a minor child to relocate or emigrate to Brazil. However, that does not automatically apply to parents who were never married. This could be because the child could have been born from a brief encounter and never met his or her father. It would not make sense that a parent who never met his or her 15-year-old child, should give Consent for relocation to Brazil.
Mother’s Consent for relocation of the minor child to Brazil
Section 19 of the Children’s Act deals with the Parental responsibilities and rights of mothers. It states the following: 19 Parental responsibilities and rights of mothers (1) The biological mother of a child, whether married or unmarried, has full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child. (2) If- (a) the biological mother of a child is an unmarried child who does not have guardianship in respect of the child; and (b) the biological father of the child does not have guardianship in respect of the child, the guardian of the child’s biological mother is also the guardian of the child. (3) This section does not apply in respect of a child who is the subject of a surrogacy agreement. As seen from section 19(1) of the Children’s Act, in most cases involving the relocation of a minor child to Brazil, the mother’s Consent is required as she has full parental responsibilities and rights over the minor child.
Married father’s Consent for the relocation of the minor child to Brazil
Section 20 of the Children’s Act deals with Parental responsibilities and rights of married fathers. It states the following: 20 Parental responsibilities and rights of married fathers The biological father of a child has full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child- (a) if he is married to the child’s mother; or (b) if he was married to the child’s mother at (i) the time of the child’s conception; (ii) the time of the child’s birth; or (iii) any time between the child’s conception and birth. As can be seen from sections 20 (a) and (b) of the Children’s Act, if the father and the mother were married, or are married, then his Consent is required for the minor child to relocate to Brazil. Of course, an exception to this would be should a court of law order otherwise. This would be the case should the parents be divorced and the divorce court ordered that only the mother may act as guardian. Next, we deal with the issue of an unmarried father’s Consent to relocate a minor child to Brazil.
Consent of unmarried fathers for the relocation of their minor children to Brazil.
Section 21 of the Children’s Act deals with parental responsibilities and rights of unmarried fathers. The section states the following: 21 Parental responsibilities and rights of unmarried fathers (1) The biological father of a child who does not have parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child in terms of section 20, acquires full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child- (a) if at the time of the child’s birth he is living with the mother in a permanent life-partnership; or (b) if he, regardless of whether he has lived or is living with the mother- (i) consents to be identified or successfully applies in terms of section 26 to be identified as the child’s father or pays damages in terms of customary law; (ii) contributes or has attempted in good faith to contribute to the child’s upbringing for a reasonable period; and (iii) contributes or has attempted in good faith to contribute towards expenses in connection with the maintenance of the child for a reasonable period. (2) This section does not affect the duty of a father to contribute towards the maintenance of the child. (3) (a) If there is a dispute between the biological father referred to in subsection (1) and the biological mother of a child with regard to the fulfilment by that father of the conditions set out in subsection (1) (a) or (b), the matter must be referred for mediation to a family advocate, social worker, social service professional or other suitably qualified person. (b) Any party to the mediation may have the outcome of the mediation reviewed by a court. (4) This section applies regardless of whether the child was born before or after the commencement of this Act. As can be seen from the latter sections, a father of a child born out of wedlock does not automatically have parental responsibilities and rights over his minor child. He may however acquire those parental responsibilities and rights over his minor child if he is materially involved in the child’s life. That would be where the father and the mother were in a permanent life partnership when the child was born or he is meaningfully involved in the child’s life, as outlined above. We shall not go into much detail regarding that. However, in most cases, if the father had regular contact with the child and paid child support, he would have acquired parental responsibilities and rights over the minor child.
What do you do if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child relocating to Brazil?
Suppose the other parent also has parental responsibilities and rights over the minor child, and he or she does not want to consent to the relocation of the minor child to Brazil, then in such a case, the Court needs to be approached. Here I refer you back to section 18(5) of the Children’s Act referred to above where it states: (5) Unless a competent court orders otherwise, the Consent of all the persons that have guardianship of a child is necessary in respect of matters set out in subsection (3)(c). Therefore, after your Court Application has been launched an both sides have been heard, the Court would make the necessary Order. If you are successful in your application for the relocation of your minor children to Brazil, then the Court will make an Order similar to that which is shown below. [caption id="attachment_10798" align="alignnone" width="694"] Relocation consent for minor child to Brazil – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10799" align="alignnone" width="690"] Relocation consent for minor child to Brazil – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf[/caption]

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I want to appeal to the Constitutional Court with my Case. Please refer me to an appeal advocate
As an appeal lawyer (advocate or attorney) in South Africa, you play a crucial role in the judicial system, helping clients navigate the complex process of appealing court decisions. You would either appeal to the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, or the Constitutional Court. Clients who find themselves in the unfortunate position of needing to appeal a court decision should strongly consider enlisting the services of an experienced appeal lawyer (advocate or attorney). Here are several compelling reasons why clients must use an appeal lawyer (advocate or attorney) for their court appeals:
Specialised Expertise in the Law and the Constitution
Appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) specialize in the appellate process. They have a deep understanding of the law and procedural rules that govern appeals. By leveraging their specialised expertise, appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) can craft strong legal arguments and navigate the complexities of the appellate court system with precision and skill.
Strategic Approach in Legal and Constitutional matters
Appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) are skilled at developing strategic approaches to appeals. They can analyse the facts of a case, identify legal errors, and craft persuasive arguments to present to the appeal court. With their strategic approach, appeal lawyers can significantly increase the chances of a successful appeal. This is especially so as you area appearing the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal or Constitutional Court.
Experience in Appellate Courts
Appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) have experience appearing before appeal courts. They are familiar with the nuances of appeal practice and know how to effectively advocate for their clients in this unique legal setting. This experience can be invaluable in ensuring that clients’ appeals are presented in the best possible light.
Effective Argument Writing
Writing a compelling appeal argument is a critical component of a successful appeal. Appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) have honed their skills in writing persuasive legal arguments that resonate with appeal judges. By entrusting an appeal lawyer (advocate or attorney) with the task of drafting the appeal brief, clients can rest assured that their arguments will be presented in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
Knowledge of Precedent
Appeal lawyers (advocate or attorney) have a deep knowledge of legal precedent. They can draw on previous court decisions to bolster their arguments and establish a strong legal foundation for the appeal. By citing relevant precedent, appeal lawyers can strengthen their clients’ positions and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Emotional Distance
Court appeals can be emotionally charged and stressful for clients. By hiring an appeal lawyer, clients can benefit from the emotional distance that a legal professional can provide. Appeal lawyers can offer objective advice, help clients see the bigger picture, and provide much-needed support during the appellate process. In conclusion, clients facing court appeals should seriously consider enlisting the services of an appeal lawyer (advocate or attorney). Appeal lawyers bring specialised expertise, strategic approaches, experience in appellate courts, effective brief writing skills, knowledge of precedent, and emotional support to the table. By partnering with an appeal lawyer, clients can maximize their chances of success in the appellate process and achieve the best possible outcome for their case.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Questions and Answers on Wills – Last Wills and Testaments

Do you have any specific question on you last Will and Testament similar to that below? If yes, feel free to post it below.

How do I write a will for free? Is a handwritten will legal? Are handwritten wills legal in Cape Town? Do you have to go to a lawyer to make a will? Can you just write a will and get it notarized? How do I go about making a will for free? What are the requirements to make a will? What is in a simple will? Is a will valid if it is not notarized? What is a holographic will? What is the average cost of making a will? What are the requirements for a valid will? Do wills have to be dated? Is a handwritten will valid in the South Africa? Can family witness a will? Who can be a witness to a will? What is a will when someone dies? What is a legal will? What is the average cost of a simple will? What is the purpose of having a will? How do you sign a will? Is a notarized document a legal document? How much does it cost to do a will? How much does it cost to have a living will? What can I do as a paralegal? How much does it cost to get a power of attorney? Can you be an executor and a witness to a will? Can a notary be a witness to a will? Can I make changes to my will? Is a will signed by a notary legal? Is a handwritten will valid? Do notaries have to witness signatures? Can a family member be a witness on a legal document? Do you have to change your will when you move house? Can you just write a will and get it notarized? Is a document legal if it is not notarized? Do both parties have to be present to have a document notarized? How do you notarize a document? Can I notarize a document already signed? Can you get something notarized online? Do you have to sign divorce papers in front of a notary? What type of notarization is a power of attorney? What is a proof of execution? What is a subscribing witness to a will? What does it mean to be a credible witness? Can a credible witness be named in a signed document? What is an unreliable witness? What is the problem with eyewitness testimony? Why eyewitness testimony is unreliable? What is eyewitness testimony in psychology? What is eyewitness memory in psychology? Why is an eyewitness account valuable? What is a reconstructed memory? What are the effects of misinformation? Why does the misinformation effect occur? What is a repressed memory? Is a handwritten will valid? Is a notarized document a legal document? Is a handwritten contract legally binding? What do you call a person who can notarize? Can you just write a will and get it notarized? What does a contract need to be valid? Can I change my will at any time? Do you need a lawyer to change your will? How do you write a codicil to a will? Can you change a will if you have power of attorney? Can a family member be a witness to a will? Who can be a witness to a will? How do I write a will for free? Do you need a lawyer to write a will? How do I make a will online for free? What is in a simple will? Do wills have to be dated? What is a will that is oral? What does testimonies? What percent of wrongful convictions based on mistaken eyewitness testimony are common? What is motivated forgetting? Do you have to have a will notarized? What are the requirements to make a will? Why do you forget things? How do you forget something? What are the effects of misinformation? Why does the misinformation effect occur? What is a repressed memory? What is a will when someone dies? What is a legal will? What is the average cost of a simple will? What is the purpose of having a will? Why is it important to have a will? What is a joint will? What is a holographic will? What is a will and a trust? Is a handwritten will legal? What is the average cost of making a will? Are online wills valid? How much does it cost to do a will? How much does it cost to have a living will? Do my wife and I need separate wills? Is a document legal if it is not notarized? Is a notarized document a legal document? Where can I get a document notarized for free? Can you get something notarized online? Do wills have to be dated? What is a will that is oral? Can a notary be a witness to a will? Do you need a lawyer to write a will?

Is it possible for an unmarried father to obtain full custody of a 10-year-old child and not the mother? – A simplified family lawyer’s perspective.

By Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf There is a common misconception that if a child was born out of wedlock; only the mother can be the primary caregiver of the child concerned. This may however generally be the case. However, it is presumed by some that if a mother cared for the child since his or her birth, the father would not be able to be the child’s primary caregiver. In other words, the child would always live with the mother, and never with the father. We do not blame our clients for thinking so. That is the stereotype. As the world changes, so does the law.

The popular scenario regarding single parenting?

We are often approached by fathers who have a child that was born out of wedlock. He and the mother most probably lived together when the child was born. But things did not work out between them. The mother moved out and lived with her parents or on her own. The father would then regularly have contact with the child. The type of contact would be decided by the mother. Now the question is, even if the child is 10 years old; is it possible for the child to be cared for by the father and live with him primarily? The answer to that is yes. This is so, as the law looks at what is best for the child concerned.

Best interests of the child principles when it comes to children

Both the South African Constitution and the Children’s Act, says that the child’s best interests are given priority. In other words, a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in matters relating to him or her. Therefore, for one to assume at the outset, that only mothers are the best primary caregivers, is not only incorrect but potentially dangerous when dealing in children’s matters. The law expects us to look at all factors, not only who historically looked after the child, but also, the possibility of whether the father can better care for the child. Moreover, as the child’s best interests are of paramount importance, deciding as to whether or not to move a child from the primary care of a mother to that of the father should not be done lightly. Therefore, even if the father, 10 years later, can on the face of it care better for the child than the mother, this should not be the deciding factor. One would also need to look at the emotional and psychological impact it would have on the child as well.

What would be an ideal situation where moving the child from the mother to the father would be warranted?

In our view, material comforts are not reason enough to move a child from the primary care of a mother to that of a father. If the father is a wealthy person, and the mother not, he can be ordered to pay more child support towards the minor child’s expenses. However, if the child is of a certain age, and he needs to have certain living conditions, and the father has it, then that would be a possible factor in granting the father primary care. For example, if the child is a gifted swimmer, and 17 years old, and in matric, and needs to train consistently, then it makes sense that the father’s living amenities may be an important factor to justify the movement of the child.

Obvious reasons to have the child primarily cared for by the father or another party

Then there is the obvious reason to move the child from the primary care of the mother to that of the father or another person. This would be because the mother is totally incapable of caring for the minor child. She may have developed a mental illness, be admitted to a drug rehabilitation facility, or neglects the child whilst in her care. In such a case, one would look at the father. If he too has issues, then the child would need to be placed in alternative care. For example, foster care, or with another relative.

Is it possible for an unmarried father to obtain full custody of a 10-year-old child?

From the above, it is clear that it is possible for an unmarried father to obtain full custody of a 10-year-old child. It all depends on the facts of the matter. Whilst mothers may be best to care for the child in his or her early age of development, once should not lose sight of the fact that the father could care better for the child. If he cannot, then the child should remain in the primary care of the mother.

We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well. Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links: Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws