legal expert, legal advice, professional expert, divorce, matrimonial property regime, Cape Town

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I am concerned about my niece’s wellbeing. Is it possible for me to obtain rights of custody and guardianship over her? The parents are still alive but divorced.
We often receive enquiries from family members of minor children wanting to know whether they can obtain rights of custody or guardianship over a minor child. The client could be a grandmother, an aunt, or in some instances, a former step-parent. Let us take you through a scenario where an aunt wishes to obtain sole custody and guardianship over a minor child. Should you be an interested party wishing to obtain parental responsibilities and rights over a minor child; feel free to contact us for a legal advice consultation.

The scenario: The minor child is being primarily cared for by the paternal aunt

The parents of a minor child, age 16, are married and living together. The minor child, who is in grade 10, frequents the home of her paternal aunt. The parents live very busy lives, and often have to travel overseas on separate business trips for extended periods. The minor child sometimes doesn’t see her parents for weeks on end. Nonetheless, she is well cared for by her aunt, during the week, and on most weekends, and whilst her parents are away on business. Basically, you can say the aunt is her primary caregiver, since birth. The aunt has her own family, however, her husband passed away before the minor child was born. She has two adult children of her own living with her. They are both at university. The minor child is very fond of them and sees them as her older siblings. She even tells her friends they are her siblings. The aunt collects the minor child from school, takes her to her extramural activities and assists her with her homework every day. She even used to bathe her at her home and makes sure she has supper before one of her parents or the driver collects her the evening. A few weeks ago, the parents separated and the father moved to a different province due to work. The mother on the other hand, who has no time for the minor child, wants her to attend boarding school. This is a different school. Her current school is close to where the aunt resides. The mother now does not want the minor child to have any contact with the aunt or any of her husband’s family. Now let us see what the law has to say about this scenario.

Do aunts and uncles have parental rights and responsibilities over their nieces and nephews?

If you are not the biological parents of a minor child, you do not have parental responsibilities and rights over him or her. In other words, you do not have a right to have contact with the minor child. If the parents do not want the aunt or uncle to visit the child; then they have to adhere to it. The same applies to decisions regarding the minor child. It is the parents who must make decisions on the minor child’s behalf. In the scenario above, the aunt can’t demand that she wants the minor child to visit her every day as she did in the past. She is welcome to ask, but if the parents refuse, that would be it. Now let us look at the law that could assist the aunt.

Does the law assist interested parties in obtaining parental responsibilities and rights?

Obviously, it won’t be in the minor child’s best interests if she is placed in a boarding school and no longer have contact with the aunt and her cousins. Luckily, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 comes to her assistance. It makes it possible for the assignment of contact and care to interested persons by order of the court. Furthermore, the Children’s Act makes it possible for a person having an interest in the care, well-being and development of a child to apply to the High Court for an order granting guardianship of the child to the applicant. In this case, it would be the aunt referred to above. Have a look at the relevant sections of the Children’s Act next. You may skip the reading of the relevant section of the Children’s Act and read on further below.

23 Assignment of contact and care to interested person by order of court

23 Assignment of contact and care to interested person by order of court (1) Any person having an interest in the care, well-being or development of a child may apply to the High Court, a divorce court in divorce matters or the children’s court for an order granting to the applicant, on such conditions as the court may deem necessary- (a) contact with the child; or (b) care of the child. (2) When considering an application contemplated in subsection (1), the court must take into account- (a) the best interests of the child; (b) the relationship between the applicant and the child, and any other relevant person and the child; (c) the degree of commitment that the applicant has shown towards the child; (d) the extent to which the applicant has contributed towards expenses in connection with the birth and maintenance of the child; and (e) any other fact that should, in the opinion of the court, be taken into account. (3) If in the course of the court proceedings it is brought to the attention of the court that an application for the adoption of the child has been made by another applicant, the court- (a) must request a family advocate, social worker or psychologist to furnish it with a report and recommendations as to what is in the best interests of the child; and (b) may suspend the first-mentioned application on any conditions it may determine. (4) The granting of care or contact to a person in terms of this section does not affect the parental responsibilities and rights that any other person may have in respect of the same child.

24 Assignment of guardianship by order of court

(1) Any person having an interest in the care, well-being and development of a child may apply to the High Court for an order granting guardianship of the child to the applicant. (2) When considering an application contemplated in subsection (1), the court must take into account- (a) the best interests of the child; (b) the relationship between the applicant and the child, and any other relevant person and the child; and (c) any other fact that should, in the opinion of the court, be taken into account. (3) In the event of a person applying for guardianship of a child that already has a guardian, the applicant must submit reasons as to why the child’s existing guardian is not suitable to have guardianship in respect of the child.

How does the law assist the aunt in the scenario above?

We would advise the aunt to make use of section 23 of the Children’s Act for the assignment of contact and care rights to her. The Application would be made to the relevant court. If she is successful, she will then still be able to have the minor child at her home after school and assist her. As the minor child is almost an adult, and her mother is around, we do not think it is necessary for her to be assigned rights of guardianship over the minor child. 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

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

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

Family law legal matters can be very stressful. This is so whether you live in Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape. 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 Northern Cape or any other city in South Africa.
What to do before visiting the Northern Cape Children’s Court
Before you approach the Children’s Court in Northern Cape, 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. Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape Children’s Court
The Northern Cape Children’s Court should be approached if it is the closest Children’s Court to you. You need to verify with the Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape.
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 Northern Cape Children’s Court
Once you complete the Form A and submit it to the Clerk of the Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape Children’s Court
Once the Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape 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, Northern Cape, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.ourlawyer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Relocation.mp4"][/video]
Frequently asked questions regarding relocation and consent when it comes to minor children
Relocation – Are you planning on relocating to another country or moving to a different province within South Africa with your minor child? Are you concerned about the issue of consent from the other parent? Below are some frequently asked, and related questions on the topic. We would encourage you to post and answer some of the questions, or just leave a comment. Parents often decide to relocate with their minor children. However, they do not always understand the legal requirements and implications involved. For example, can they just leave the country with the minor child or do they require the other parents’ consent? Furthermore, if consent is required and refused; what are the remedies available to that parent? With regard to the issue of moving from one province to another, unless a court order stipulates otherwise, consent is not required. However, the relocation from one province to another could have an effect on existing parental responsibilities and rights. Under these circumstances, a variation of the court order would be warranted. There are therefore also other issues involved when it comes to relocation. For example, what contact would the other parent who remains in South Africa have to the minor children after relocation? The aforementioned questions and a range of other related questions may be posed and answered below. Feel free to post your question should this blog post not have answered it.

Can I move from South Africa to the United Kingdom with my child without the father’s permission?

If the father has parental responsibilities and rights of guardianship, his consent is required for the relocation to the United Kingdom. For example, if the father and the mother were married, then under those circumstances unless an order of court determines otherwise, the father’s consent is required. If the father was not married to the mother, but in a long term relationship when the child was born, and involved in the child’s life after birth, then his consent under the circumstances would also be required.

What do I do if the father refuses to consent to relocate to Germany?

If a parent refuses to provide the necessary consent for relocation to another country, in this case, Germany, then the Court must be approached. Basically, you would ask the court to dispense with the requirement of the father’s consent. The court would determine the case based on what is best for the minor children involved.

What type of care and contact would the other parent exercise if I relocate to Saudi Arabia?

In this digital age, there is no reason why a parent cannot have regular contact to his or her child if they live in different countries. Usually, contact would take place via Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other digital means. Email and other messaging services are also effective. When the children returns for holidays or the parent visits them overseas, then contact should be reasonable. For example, a few days with the non-custodial parent.

May I relocate with my child to Canada or the United States?

You may relocate with your minor child to Canada, the United States, or to any other country if you have the father’s consent. However, consent is not always required if the father does not have guardianship rights. If you were married to the father or he was involved in the child’s life, by visiting and paying maintenance, then his consent would be required.

My child does not have a passport. Do I require the father’s consent to obtain one?

In terms of the Children’s Act, if a father has parental responsibilities and rights of Guardianship, his consent is required for the minor child’s application for a passport. If the father’s name is on the birth certificate, more than likely the Department of Home Affairs would insist on having his consent.

Can a mother move a child away from the father?

Under normal circumstances, a mother cannot move a child away from the father. However, if it is in the child’s best interest, it will be allowed. It is best to obtain a court order dealing with the parties’ parental responsibilities and rights under the circumstances. Alternatively, a social worker or childcare expert should have advised the mother that that would be in the child’s best interest.

When can a child legally decide which parent to live with?

In South Africa, a child is no longer under the guardianship of a parent when he or she turns 18 (eighteen) years old. Therefore when the child turns 18 (eighteen) years old, he or she can decide where he wants to stay, and with whom he wants to stay. The same applies in the case of the relocation. The father’s consent would not be required should the minor child decide to relocate to another country with a mother. The opposite also applies.

Can I get a passport for my child without the father’s consent?

In terms of South African law, both guardians’ consent is required for a child applying for a passport. Therefore, if the father is a holder of guardianship, his consent is required. The Department of Home Affairs may insist on the father being present at their offices to give consent.

Can I move with my child without the father’s permission?

If you wish to move to a different province or to a different city within South Africa; technically you do not require the father’s permission unless there is a Court Order stating that you require his consent.

Can I change my child’s last name without the father’s consent?

The Department of Home Affairs would require both parents’ consent. If the child has the father’s surname, you would definitely require the father’s consent. If the mother remarried and wants the child to have the surname of the step-father, and the child currently has a mother’s maiden surname, then in those circumstances the Department of Home Affairs might decide not to persist with the father’s consent if he cannot be found.

Can a mother take a child out of the country without the father’s permission?

This depends on whether or not the father has guardianship rights over the minor child. If the father has guardianship rights over the minor child then, he would require the mother’s consent. Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs would require the father’s consent before the child may leave the Republic of South Africa if the father has guardianship rights.

Can I take my child overseas without the child’s father’s permission?

If the father has rights of guardianship over the child then you require his permission to take the child out of the Republic of South Africa. This applies whether or not you intend to relocate to another country or you would like to take the child away on a holiday.

Can a mother move a child away from the father in South Africa?

A parent (in this case the mother) has to always act in the child’s best interest. However, under certain circumstances, the mother may have to move to a different province or to another country. Under those circumstances, the court would look at what is best for the minor child. Should the child remain in the province or in the country with the other parent who cannot care for him or her? Obviously not, unless the situation warrants it. Those are the factors that the court would have to look at.

May grandparents take the minor child abroad?

Yes, a grandparent may take a minor child abroad. However, the grandparent would require the consent of both the minor child’s parents if they are both guardians.

Can I get my child a passport without the father’s consent?

In terms of the Children’s Act, both guardians are required to give consent for the minor child’s application for a passport. Therefore, if the father has guardianship rights over the minor child, then his consent is required.

Can a mother terminate a father’s parental rights when she moves overseas?

A mother cannot terminate a father’s parental rights and responsibilities. Even if she moves overseas, she can’t. Only a court of law can do that. However, it is possible under certain circumstances that the father does not have parental responsibilities and rights. In those cases, he can acquire parental responsibilities and rights if he gets involved in the child’s life. For business legal services, visit Private Legal.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Related Post

Do you require a video legal advice consultation?