Legal Topics: Help us provide you with the website content you want

Our Lawyer (Pty) Ltd has over 3000, yes, three thousand legal questions, comments and answers on its website. The number increases every day. We try to answer all questions posted on the same or next day. On top of it all, it is totally free. These questions, comments, and answers deal with a range of legal topics. The problem is, they only deal with the topics and post we believe is relevant and therefore place it on our website. This we want to change. We also want your input on what legal content we create and post on this platform. Currently, Our Lawyer provides a platform for users on our site to post a question, and have it answered. Users may opt to answer questions already answered, or provide additional comments. The idea is to make this website as interactive and user-friendly as possible.

Tell us what you want

We, therefore, want to make our website more user-focused and provide our readers with relevant content that they find interesting and want to know more about. If the public wants to know about something legally, Our Lawyer wants to take time to educate them on it. Obviously, we can’t write on every legal topic suggested. However, we will decide what to write on based on the feedback we receive. Kindly complete the short questionnaire below and let us know what you want Our Lawyer to write about and how to better develop our website. Sharing this page would be hugely appreciated. [ninja_form id=72] You may also use our contact form or set up an appointment. For business services, visit Business SA.
Posted on by Telelaw

Legal Topics: Help us provide you with the website content you want

Our Lawyer (Pty) Ltd has over 3000, yes, three thousand legal questions, comments and answers on its website. The number increases every day. We try to answer all questions posted on the same or next day. On top of it all, it is totally free. These questions, comments, and answers deal with a range of legal topics. The problem is, they only deal with the topics and post we believe is relevant and therefore place it on our website. This we want to change. We also want your input on what legal content we create and post on this platform.

Currently, Our Lawyer provides a platform for users on our site to post a question, and have it answered. Users may opt to answer questions already answered, or provide additional comments. The idea is to make this website as interactive and user-friendly as possible.

Tell us what you want

We, therefore, want to make our website more user-focused and provide our readers with relevant content that they find interesting and want to know more about. If the public wants to know about something legally, Our Lawyer wants to take time to educate them on it. Obviously, we can’t write on every legal topic suggested. However, we will decide what to write on based on the feedback we receive.

Kindly complete the short questionnaire below and let us know what you want Our Lawyer to write about and how to better develop our website. Sharing this page would be hugely appreciated.

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You may also use our contact form or set up an appointment. For business services, visit Business SA.

Related Post

Maintenance Court Johannesburg

There are number of child maintenance courts in Johannesburg. Below are local maintenance courts that could be close to your area:
  • Johannesburg Family Court Centre – Magistrates’ Court
  • Johannesburg Central Magistrate Court – Magistrates’ Court
  • Hillbrow Magistrates Court – Magistrates’ Court
[caption id="attachment_4278" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] To claim child maintenance/child support, you should visit your closest maintenance court in your area.

Maintenance Court Procedure

Find out where about is the closest magistrates’ court in your area and pay them a visit. The following will be required:
  • 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.
[caption id="attachment_4279" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] In attempt to claim 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 – lighter expenses such as entertainment and pocket money are also included. 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

Our Lawyer Pty Ltd introduced a range of free legal products and services for your convenience. The child maintenance calculator. gives you a better understanding on how much maintenance you should be claiming or receiving. [caption id="attachment_4282" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call us on: 0211110090
Email: [email protected][/caption] Below are our free legal products: Our legal products and services can be accessed nationally and caters to those residing out of Cape Town as well. We have recently introduced our national contact number in which you can contact us on 087 701 1124  for your convenience. Feel free to contact us at any given point and we’ll be sure to swiftly return your call and have an online appointment made for you.

Child Maintenance Office numbers

Feel free to visit us at our law offices for friendly, expert legal advice and enjoy free Wi-Fi in comfortable setting. Our legal consultations are one-on-one and confidential in which the legal expert will be advising you through the process. Are you residing out of Cape Town? No problem. Make use of our national number and call us on 087 7011 124  to have your online appointment made for you. We are able to conduct legal consultations through Skype/video call for your convenience. Connect with us today! 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, 7th Floor, The Pinnacle, corner of Strand and Burg Street, Cape Town. 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.              
Posted on by Telelaw

Parents with Psychiatric disorders

No parent is perfect. And no one can help it if they suffer from some psychological disorder. However, when it comes to parenting, mental health does play a role regarding the issue of child custody. In other words, a parent with a psychological disorder would find it hard to be a child’s primary care giver, if the child would best be cared for by the other parent. This is assuming that the other parent in this case is capable of caring for the child. This article is connected to the topic Child Custody and Visitation Court Applications. It may be useful to read up on it before proceeding to read further. Otherwise, read on to find out more about parental child abuse and the legal aspects surrounding it.

When should you consult with a lawyer?

Seeing that you are dealing with parental rights and responsibilities, it is best to first try to resolve issues with the other parent. If that does not work, then try mediation. Should that still not work, see a lawyer who would advise you on what would be best for you and your child. If need be, a Court application would have to be launched.

What about a psychological evaluation of a parent?

It often happens that a parent would accuse the other parent of having a mental, or psychiatric problem. The most common psychological condition in our legal practice, in relation to child custody matters, are bo-polar and schizophrenia. These conditions can be managed by medication. However, if the patient fails to use the treatment prescribed, the consequences could be detrimental to parenting. Therefore, one should consider the possibility of the psychological condition manifesting itself in an unfortunate situation. In most cases, the Court would want to hear from medical experts.

An example of psychological disorder in relation to parenting

In one case, a mother has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) by a psychiatrist. She had an excessive fear of germs and dirt and the compulsion to repeatedly wash and clean herself, and items she uses, to ward off dirt and germs. She also has a compulsion to avoid possible contaminants in her daily life. For example, she would not touch anything unless she is convinced it is clean. The father of their child was of the view that the mother’s problem detrimentally affected their family daily life, and the well-being of their child. According to him, her condition has caused him to care for the child from when he came from work until when he left to work the next day, as well as the entire weekend.

Prescription medication

The mother used prescription medication for her condition. It was Leximil, which is an anti-depressant, and Zyprexa which is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications make her want to sleep during the day and for prolonged periods during the evening. It also made her very lethargic. She cannot wake up to attend to the child during the evening at all as she was in a very deep sleep. She also struggled to get out of bed in the mornings.

Psychotic behavior

The mother further displayed psychotic behaviour in that she tried to stab the father and told him afterwards it was not her in that it was another persona inside of her who was responsible. She also believed that spirits spoke to her and guided her.

The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Overpowers her

The mother’s condition causes her mind to focus on the OCD and it over powers her and she has a disregard for those surrounding her. She was totally incapable of taking care of the minor child during the day, let alone during the evenings. To give an example, she would wash a used glass for about 30 times with detergents and put it away, and then her mind will tell her it is not clean, and then she will wash it again another 30 times, again with detergents. In the process, she would use a half a bottle of washing liquid. Thereafter, she would go to the bathroom and wash her hands for about 20 minutes. She would soap her hands, wash off the soap and do it again until her mind is satisfied. She utilises about 2 to 4 bars of soap a day. Packaged food would be left to become expired as she would believe it is contaminated.

Neglect of Hygiene

Other than neglecting the minor child when she is busy with her rituals, she would also not want to attend to her as it would cause her to “dirty” herself. For example, if a child had to dirty her dyper, the mother would have to weigh the issues of cleaning the child and dirtying her hands and spending a long period of time washing herself afterwards. She would then just leave the child the way she is and not touch her for fear of contamination. The same would apply to making food, which would mean cleaning afterwards. If an unknown third party touches her child, the mother’s brain would tell her that the child has been contaminated and her clothes and bodies need to be washed immediately.

Wastage by the mother

Furthermore, until the child is washed, no one can touch her. And anything the child touches becomes contaminated in the mind of the Mother and needs to be washed. Another example was when the mother filled up the kettle, and emptying it about 30 times and then be convinced that it is full, boil the water and then start all over again with filling up the kettle and emptying it. She would leave the child to her own demise whilst the OCD’s consumes her. This is very dangerous for the child. She needs to shower a few times a day, which she does for long periods at a time. This would cause her to wash until there is no longer hot water, and then continue washing when the water is hot again. The mother’s OCD therefore causes her to neglect the minor child when in her care and all her focus is on her compulsions. If the OCD becomes too much, she would resort to sleeping and deal with the challenges later. Her entire day would be consumed by the OCD.

How would this affect the father’s rights of custody?

Considering the example above, should the parents separate, there is as strong possibility that the father be made the minor child’s primary care giver. This would be in her best interests.

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.    
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How do I find an Attorney Firm in Cape Town for you?

When you get yourself into legal trouble or require some type of legal services, finding an attorney is something to strongly consider. An attorney is trained in the law and would be able to advise you on the best course of action to take. If your legal problem relates to something very serious, for instance, a divorce or a criminal charge, then having a good attorney on your side is strongly encouraged. Here are some tips for finding an attorney for you:
  1. Define Your Needs: Identify the specific legal services you require (e.g., family law, criminal defence, corporate law).
  2. Research Online: Use legal directories;
  3. Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for client reviews and ratings to gauge the firm’s reputation and client satisfaction.
  4. Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who may have had similar legal needs for personal recommendations.
  5. Evaluate Experience: Consider the firm’s experience in your specific legal issue, including years in practice and case outcomes.
  6. Schedule Consultations: Many firms offer free or less expensive consultations. Use this opportunity to meet attorneys, discuss your case, and assess their communication style.
  7. Assess Costs: Inquire about fees and billing practices. Understand whether they charge hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees.
  8. Trust Your Instincts: Choose a firm that you feel comfortable with and confident in their ability to handle your case.
  9. Verify Credentials: Check the attorneys’ qualifications and any disciplinary history.
  10. 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.

Posted on by Telelaw

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