Magistrate Permit Movement of Children Lockdown Advocate Cape Town

Posted on by Telelaw

Magistrate Permit Movement of Children Lockdown Advocate Cape Town

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I am a victim of Domestic Violence – Please provide me with questions and answers for general issues in domestic violence matters.

  • What is considered domestic violence in South Africa?
    • Domestic violence in South Africa includes physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse within an intimate relationship or household.
  • Are men also protected under South African domestic violence laws?
    • Yes, South African laws protect both men and women from domestic violence. Any person, regardless of gender, can be a victim or perpetrator.
  • How can one obtain a protection order against domestic violence in South Africa?
    • To obtain a protection order, a victim can apply at the Magistrate’s Court, and if in immediate danger, they can approach the police.
  • What are the consequences of violating a protection order in South Africa?
    • Violating a protection order is a criminal offence, and penalties may include fines or imprisonment.
  • Can domestic violence victims get legal assistance in South Africa?
    • Yes, victims can seek legal assistance through organizations like Legal Aid South Africa or private attorneys specializing in domestic violence cases.
  • Are there support services available for domestic violence victims in South Africa?
    • Yes, various organizations provide support services, including shelters, counseling, and legal advice for domestic violence victims.
  • What role can the police play in domestic violence cases in South Africa?
    • The police can intervene, arrest the perpetrator if necessary, and assist and/or advise victims in obtaining protection orders.
  • Is it possible to report domestic violence anonymously in South Africa?
    • While anonymous reporting might be challenging, victims can request confidentiality, and their information can be protected during legal proceedings.
  • What rights do children have in cases of domestic violence in South Africa?
    • Children have the right to be protected from domestic violence, and authorities may intervene to ensure their safety.
  • Can a victim drop charges against an alleged perpetrator of domestic violence in South Africa?
    • In criminal cases, only the state can drop charges. However, in civil cases like obtaining a protection order, the victim has control over the process.
  • Are there cultural considerations in addressing domestic violence in South Africa?
    • Yes, cultural sensitivities are considered, but domestic violence is universally condemned, and legal measures apply regardless of cultural background.
  • What is the role of social workers in domestic violence cases in South Africa?
    • Social workers can provide counseling, support, and assistance in finding resources for victims of domestic violence.
  • Can a victim of domestic violence in South Africa claim compensation?
    • Yes, victims may seek compensation through civil claims against the perpetrator for damages suffered due to domestic violence.
  • Are employers obligated to support employees experiencing domestic violence in South Africa?
    • Employers are encouraged to support employees facing domestic violence and can provide assistance such as counseling or time off for legal proceedings.
  • Can technology be used as evidence in domestic violence cases in South Africa?
    • Yes, text messages, emails, or other electronic communications can be used as evidence in domestic violence cases.
  • What steps can schools take to address domestic violence affecting students in South Africa?
    • Schools can create awareness, provide counseling services, and collaborate with relevant authorities to address domestic violence affecting students.
  • How does the South African legal system handle false accusations of domestic violence?
    • False accusations can be taken seriously, and the legal system aims to discern the truth through investigations to prevent misuse of protection orders.
  • Is domestic violence education mandatory in South African schools?
    • While not mandatory, initiatives exist to incorporate awareness programs about domestic violence into school curricula.
  • Can immigration status affect a victim’s ability to report domestic violence in South Africa?
    • No, immigration status should not be a barrier to reporting domestic violence, and victims are encouraged to seek help regardless of their legal status.
  • What community resources are available to combat domestic violence in South Africa?
    • Community resources include NGOs, helplines, and community centers that provide support, counseling, and education on domestic violence.

Posted on by Telelaw

I cannot afford to pay child maintenance during the Lockdown. What can I do? The other parent of my child has not paid any maintenance since before the lockdown. What should I do?

  We are now on day 19 of the National Lockdown. Many expected the lockdown to endure for only 21 days. However, it is now set for 35 days. Unless you are an essential worker, or a business providing essential services, you may not go out to work or earn a living. You may, however, work from home making use of email, telephone calls, and video calls. However, the vast majority of workers in South Africa do not work from a computer or have the ability to earn money from being online. This applies to restaurants, retail stores and suppliers, the building and maintenance industry, and so on. The list is extensive. For those who are lucky to be employed, some will only receive half their salary and some none. No work, no pay. This is a sad reality of the national lockdown. Many people will be left without jobs and unable to pay their expenses. We can only hope and pray that the COVID-19, coronavirus pandemic comes to an end as soon as possible. South Africans can then work together in building our nation back to where it was and beyond.

Regulations regarding the movement of children during the lockdown

Concerning the issue of a parent’s inability to pay child maintenance during the lockdown, let us first outline the current regulations regarding the movement of children during this period. This would place this article in perspective. Children may only be moved between homes under the following circumstances:
  1. There are arrangements in place for the children to move for one parent to another in terms of a court order; or
  2. A parental responsibilities and rights agreement or parenting plan registered with the office of the Family Advocate; and
  3. In the household to which the child is to move, there is no person who is known to have come into contact with, or is reasonably suspected to have come into contact with, a person known to have contracted, or reasonably suspected to have contracted, COVID-19;
  4. The parent or caregiver transporting the child concerned must have in his or her possession, the court order or the latter agreement, or a certified copy thereof.
To view the regulations, click here.  

TAKE NOTE! There is NO Child Maintenance Payment Holiday during the National Lockdown Period!

On 07 April 2020, an article was published entitled: TAKE NOTE! There is NO Child Maintenance Payment Holiday during the National Lockdown Period!  This article still stands. We received many queries and comments from parents who cannot afford to pay child maintenance during the lockdown, and parents who have not received any child maintenance prior. Let us deal with this issue.

A parent’s duty to pay child maintenance

Whether or not there is a maintenance order in place, a parent has the duty to maintain his or her child. This duty does not stem from a court order, but by operation of law. A parent, therefore, cannot opt-out from paying child support. The only exception could be if the child, although he or she is a minor, is very wealthy, and does not require any form of child maintenance. This latter scenario is however rare.

What are the social welfare consequences of not paying child support?

The very basic purpose of paying child support is to feed, clothe and give the child shelter. If a child has two (2) parents, then both of them have a legal obligation to maintain that child. If one parent pays child support, the other parent would use that money to supplement the expenses of the child. Therefore, the money would be used to pay for any of the following basic needs during the lockdown period:
  1. Food (breakfast, lunch and supper)
  2. Accommodation (rent)
  3. Electricity, water and gas
  4. Basic clothing
  5. Basic educational expenses
  6. Personal hygiene and medical expenses
Now let’s say both parents are not earning any money during the lockdown period. The parent caring for the child is trying his or her utmost best to feed the child with what little money there is. If the parent who is supposed to pay child support does not pay his or her portion, what would happen? It would mean that the child would not have food to eat during the lockdown period. This is not in the child’s best interest. A parent should, therefore, try his or her utmost to avoid this situation from happening by paying child support.

What if a parent really cannot afford to pay child maintenance during the lockdown period?

It is theoretically possible that a parent, who receives no income during the lockdown period, cannot afford to pay all the child maintenance he or she is obliged to pay. This category of parent would be one who owns no assets of value to sell, is not eligible to take out a loan from someone,  and himself or herself is destitute. In other words, there is no money or assets at all. Should the mother lay a complaint for non-compliance with the Maintenance order, or for paying child support,  he or she should prove that he or she was truly destitute and could not pay any child support, albeit a small amount.

For what may a parent approach the maintenance court during the lockdown?

In terms of direction 8(b)(i) and (ii)issued in the Regulations (No. R418) issued on 28 March 2029 in the Government Gazette (No.43167), the Maintenance Court may deal with maintenance matters during the lockdown as follows: – First time applications for maintenance will only be dealt with if complete information is supplied in respect of required names, surname, telephone or cellular phone number, employment or business address, banking details of the Respondent; and – Application in respect of enforcement of maintenance orders Therefore, if a parent is not paying child support in terms of a court order, approach the maintenance court to enforce it, even during the lockdown. If you do not have a maintenance order, and not receiving maintenance, approach the maintenance court during the lockdown and ensure you have all the information mentioned in the regulations above. We, therefore, urge parents to pay their child support during the lockdown period. This is so even though you never saw your child during the entire lockdown period. Make a loan, sell some goods, or do whatever you can to ensure your child has food to eat during the lockdown and beyond. 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      
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