Permit issued by a Magistrate for the movement of children during the lockdown

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Permit issued by a Magistrate for the movement of children during the lockdown

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Senior family law expert giving the best simple advice on International Relocation of minor children – Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf

International Relocation matters concerning minor children is one category of our law that requires more attention than other categories of family law. If you intend to relocate overseas with your minor child or do not want your minor child to relocate with the other parent, this article is for you. Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf is a senior family law expert with over twenty years of experience in Family law. He runs a Law Firm styled Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf in Cape Town. He is a Trust Account Advocate. What this means, he takes on work from members of the public directly. Other advocates need to be instructed by an attorney to act in your case.

When does the relocation of minor children disputes arise?

The starting point is that parents and their children live in South Africa. A parent, usually the primary caregiver, wants to relocate with the minor child to another country. For this example, we will assume both parents are co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights of guardianship over the specific minor child. For the minor child to leave the Republic of South Africa and relocate with the other parent overseas, the guardianship consent of the parent remaining in South Africa would be required. This is a requirement as provided for in section 18 of the Children’s Act. A dispute arises if the parent remaining in South Africa does not consent to the relocation of the minor child to a different country. This is so as, without a court order stating otherwise, the minor child would not be allowed to relocate overseas.

When should a parent approach the Court in an international relocation matter involving a minor child?

In principle, anyone can approach a court for any matter. However, not everyone would be successful in their case. Therefore, before you approach the Court for consent for the minor child to relocate with you to a different country, you must make sure you have a strong case. On the other hand, if you are a parent whose consent is required and do not want to provide it, you must ensure you have a reason for refusing it. If, however, you do have a strong case, as we would explain further below, for the relocation, then in that case, you should approach the Court.

The best interests of the child’s principle

Both the South African Constitution and the Children’s Act clearly state that a child’s best interests are the most critical factor when it comes to it. In other words, not the best interests of the parents, but the best interests of the child. However, there are cases where upholding the interests of a parent would be in the minor child’s best interests. For example, a much better job offer. In relocation matters, if the parents cannot agree on the relocation of the minor child, then the Court would intervene and only direct that the relocation is authorised if it is of the view that it would be in the minor child’s best interests.

What do I present to the Court regarding international relocation matters?

According to Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf, the reason why people relocate is vast. For most, it is for work or a better life; for others, it is related to going back home or living with a spouse or a loved one. However, that is the reason why the parents want to relocate. Whatever the reason, you need to demonstrate that the minor child would not be in a worse position after the relocation. Therefore, you would have to demonstrate that there would be adequate housing, food, education, medical services and so on after the relocation. In other words, the minor child would not be neglected and would have a good life with his or her primary caregiver.

What can I do if I do not want the relocation to take place?

It is scarce where the non-primary caregiver wants to relocate with the minor child. However, given the correct facts and circumstances, it is possible. In this example, the primary caregiver wants to relocate with the minor child, and the parent remaining behind does not want to consent. That parent must show that it would not be in the minor child’s best interests to relocate. The parent may even go as far as to show that they can care well enough for the minor child in South Africa and that the de facto primary caregiver is welcome to relocate without the minor child.

When do I approach the Court?

As already alluded to above, if the parents cannot come to an agreement regarding the relocation of the minor child to a different country, then in that case, the Court should be approached. It is best to make use of an experienced family lawyer (attorney or Trust Account Advocate). Both parents would provide information in the form of affidavits to the Court as to reasons for the relocation and/or the refusal thereof. In many cases, the Court would appoint the Office of the Family to get involved and do an investigation as to what is in the minor child’s best interests. The Court would then make a ruling on the relocation of the minor child to a foreign country.      

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Uncontested divorce in South Africa

First of all, what is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree to the divorce. This type of divorce is quicker, less expensive, and simpler. A formal trial is not necessary, but legal guidance may still be necessary. Other factors, such as child custody, child support, and asset division, may be relevant to the divorce but do not necessarily slow down the process. The legal expert must assist the parties in reaching a legal agreement. [caption id="attachment_4561" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] For professional legal consultation, contact our law offices on 021 111 0090 and have our friendly receptionist make an online appointment for you. Secure your one-on-one legal consultation today! Simply click on the link below and download our free divorce product toolkit below: Free Divorce Tool Kit How long does a divorce take in South Africa? This a common question we’re often faced with when dealing with divorce matters. Unfortunately, some divorces are more complex in which the other party is not co-operating and refuse to agree to a divorce. Under such circumstances, the divorce can unfold over years depending on the nature and circumstance of the matter. [caption id="attachment_4562" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] Contested or opposed divorces on the other hand, are when both parties are not in agreement with the divorce – this can cause a dreadful, costly legal drag.  The contested divorce will unfold in the following ways:  
  • pleadings
  • application for and set down of trial date
  • discovery of documents
  • further discovery and particulars
  • pre-trial conference
  • trial
  • judgment
Feel free to click on the links below and find out more about our legal expertise: Feel free to call our law offices on 021 424 3487 for a professional legal consultation today and have our friendly receptionist make an online appointment for you. Secure your one on one legal consultation today! Online divorce South Africa Technology is of a dynamic nature which is why we have moved with the times. We have recently introduced our modern, online operation. Efficiency and convenience is our main objective for the layperson. [caption id="attachment_4563" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] Should you be residing out of the South Africa, consulting with us will not be a problem. We are able to conduct legal consultations online, face to face or Skype / video call. We have now recently introduced our national contact number which caters for those residing out of Cape Town. Our online appointment system is efficient and gets you in the swing of an easy step to having your legal consultation with the legal expert. Simply call our offices today and have your online appointment made for you!

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