Relocation with my minor child to India, Jaipur (Consent and Refusal) – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf

The world is becoming a much smaller place, and technology plays a huge role. People are moving across the world for employment, love and happiness, something that was not the norm a few decades ago. There is no reason why you should remain in South Africa if you can find a better life for yourself and your family overseas. Moving overseas may provide you with the quality of life you want or the possibility of experiencing things you always wanted. The same applies to your child or children relocating with you.

Relocation of your minor child to Jaipur, India

If you are single and do not have any minor children, then moving around the world would not be too complicated. All you need to do is ensure that you have the necessary travel documentation and travel ticket (and spending money), and off you go. However, if you want to travel with your minor children (for example, ages nine or ten) or relocate to another country, things may not be that simple. Firstly, if there is another parent, and he or she has parental responsibilities and rights, then his or her consent is required. For example, let us say you live in Oudtshoorn or Lebowakgomo, South Africa, and you want to relocate to Jaipur, India, you would require the other parent’s consent to leave South Africa with your minor child. This can cause challenges, especially if the staying parent (in South Africa) does not agree to the relocation.

What about Passport Consent to travel or relocate to Jaipur, India?

The same applies when it comes to your minor child applying for a South African passport to relocate to India, or any country. Both parents who have parental responsibilities and rights of guardianship will have to consent to the minor child’s passport application as well. In this regard, both parents have to be at the Department of Home Affairs (or the relevant bank that also assists with passport application) when making the Application with the minor child. This can be challenging if you have a disinterested parent who does not want to cooperate with the passport application. As you will see later, legal action would need to be taken.

What are the steps to follow when I want to relocate to Jaipur, India with my minor child? There is another parent.

To simplify the process for relocation, the first step would be to receive the other parent’s consent in principle for the relocation and that he or she will co-operate in this regard. Once that has been resolved, the parent relocating would need to make the appointment for the minor child’s passport application as well as the application for the relevant VISA. Each country has different requirements; however, seeing that it is a relocation, you need to apply for the correct VISA. For that, you need the Passport. Once the visa and travel arrangements have been finalised, the parent remaining behind will sign a parental consent letter for the international travel. That letter can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Basically, the parent remaining behind would state that he or she gives consent for the minor child to leave the Republic of South Africa and travel and/or relocate to Jaipur, India.

What can I do if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s relocation to Jaipur, India?

If the parent remaining in South Africa does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or his or her relocation to Jaipur, India, then you would need to approach the Court. The Court, as upper guardian of the minor child, may order that the parent’s consent for the passport application and relocation be dispensed with. What this entails is submitting Court documents explaining why you want to relocate to Jaipur, India. The other parent would also have an opportunity to give reasons why he or she objects. At the end of the process, the Court would determine what is in the minor child’s best interests. If it is in the minor child’s best interests to relocate to Jaipur, India, the Court would make it possible despite the issue of consent or refusal.

What is the first step I should take if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or relocation to Jaipur, India?

If the other parent does not want to consent to the passport application and/or the relocation of the minor child to Jaipur, India – in that case, we suggest you approach an attorney or advocate (trust account) to assist you with the legal process. He or she would then contact the other parent explaining the reasons for the relocation and request the necessary consent. If the parent remaining in South Africa does still not agree to the passport application and/or to the relocation to Jaipur, India, then the attorney or advocate will proceed to take the matter to court. The legal route can be expensive. However, it is necessary to make the relocation of the minor child possible. You may also attend to the legal process yourself.

Getting legal assistance or help with your relocation application to Jaipur, India

If you require legal assistance or representation with relocating to Jaipur, India due to the other parent not cooperating or providing consent, then feel free to contact us for assistance. The Firm Advocate, Muhammad Abduroaf, deals with these types of matters.
Posted on by Telelaw

Relocation with my minor child to India, Jaipur (Consent and Refusal) – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf

The world is becoming a much smaller place, and technology plays a huge role. People are moving across the world for employment, love and happiness, something that was not the norm a few decades ago. There is no reason why you should remain in South Africa if you can find a better life for yourself and your family overseas. Moving overseas may provide you with the quality of life you want or the possibility of experiencing things you always wanted. The same applies to your child or children relocating with you.

Relocation of your minor child to Jaipur, India

If you are single and do not have any minor children, then moving around the world would not be too complicated. All you need to do is ensure that you have the necessary travel documentation and travel ticket (and spending money), and off you go. However, if you want to travel with your minor children (for example, ages nine or ten) or relocate to another country, things may not be that simple. Firstly, if there is another parent, and he or she has parental responsibilities and rights, then his or her consent is required. For example, let us say you live in Oudtshoorn or Lebowakgomo, South Africa, and you want to relocate to Jaipur, India, you would require the other parent’s consent to leave South Africa with your minor child. This can cause challenges, especially if the staying parent (in South Africa) does not agree to the relocation.

What about Passport Consent to travel or relocate to Jaipur, India?

The same applies when it comes to your minor child applying for a South African passport to relocate to India, or any country. Both parents who have parental responsibilities and rights of guardianship will have to consent to the minor child’s passport application as well. In this regard, both parents have to be at the Department of Home Affairs (or the relevant bank that also assists with passport application) when making the Application with the minor child. This can be challenging if you have a disinterested parent who does not want to cooperate with the passport application. As you will see later, legal action would need to be taken.

What are the steps to follow when I want to relocate to Jaipur, India with my minor child? There is another parent.

To simplify the process for relocation, the first step would be to receive the other parent’s consent in principle for the relocation and that he or she will co-operate in this regard. Once that has been resolved, the parent relocating would need to make the appointment for the minor child’s passport application as well as the application for the relevant VISA. Each country has different requirements; however, seeing that it is a relocation, you need to apply for the correct VISA. For that, you need the Passport.
Once the visa and travel arrangements have been finalised, the parent remaining behind will sign a parental consent letter for the international travel. That letter can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Basically, the parent remaining behind would state that he or she gives consent for the minor child to leave the Republic of South Africa and travel and/or relocate to Jaipur, India.

What can I do if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s relocation to Jaipur, India?

If the parent remaining in South Africa does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or his or her relocation to Jaipur, India, then you would need to approach the Court. The Court, as upper guardian of the minor child, may order that the parent’s consent for the passport application and relocation be dispensed with. What this entails is submitting Court documents explaining why you want to relocate to Jaipur, India. The other parent would also have an opportunity to give reasons why he or she objects.
At the end of the process, the Court would determine what is in the minor child’s best interests. If it is in the minor child’s best interests to relocate to Jaipur, India, the Court would make it possible despite the issue of consent or refusal.

What is the first step I should take if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or relocation to Jaipur, India?

If the other parent does not want to consent to the passport application and/or the relocation of the minor child to Jaipur, India – in that case, we suggest you approach an attorney or advocate (trust account) to assist you with the legal process. He or she would then contact the other parent explaining the reasons for the relocation and request the necessary consent. If the parent remaining in South Africa does still not agree to the passport application and/or to the relocation to Jaipur, India, then the attorney or advocate will proceed to take the matter to court. The legal route can be expensive. However, it is necessary to make the relocation of the minor child possible. You may also attend to the legal process yourself.

Getting legal assistance or help with your relocation application to Jaipur, India

If you require legal assistance or representation with relocating to Jaipur, India due to the other parent not cooperating or providing consent, then feel free to contact us for assistance. The Firm Advocate, Muhammad Abduroaf, deals with these types of matters.

Related Post

I have a maintenance order for my children – but the father of my children does not pay. Is this allowed? What can I do?

Non-compliance with Maintenance Orders — Civil and Criminal Remedies

[Updated on 12 October 2020] advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceMany mothers (and sometimes fathers) go through great lengths to obtain a maintenance order against the other parent. This the mother found necessary as the father either did not want to pay child support at all or not an adequate amount. The mother then had to approach the maintenance court, for assistance. The process could have taken many months and sometimes, over a year to finalise. But now that she has the Order, he still does not pay. Can she do anything? Or does she only have in her possession a useless piece of paper with the word “Order” written on it? Before we tackle the above scenario, this blog post does not only deal with non-compliance with maintenance orders originating in the maintenance court. Most divorce orders made, where there were minor children involved have in it child maintenance provisions. The divorce court (High Court or Family Court) would not divorce the couple unless it is satisfied that the child’s best interests are taken care of after a decree is granted. And in many cases, the divorce could have taken months, if not years to finalised. And in those very cases, the amount of child maintenance to be paid was the stumbling block. Moving forward, this blog post would then be useful to anyone that has a maintenance order in place, and which is not being complied with. The provisions that are not being complied with may either relate to the cash component, school fees, medical aid and so on. Some maintenance orders are vague which causes problems when it comes to its enforcement. Therefore, ensure that your maintenance order is simple, and to the point.

What can the mother do if the father does not pay maintenance?

There are a few routes a parent can follow when a maintenance order is not complied with. For the purpose of this article, we will presume that the Maintenance Order was granted in the Maintenance Court. If it was granted in the High Court, for example, there are other options which may, or may not be as effective as that afforded by the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998 which we deal with below. It all depends on the facts of the case. When it comes to the Maintenance Act, there are two routes. The one is the civil route, and the other, the criminal route. Let us next unpack the law.

Civil Route in the Maintenance Court

The Maintenance Act

Chapter 5 of the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998 deals with the civil execution of maintenance orders. We pasted sections 26 to 30 of the Act below for your convenience. You therefore do not have to search the web and read through endless documents and sections to get to the right place. It is all here. The sections are quite long but provides useful information for someone searching the web for answers. Below that, we provide the regulations. It is always advisable to read any Act with its accompanying regulations. “26 Enforcement of maintenance or other orders (1) Whenever any person- (a) against whom any maintenance order has been made has failed to make any particular payment in accordance with that maintenance order; or  (b) against whom any order for the payment of a specified sum of money has been made under section 16 (1) (a) (ii), 20 or 21 (4) has failed to make such a payment, such order shall be enforceable in respect of any amount which that person has so failed to pay, together with any interest thereon- (i) by execution against property as contemplated in section 27; (ii) by the attachment of emoluments as contemplated in section 28; or (iii) by the attachment of any debt as contemplated in section 30. (2) (a) If any maintenance order or any order made under section 16 (1) (a) (ii), 20 or 21 (4) has remained unsatisfied for a period of ten days from the day on which the relevant amount became payable or any such order was made, as the case may be, the person in whose favour any such order was made may apply to the maintenance court where that person is resident- (i) for the authorisation of the issue of a warrant of execution referred to in section 27 (1); (ii) for an order for the attachment of emoluments referred to in section 28 (1); or (iii) for an order for the attachment of any debt referred to in section 30 (1). (b) The application shall be made in the prescribed manner and shall be accompanied by- (i) a copy of the maintenance or other order in question; and (ii) a statement under oath or affirmation setting forth the amount which the person against whom such order was made has failed to pay. (3) A maintenance court shall not authorise the issue of a warrant of execution or make any order for the attachment of emoluments or any debt in order to satisfy a maintenance order- (a) if the payment of maintenance in accordance with that maintenance order has been suspended by an appeal against the order under section 25; or (b) if that maintenance court has made an order referred to in section 16 (2). (4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, any pension, annuity, gratuity or compassionate allowance or other similar benefit shall be liable to be attached or subjected to execution under any warrant of execution or any order issued or made under this Chapter in order to satisfy a maintenance order. advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorce27 Warrants of execution (1) The maintenance court may, on the application of a person referred to in section 26 (2) (a), authorise the issue of a warrant of execution against the movable property of the person against whom the maintenance or other order in question was made and, if the movable property is insufficient to satisfy such order, then against the immovable property of the latter person to the amount necessary to cover the amount which the latter person has failed to pay, together with any interest thereon, as well as the costs of the execution. (2) (a) A warrant of execution authorised under this section shall be- (i) prepared in the prescribed manner by the person in whose favour the maintenance or other order in question was made; (ii) issued in the prescribed manner by the clerk of the maintenance court; and (iii) executed in the prescribed manner by the sheriff or maintenance investigator. (b) The person in whose favour the maintenance or other order in question was made shall be assisted by the maintenance investigator or, in the absence of a maintenance investigator, by the maintenance officer in taking the prescribed steps to facilitate the execution of the warrant. (3) A maintenance court may, on application in the prescribed manner by a person against whom a warrant of execution has been issued under this section, set aside the warrant of execution if the maintenance court is satisfied that he or she has complied with the maintenance or other order in question. (4) A maintenance court may, on application in the prescribed manner by a person against whom a warrant of execution has been issued under this section- (a) in summary manner enquire into the circumstances mentioned in subsection (5); and (b) if the maintenance court so decides, suspend the warrant of execution and make an order- (i) for the attachment of emoluments referred to in section 28 (1); or (ii) for the attachment of any debt referred to in section 30 (1). (5) At the enquiry the maintenance court shall take into consideration- (a) the existing and prospective means of the person against whom the warrant of execution has been issued; (b) the financial needs and obligations of, or in respect of, the person maintained by the person against whom the warrant of execution has been issued; (c) the conduct of the person against whom the warrant of execution has been issued in so far as it may be relevant concerning his or her failure to satisfy the maintenance or other order in question; and (d) the other circumstances which should, in the opinion of the court, be taken into consideration. (6) (a) Any person who wishes to make an application under subsection (3) or (4) shall give notice in the prescribed manner of his or her intention to make the application to the person in whose favour the maintenance or other order in question was made, which notice shall be served at least 14 days before the day on which the application is to be heard. advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorce(b) The maintenance court may call upon- (i) the person who has made the application to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in support of his or her application as the maintenance court may consider necessary; or (ii) the person in whose favour the maintenance or other order in question was made to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in rebuttal of the application as the maintenance court may consider necessary. 28 Attachment of emoluments (1) A maintenance court may- (a) on the application of a person referred in section 26 (2) (a); or (b) when such court suspends the warrant of execution under section 27 (4) (b), make an order for the attachment of any emoluments at present or in future owing or accruing to the person against whom the maintenance or other order in question was made to the amount necessary to cover the amount which the latter person has failed to pay, together with any interest thereon, as well as the costs of the attachment or execution, which order shall authorise any employer of the latter person to make on behalf of the latter person such payments as may be specified in the order from the emoluments of the latter person until such amount, interest and costs have been paid in full. (2) (a) An order under this section may at any time, on good cause shown, be suspended, amended or rescinded by the maintenance court. (b) Any person who wishes to make an application for the suspension, amendment or rescission of an order under this section shall give notice in the prescribed manner of his or her intention to make the application to the person in whose favour that order was made, which notice shall be served at least 14 days before the day on which the application is to be heard. (c) The maintenance court may call upon- (i) the person who has made the application to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in support of his or her application as the maintenance court may consider necessary; or (ii) the person in whose favour an order under this section was made to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in rebuttal of the application as the maintenance court may consider necessary. 29 Notice relating to attachment of emoluments (1) In order to give effect to an order for the attachment of emoluments referred to in section 28 (1), the maintenance officer shall, within seven days after the day on which such order was made by the maintenance court or whenever it is afterwards required, in the prescribed manner cause a notice, together with a copy of such order, to be served on the employer concerned directing that employer to make the payments specified in the notice at the times and in the manner so specified. (2) Whenever any person to whom the notice relates leaves the service of the employer, that employer shall, within seven days after the day on which he or she so leaves the service, give notice thereof in the prescribed manner to the maintenance officer of the court where the order in question was made. (3) Any employer on whom a notice has been served for the purposes of satisfying a maintenance order shall give priority to the payments specified in that notice over any order of court requiring payments to be made from the emoluments due to the person against whom that maintenance order was made. (4) If any employer on whom a notice has been served for the purposes of satisfying a maintenance order has failed to make any particular payment in accordance with that notice, that maintenance order may be enforced against that employer in respect of any amount which that employer has so failed to pay, and the provisions of this Chapter shall, with the necessary changes, apply in respect of that employer, subject to that employer’s right or the right of the person against whom that maintenance order was made to dispute the validity of the order for the attachment of emoluments referred to in section 28 (1). 30 Attachment of debts (1) A maintenance court may- (a) on the application of a person referred to in section 26 (2) (a); or (b) when such court suspends the warrant of execution under section 27 (4) (b), make an order for the attachment of any debt at present or in future owing or accruing to the person against whom the maintenance or other order in question was made to the amount necessary to cover the amount which the latter person has failed to pay, together with any interest thereon, as well as the costs of the attachment or execution, which order shall direct the person who has incurred the obligation to pay the debt to make such payment as may be specified in that order within the time and in the manner so specified. (2) (a) An order under this section may at any time, on good cause shown, be suspended, amended or rescinded by the maintenance court. (b) Any person who wishes to make an application for the suspension, amendment or rescission of an order under this section shall give notice of his or her intention to make the application to the person in whose favour that order was made, which notice shall be served at least 14 days before the day on which the application is to be heard. (c) The maintenance court may call upon- (i) the person who has made the application to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in support of his or her application as the maintenance court may consider necessary; or (ii) the person in whose favour an order under this section was made to adduce such evidence, either in writing or orally, in rebuttal of the application as the maintenance court may consider necessary. (3) An order made under subsection (1) may be enforced as if it were a civil judgment of the court.” advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorce

The Regulations to the Maintenance Act

Chapter 3 of the Regulations to the Maintenance Act, deals with civil executions. Again, we provide it below. “Application for enforcement of maintenance or other orders
  1. An application for –
(a) the authorisation of the issue of a warrant of execution; (b) an order for the attachment of emoluments; or (c) an order for the attachment of any debt, contemplated in section 26(2)(a) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Form K of the Annexure. Warrant of execution
  1. (1) A warrant of execution, contemplated in section 27 of the Act, shall –
(a) substantially correspond with Form L of the Annexure; and (b) be prepared in triplicate. (2) The person in whose favour the order was made shall prepare Part A of Form L of the Annexure and thereafter lodge the said form with the clerk of the maintenance court concerned. (3) On receipt of the warrant of execution referred to in subregulation (2) the clerk of the maintenance court shall issue the warrant of execution if he or she is satisfied that (a) authorisation for the issuing of a warrant of execution was granted; and (b) the warrant of execution has been properly prepared, by preparing Part B of Form L of the Annexure. (4) The clerk of the maintenance court shall after the warrant of execution has been issued (a) return the original warrant of execution and one copy thereof to the person in whose favour the order was made; and (b) file the second copy of the warrant of execution in the relevant file. (5) Any change on the warrant of execution shall be initialled by the clerk of the maintenance court. advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorce(6) The person authorised to execute a warrant of execution shall complete Part C and, if applicable, Part D of Form L of the Annexure and return the form to the clerk of the maintenance court. Particulars of persons authorised to execute warrant of execution
  1. A maintenance investigator or maintenance officer shall submit to the person in whose
favour the order was made particulars of the person authorised to execute the warrant of execution. Application for the setting aside of a warrant of execution
  1. (1) An application for the setting aside of a warrant of execution by a person against
whom such warrant has been issued, contemplated in section 27(3) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part A of Form M of the Annexure. (2)(a) A notice of an application for the setting aside of a warrant of execution, contemplated in section 27(6)(a) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part B of Form M of the Annexure. (b) A person who applied for the setting aside of a warrant of execution shall submit the notice referred to in paragraph (a) to the person in whose favour the warrant of execution was issued in any manner convenient to him or her, subject thereto that the person who submits the notice shall keep record of the manner in which the notice was submitted. Attachment of emoluments
  1. (1) An application for the suspension, amendment or rescission of an order for the
attachment of emoluments, contemplated in section 28(2) (a) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part A of Form N of the Annexure. (2) (a) A notice of an application for the suspension, amendment or recission of an order for the attachment of emoluments, contemplated in section 28(2)(b) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part B of Form N of the Annexure. (b) A person who applied for the suspension, amendment or recission of an order for the attachment of emoluments shall submit the notice referred to in paragraph (a) to the person in whose favour the order for the attachment of emoluments was made in any manner convenient to him or her, subject thereto that the person who submits the notice shall keep record of the manner in which the notice was submitted. (3)(a) A notice, contemplated in section 29(1) of the Act, to an employer shall substantially correspond with Part A of Form O of the Annexure. (b) The service of a notice referred to in paragraph (a) shall be in accordance with the provisions of regulation 26(1) or (2), as the case may be. (c) The return of service of a notice referred to in paragraph (a), if the notice is served in accordance with the provisions of regulation 26(1), shall substantially correspond with Part B of Form O of the Annexure. (4) (a) A notice, contemplated in section 29(2) of the Act, by the employer that the person against whom the order for the attachment of emoluments was made has left his or her service, shall substantially correspond with Part C of Form O of the Annexure. (b) The notice referred to in paragraph (a) shall be submitted to the maintenance officer of the court where the order was made in any manner convenient to him or her, subject thereto that the person who submits the notice shall keep record of the manner in which the notice was submitted. Attachment of debts
  1. (1) An application for the suspension, amendment or rescission of an order for the
attachment of debts, contemplated in section 30(2) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part A of Form P of the Annexure. (2) (a) A notice of an application for the suspension, amendment or recission of an order for the attachment of debts, contemplated in section 30(2) of the Act, shall substantially correspond with Part B of Form P of the Annexure. (b) A person who applied for the suspension, amendment or recission of an order for the attachment of debts shall submit a notice referred to in paragraph (a) to the person in whose favour the order for the attachment of debts was made in any manner convenient to him or her, subject thereto that the person who submits the notice shall keep record of the manner in which the notice was submitted.

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceSummary on civil execution

From the above, it is clear that when it comes to the civil route, there are three (3) options to follow in order to obtain unpaid maintenance. They are: (1) by execution against property; (2) by the attachment of emoluments (Garnishee Order); and (3) by the attachment of any debt.

How do you go about making use of the civil route?

The complainant must approach the maintenance court and make the necessary application. He or she would fill in a “Form K” which is headed “APPLICATION FOR ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE OR OTHER ORDER IN TERMS OF SECTION 26 OF THE MAINTENANCE ACT, 1998 (ACT No. 99 OF 1998)”. On the application, you should write down all relevant information, including how the amount owed is calculated and the whereabouts of the defaulting party. It is advised that you go to court with proof that the monies were not paid. Therefore, if maintenance had to be paid into your bank account, take a printout of your bank statements with to show that monies were not paid. You must also state what relief you want as outlined above. Once your application is in order, and by way of example you asked for attachment of emoluments, an order may be made against the defaulter’s employer to the effect that he or she makes payment directly to you by deducting it from the defaulting party’s salary. If the defaulter is unemployed and has property, then the route to follow is to ask for the execution of property. This means that the property would be sold and what is owing to you would be paid to you. Now let us move on to the criminal route.

Criminal procedure

It is a criminal offence not to adhere to a maintenance order. Furthermore, one can be convicted for that. You can be liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine. This is serious. Now let us unpack the law.

The Maintenance Act 99 of 1998

Chapter 4 of the Maintenance Act deals with Offences and Orders relating to prosecutions when it comes to non-compliance with maintenance orders. We copied it below for your convenience. “CHAPTER 6 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES (ss 31-39) 31 Offences relating to maintenance orders (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), any person who fails to make any particular payment in accordance with a maintenance order shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine. (2) If the defence is raised in any prosecution for an offence under this section that any failure to pay maintenance in accordance with a maintenance order was due to lack of means on the part of the person charged, he or she shall not merely on the grounds of such defence be entitled to an acquittal if it is proved that the failure was due to his or her unwillingness to work or misconduct. (3) If the name of a person stated in a maintenance order as the person against whom the maintenance order has been made corresponds substantially to the name of the particular person prosecuted for an offence under this section, any copy of the maintenance order certified as a true copy by a person who purports to be the registrar or clerk of the court or other officer having the custody of the records of the court in the Republic where the maintenance order was made, shall on its production be prima facie proof of the fact that the maintenance order was made against the person so prosecuted. (4) If a person has been convicted of an offence under this section, the maintenance officer may, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, furnish that person’s personal particulars to any business which has as its object the granting of credit or is involved in the credit rating of persons. 32 Offences relating to examination of persons by maintenance officer (1) The provisions of sections 164 (2), 188 and 189 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), shall, with the necessary changes, apply in respect of a person required to appear before a magistrate under section 8, and the magistrate may, subject to subsection (2), exercise in respect of that person all the powers conferred by section 170 (2) of the said Act and the said section 189 on the court referred to in those sections. (2) A person who is required to appear before a magistrate and who refuses or fails to furnish the information in question shall not be sentenced to imprisonment as contemplated in section 189 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, unless the magistrate is also of the opinion that the furnishing of such information is necessary for the administration of justice.

 CHAPTER 7 ORDERS RELATING TO PROSECUTIONS (ss 40-41)

40 Recovery of arrear maintenance (1) A court with civil jurisdiction convicting any person of an offence under section 31 (1) may, on the application of the public prosecutor and in addition to or in lieu of any penalty which the court may impose in respect of that offence, grant an order for the recovery from the convicted person of any amount he or she has failed to pay in accordance with the maintenance order, together with any interest thereon, whereupon the order so granted shall have the effect of a civil judgment of the court and shall, subject to subsection (2), be executed in the prescribed manner. (2) A court granting an order against a convicted person may- (a) in a summary manner enquire into the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3); and (b) if the court so decides, authorise the issue of a warrant of execution against the movable or immovable property of the convicted person in order to satisfy such order. (3) At the enquiry, the court shall take into consideration- (a) the existing and prospective means of the convicted person; (b) the financial needs and obligations of, or in respect of, the person maintained by the convicted person; (c) the conduct of the convicted person in so far as it may be relevant concerning his or her failure to pay in accordance with the maintenance order; and (d) the other circumstances which should, in the opinion of the court, be taken into consideration. (4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, any pension, annuity, gratuity or compassionate allowance or other similar benefit shall be liable to be attached or subjected to execution under an order granted under this section. 41 Conversion of criminal proceedings into maintenance enquiry If during the course of any proceedings in a magistrate’s court in respect of- (a) an offence referred to in section 31 (1); or (b) the enforcement of any sentence suspended on condition that the convicted person make periodical payments of sums of money towards the maintenance of any other person, it appears to the court that it is desirable that a maintenance enquiry be held, or when the public prosecutor so requests, the court shall convert the proceedings into such enquiry.” Now let us move on to the regulations

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceRegulations to the Maintenance Act dealing with the Criminal Route

“OFFENCES AND ORDERS RELATING TO PROSECUTIONS Complaints of failure to comply with orders
  1. A complaint regarding a failure to make a payment in accordance with a maintenance
order shall substantially correspond with Form Q of the Annexure. Recovery of arrear maintenance
  1. (1) The clerk of the court shall submit a certified copy of an order made by the court in
terms of section 40 of the Act to the clerk of the civil court for registration of such order. (2) The clerk of the civil court shall – (a) register the order referred to in subregulation (1) by numbering it with the following consecutive case number for the year during which it is registered; and (b) inform the maintenance officer of the maintenance court where the maintenance order was made and the person in whose favour the order was made of the registration and the number of the case. (3) The provisions of the Act relating to civil execution shall, with the necessary changes, apply in respect of the execution of an order referred to in subregulation (1).”

Summary of the Criminal Route

advice-child-maintenance-child-custody-divorceShould the person against whom a maintenance order was made, not comply with it, the party who should receive maintenance may approach the maintenance court and lay a criminal complaint. The complainant would fill in a “Form Q” headed “COMPLAINT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A MAINTENANCE ORDER FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 31(1) OF THE MAINTENANCE ACT, 1998 (ACT No. 99 OF 1998)”. On the form, you should state how the defaulter failed to comply with the order and also what amount is outstanding. Once you successfully laid your complaint, the maintenance court would subpoena the defaulter to the criminal courts. The defaulter has the right to legal representation prior to a trial date being arranged. Once a date has been arranged for trial you would be subpoenaed as a witness and give evidence as to the maintenance order, the outstanding amount that the defaulter failed to pay and anything else that is relevant. As the proceedings are criminal, the State would prosecute the defaulter and you would be their witness. Therefore, the public prosecutor would ask you questions and then the defaulter or his attorney or advocate will cross-examine you. If a foundation has been laid by the State, then the defaulter would get a chance to outline his defense to the court and the public prosecutor would then cross-examine him or her. Should the court find the defaulter guilty, then on the request of the “public prosecutor and in addition to or in lieu of any penalty which the court may have imposed grant an order for the recovery from the convicted person of any amount he or she has failed to pay in accordance with the maintenance order together with any interest thereon. Whereupon the order so granted shall have the effect of a civil judgment of the court…” This means that the order may be used to sell the convicted person’s property.

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.    
Posted on by Telelaw

Adoption Law in South Africa

The Child Care Act forms the foundation of the Adoption Law and is very much adhered when following through with the adoption process. The ultimate objectives of the Children’s Act is to:
  • Protect the social and emotional well-being of a child.
  • To implement structures within a community that can care and protect the child.
  • To ensure that no child goes through starvation, abuse, exploitation and so forth.
  • To ensure that the public (adults) are not taking advantage/exploiting or inflicting physical harm onto a child.
[caption id="attachment_4511" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] For free, expert legal advice on the Children’s Act, read our legal piece on The Law Regarding Children – The Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Feel free to call our law offices on 021 424 3487 for an online appointment for a professional legal consultation today.

Baby adoption process

We often don’t know where to start when it comes to child adoption. These are brief, yet relevant steps you could be looking at when entering into the adoption process:
  1. Establish a mutual ground between you and your spouse: this means making sure that both parties are actively involved in the adoption process and that both parties would like to process with the process.
  2. Social worker or adoption agency: A social worker mandatory to the process even though you may personally know the biological mother of the child. When it comes to a social worker and agency, you need to ensure that you can trust both the agency and social worker. These two factors will play an essential role in the outcome of the adoption process.
  3. Screening process: this can be the most dreadful step.
[caption id="attachment_4512" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] You will need:
  • Interview with your social worker
  • Police clearance
  • Medical report
  • Psychological assessment
  • Summary of finances
  • Clearance from National Child Protection Register
  • Clearance from the National Register of Sexual Offenders
  • Assessing of your marriage
  • References
  • Group sessions
  • Social worker will have to visit your home to check for a stable, safe home for the child
  • An overall family assessment
  1. Wait for your child while the social worker determines an ideal candidate that suits the circumstances of the matter.
  2. You will get to meet your child and you will have an idea of your child’s history and have a choice if you would like to proceed.
  3. Complete the legal work: this is where a good, family legal expert comes in to help you through the process of the Children’s Court and other legalities.
Inter-country Definition The term “inter-country” adoption is pretty much self-explanatory and refers to adoption taking place out of the country. For more information on inter-country adoption or overall adoption, click on the following links below: [caption id="attachment_4513" align="alignleft" width="300"] Call our law offices on: 0211110090
Email us at: [email protected][/caption] Are you residing out of Cape Town? No problem. Make use of our national number on 087 701 1124 or simply call our offices on 021 424 3487 for an online appointment for a professional legal consultation.  
Posted on by Telelaw

Questions parents ask in child custody disputes. What are some of the difficulties parents face when dealing with child custody issues and problems?

When parents have issues and difficulties regarding their parental responsibilities and rights, they often go online for answers. These issues can relate to contact rights or guardianship issues. One parent may want to have more contact, and the other parent refuses such a request. Or a parent wants to relocate with a minor child, and the other parent refuses guardianship consent. Whatever the issues are, they need to be resolved in the child’s best interests. Read on for some interesting questions parents ask online.

Does the abuse of alcohol affect the outcome of a child custody case?

Abusing alcohol is very dangerous. Not only for you but for your relationship and parenting as well. If a parent abuses alcohol in the presence of a child, then the child is in danger, or at the very least, in a potential neglectful situation. If both parents abuse alcohol, then the case is much more serious and social welfare needs to get involved. On the issue of a child custody case, the abuse of alcohol is material and would play a huge role in the outcome of the case. The extent could be that custody is revoked.

What can you not say in a child custody mediation process?

You can say whatever you wish to say. However irrelevant information is discouraged. At the end of the day, you should assist the court with relevant information that would be of use to the mediation process. Sometimes bringing up the past and old issues would not be of much use to your mediation case. Badmouthing and trying your utmost to put the other parent in a bad light could be extremely damaging to your case. Focus on what is important on moving forward.

What evidence can you use in a custody case?

In a child custody case, the court needs to know that all relevant information was placed before it. This is so as the court would then be able to make a fair decision. You can use any evidence to prove your case. However, the evidence must be relevant. Dealing with the past or unresolved personal issues won’t be of much use to the court. Focus on the child and how either parent would best be able to care for the child.

How do you write a letter to a judge for child custody?

The courts have their own set of rules and procedure. Court procedures are usually commenced with a Founding Affidavit, followed by an Answering Affidavit, and then a Replying Affidavit. After you provided information via affidavit, you would give a copy to the other party. Letters can be provided, but it should be attached to an affidavit as an annexure.

Why do fathers walk away after a divorce?

Many marriages are stressful and the divorce is the final chapter. Not all fathers walk away after a divorce. If they do, it may be because they want nothing to do with the ex-wife. If there are children involved, then there would be a limited relationship with the mother. For example, should she have custody, then you may have to pay her child support and so on. Sometimes, the least contact you can have with your former spouse the better. Especially if the marriage was riddled with domestic violence.

What are the chances of a father getting full custody in South Africa?

The chances are high if he can prove that it would be in the child’s best interest. It does not mean that you are the father that you are entitled to have full custody. Some fathers never formed part of a child’s life and all of a sudden wants full custody. That does not make sense. The child does not even know the man. Under those circumstances, phased in contact should first take place.

What to do if your ex-partner or lover won’t let you see your child?

There may be good grounds why an ex-husband or spouse won’t let you see the child. One could be that the child does not know you, or you are a danger to the child. However, unless there is good grounds to refuse you contact to your child, such contact must take place. The type and duration of the contact may be in dispute. And the mother may set down the terms. If you are not happy with the refusal or the terms, you would need to approach the Children’s Court or the High Court.

What can I do if the mother keeps a child from the father?

For a mother to keep a child away from a father, she would need to have good grounds. For example, the child is being neglected by the other parent or is in danger. The father needs to approach the Children’s Court or the High Court. If the child does not know the father at all, and the father is a drug addict, then it may make sense to keep the child away from the father. Each case is different. At the end of the day, parents must do what is best for the child.

Who owns the child? The father or the mother?

No one owns the child. However, both parents have a legal obligation to care for the child. A court may grant one parent more rights over the child than the other. For example, one parent would care for the child during the week, and the other parent only on weekends. A court may also limit guardianship rights. For example, allowing only one parent to consent when it comes to a child’s school, passport application or travelling overseas.

Who has more parental rights?

Usually, both parents would have equal parental rights. However, a court can limit a parent’s parental rights. If the parents cannot agree on how to care for a child, a court can step in and limit certain parental rights if it deems so necessary. This it would do if it believes that it would be in the child’s best interest. For example, a parent cannot collect a child on weekends because the child is neglected when in that parent’s care.

How does child support work if the mother has no job?

If the mother does not have a job, then the father would have to support the child according to his means. However, in deciding what amount the father should pay, various factors have to be looked at. One needs to look at his income, expenses, assets and liabilities.

Can a father take a newborn child away from the mother?

He can if it would be in the child’s best interest. Usually, a newborn would be best cared for by the mother. However, if the mother is a big drug addict, or a drunkard and unable to care for the child, it may be ordered that the father care for the child.

Can a mother lose custody for cheating in South Africa?

Cheating and being able to care for a child are two separate issues. However, if the cheating affects her ability to care for the child, then it could affect her chances of retaining custody. For example, she is out whole night with different people.

At what age can the father take the baby?

It is always best for a child to be cared for by his or her mother once he or she is born. Mothers have a beneficial bond with the child after birth and would be able to provide the child with breastmilk and so on. Under certain circumstances, it may be best that the father cares for a child soon after birth. And in other cases, much later. A father can take custody at any age. Generally, the older the child, the easier it would be. At the end of the day, when deciding when a child should be taken care of by the father, the child’s best interests needs to be upheld.

How can a father win a child custody case in Cape Town?

A father can win a child custody case in Cape Town or any city in South Africa if he can prove that it would be best for the child to be in his care. There need to be facts to support a successful custody application. The father should be able to prove that he can care for the child better than the mother and that it would be best for there to be a change in custody arrangements. Earning more, or having a better car or home is not necessarily deciding factors when it comes to winning a child custody case.

What is considered an unfit home?

An unfit home is a home where a child is in danger or neglected. For example, there is alcohol laying around or a balcony where the child can easily fall from. Our law expects all parents to be the best parents they can be for the child. Not all homes are the same in South Africa. A fit home for one set of children may not be a fit home for another set of children. At the end of the day, as long as parents try their best to keep their children safe, that should be adequate to call a fit home.

How do I find an unfit parent?

Not all parents are fit parents. However, they are the parents of the child and need to care for him or her. Parents should try to become the best parents they can be for their child. As time evolves, they will become better and fitter at it. You may speak to social workers in your area who can advise you where to find an unfit parent.

How do you Co-parent with a toxic ex-partner or spouse?

Before a couple had a child, they would usually communicate well with each other. This would continue after the child is born until when the couple separates. At this point, the level of communication they had previously no longer exists. This is when their relationship could become toxic, or at least so for one of the parents. At this point, a child needs both parents to communicate well with each other. This is not only in the child’s best interests, but also would benefit the parents. It would be best to see a family counsellor with your ex to assist in co-parenting if this problem persists.  

Posted on by Telelaw