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FINANCIAL ABUSE

When one thinks of abuse in a relationship, we typically focus on physical, emotional and verbal abuse. But financial abuse by a spouse or partner occurs in up to 99% of domestic violence cases. Financial abuse is a topic which is rarely spoken about. Because financial abuse is a

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COERCIVE CONTROL ABUSE

Coercive control is described as a pattern of controlling behaviours that create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. In some instances coercive control can escalate into physical abuse. However, even if it does not escalate into physical abuse, coercive control is a form of emotional abuse that can

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OBTAINING A PROTECTION ORDER

A Protection Order is an order issued by a court ordering a person with whom one has or has had a domestic relationship (the respondent), to stop the abuse. It’s a legal document that specifies the conditions that an abuser must adhere to, as specified by the courts. The

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TERMINATING AN ENGAGEMENT – BREACH OF PROMISE TO MARRY

In order to enter into a valid engagement contract the requirements which first need to be met are the following: Both parties must be 18 years of age or older. Minors under the age of 18 will require their parents or guardians consent to marry, and in some instances

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FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A COURT ORDER

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A COURT ORDER

Firstly, it must be noted that no, contempt of Court does not relate solely to criminal proceedings nor to criminal behaviour. Contempt of Court applies whenever behaviour exhibits simple disregard of a Court order. Contempt of Court is divided into two categories namely, civil contempt and criminal contempt. In

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TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND ADOPTION

“Family” as a social unit is the foundation of our society. It provides security and a sense of identity for a child and is the natural environment for the growth and well-being for children. Where for some reason such a relationship is unavailable or fails, society must provide systems

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THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

If you or your loved ones need legal assistance, it’s important to remember one thing: being up front and forthcoming with your attorney about the facts of the case is a necessity. Without understanding the complete truth about a case, it’s much more difficult for your attorney to build

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Private Sector Leads Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Fund

President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a private sector-led, multi-sectoral Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund aimed at supporting the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP), and the wider response in the country. The response fund is a fulfilment of a resolution of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

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WHEN DOES THE VOICE OF THE CHILD CARRY WEIGHT?

It is a quirk of most matters related to minor children, especially when these are acrimonious, that a decision has to be made as to what is in the best interests of a minor child based on what the parents are seeking rather than what the child may want.

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THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY ADVOCATE

The Family Advocate is an unbiased family law specialist and advisor to the court in cases of legal disputes over custody and parental rights.  The Family Advocate assists members of a family to reach an agreement on disputed issues of custody, access and guardianship.  If the parties are unable

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