To enter into an engagement, one must be 18 years of age or older. Minors need the consent of both parents (or guardians), unless certain circumstances are in place or a court order is granted. Both parties must voluntarily, of their own free will, consent to the engagement. However,
South African law does not specifically provide for a Legal Separation for married couples. In the eyes of the Law, parties are either married or divorced. There is no in-between status. While there is no specific concept of Legal Separation, it does not mean that a married couple cannot
There are two models of legal representation of children that are being used in South Africa, namely, client directed legal representation and best interests legal representation. Client Directed Legal Representation : This model of representation of children allows the child to direct the litigation. Best Interests Legal Representation :
The SAPS has certain obligations to victims of domestic violence. Besides their legal duty to assist victims to take steps to protect themselves in terms of the Act, the police must: On receipt of a domestic violence complaint, wide-ranging duties are imposed on both the station commander and the
The words “domestic violence” tend to conjure images of physical violence and abuse. In our highly connected world, abusers also can use technology against victims to monitor, threaten, harass, and hurt them. They may install spyware on victims’ phones and impersonate them on social media to humiliate them. Technology
When a parent passes away, this primary responsibility to maintain the child will not end or be extinguished but will rather lie against the estate of the deceased parent. Where a deceased parent’s estate is inadequate to cover the child’s support, or if there is no estate leftover to
Nearly half of all marriages in South Africa end in divorce. Divorce need not be bitter or erupt into a war. Unfortunately, though, in many divorces, spouses turn what could be an amicable end to their marriage into an emotionally difficult and expensive legal battle by allowing their anger,
No parent wants to think about what will happen to their kids should they die prematurely… But if you’re a single or divorced parent, this life circumstance can have more complications than you planned for. South Africa counts among countries with the highest numbers of children who are being
Marriage is defined as a formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically, and emotionally. Civil marriages, same-sex marriages, customary marriages and religious marriages are protected by the law. South Africa does not recognise a common law wife or husband. The
One of the most difficult, painful conversations you will ever face is talking to your kids about your plan to divorce. When you know that you will be separating or divorcing, it is important to talk to your kids before they hear it from someone else. Imagine how upsetting
