What are their legal rights? The nature of families is constantly evolving, with more fluid attitudes about remarriage, same-sex marriage, life partnerships, and blended families prevalent today than in the past. The law is working hard to keep up. What happens when someone who is not a biological parent develops a deep bond with a […]
New strategies for modern families The concept of “family” is changing. It no longer automatically implies a heterosexual couple and 2.4 children. Same-sex couples adopt or have their own children, either through donor insemination or surrogacy. As more marriages end in divorce, we see more blended families as individuals find new life partners, with or […]
Understanding emotional needs Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability both to manage your own emotions and to understand, interpret and respond to the emotions of people around you. EI is a critical skill for parents engaged in child care and contact disputes. Both attorneys and parents must demonstrate empathy and patience when addressing children’s fears and concerns in a […]
Prioritising children’s well-being Reprinted from Rising Sun – 2024-07-03 In South Africa, recent changes to the High Court and Regional Court rules require parties to indicate whether they have attempted mediation, are prepared to do so, or refuse mediation with reasons provided before initiating divorce actions. Child-centred Divorce Month, observed annually in July, aims to […]
School choice can be a bone of contention for divorced parents When a couple with children divorces, their relationship does not end. They must continue to communicate and share responsibility for their children’s care and upbringing. And that includes school selection. In some locations, the choice of school is obvious. In a rural area there […]
Don’t let your children suffer emotional harm of divorce Divorce is never easy. Even when it is amicable and civil, it is hard on spouses. It is even harder on the children. Children don’t understand relationships, but they understand security, and your divorce threatens that. So how can you ensure your children suffer as little […]
We came across this communication from a family court judge in the UK to two young brothers caught up in an acrimonious custody battle between their parents. It’s rather sweet that the judge took the time to explain his decision to the boys, who are old enough to have preferences but not old enough to […]
Do stepparents have a duty to support their stepchildren? Families come in all shapes and sizes, and a consequence of divorce is often a new blended family. A blended family (or stepfamily) forms when two people make a life together with the children from one or both of their previous relationships. What are the legal […]
