Family law insights and commentary from the offices of divorce and family law attorney Simon Dippenaar.
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How is maintenance calculated on divorce in South Africa? In South Africa, the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 makes provision for spousal maintenance to be paid at the discretion of the court. It is not an automatic right and can be a highly charged subject. Laws and practices vary around the world, but in general […]
Can you change your parenting coordinator and what are their powers? When parents divorce, or indeed when unmarried parents go their separate ways, it is common for them to have a parenting plan, which is a legally binding agreement that defines the roles and powers of each parent or carer. It also clarifies areas […]
How long should spousal maintenance be payable? Long ago, women gave up working when they had children. Even longer ago, they gave up working when they got married, or they didn’t work outside the home at all, waiting for the right man to come along so they could fulfill their destiny as wife and mother. […]
Why your divorce attorney may not be fighting your case and what to do about it Many years ago, in a galaxy far away…well, actually…a few decades ago, in another country, someone we know was embroiled in a divorce action against a husband who had, by his own admission, become involved in another relationship. […]
The role of the social worker When parents divorce, it’s quite common for one parent to relocate. There are many reasons for this: making a fresh start in a new city or town if the divorce has been painful or traumatic; moving closer to one’s extended family; taking up a new job offer, to better […]
In the emotional aftermath of divorce, don’t neglect some important practical tasks Divorce is an emotional journey, but it’s also a practical and financial one. Couples often delay making the break because the prospect of “unmerging their money” is just too daunting. Marriage tends to be a more financially stable regime than singledom, especially if […]
Addicted parents – balancing rights with responsibilities With every right comes a responsibility. In no sphere of life is this more true than when it comes to parenting. Do parents have a right to see their children? Yes, they do. But the rights and best interests of the child take precedence. There are circumstances in […]
Pretoria – A South African mother scored a legal victory that will enable her to keep her son with her following an application by her estranged husband that the child be returned to him in the UK. Reprinted from the Pretoria News, by Zelda Venter – 2022-03-14 The husband is a UK citizen and his […]
