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Comparative Analysis: South African, English, Australian, and French Law on Parental Responsibility, Relocation, and Child Abduction.

Parental Responsibility South Africa: Governed by Chapter 3 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, parental responsibilities and rights include care, contact, guardianship, and maintenance. These responsibilities are automatic for…

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When Power Moves Meet Parental Rights: High Court Pulls the Plug on Dad’s Custody Settlement in ZDE v CE (1011/2022) [2024] ZASCA 159. (18 November 2024).

Background to the Matter Picture this: the corridors of the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein, where legal dramas unfold with the regularity of load-shedding schedules. But this time, the…

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Relocation Triumph: Mother’s Move to Australia Approved in A.J v F.J (2024/001162) [2024] ZAGPJHC 997. (4 October 2024).

Background: The Divorced Couple's Relocation Dispute The case of A.J v F.J (2024/001162) ZAGPJHC 997 (4 October 2024) revolves around a divorced couple's dispute over the relocation of their two…

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Urgent Co-Parenting Battles: A Lesson in Patience from D.D v I.L and Another (16939/2024) [2024] ZAWCHC 215 (20 August 2024).

Background: A Preschool Predicament In the Western Cape High Court case of D.D v I.L and Another (16939/2024) ZAWCHC 215 (20 August 2024), we encounter a poignant example of how…

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Urgency Dismissed in Grandparents’ Access Case: E.S and Others v P.S and Another (16138/24) [2024] ZAWCHC 201 (12 August 2024).

Background: A Family's Struggle for Contact After Tragedy In the heart-wrenching case of E.S and Others v P.S and Another (16138/24) ZAWCHC 201 (12 August 2024), the Western Cape High…

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Navigating the Maze: Forum Shopping and Urgency in Family Law – Insights from D.G.S.F v M.F and Another (347/2024) [2024] ZAFSHC 207.

Background: A High-Stakes Rule 43 Application The case of D.G.S.F v M.F and Another (347/2024) ZAFSHC 207 (2 July 2024) centres on a contentious Rule 43 application in the Free…

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Mastering Emotional Intelligence: The Game-Changer for Family Lawyers.

Emotional Intelligence: A Key Skill for Family Lawyers Family law practitioners, despite their best intentions and legal expertise, often fall prey to common pitfalls that can significantly impact their effectiveness…

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Understanding the New Divorce Amendment Act No. 01 of 2024: Enhancing Legal Protection for Muslim Marriages

The Divorce Amendment Act, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the recognition and protection of Muslim marriages in South Africa. By integrating specific provisions for Muslim marriages into the existing…

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The Limits of Third-Party Rights in Child Contact: P.D and Another v A.R and Another (D779/2023) [2024] ZAKZDHC 27 (17 May 2024).

Background of the case The case of P.D and Another v A.R and Another (D779/2023) ZAKZDHC 27 (17 May 2024) involved an unusual set of facts. The applicants, who were…

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Balancing Parental Rights and the Best Interests of the Child in High-Conflict Care and Contact Cases. – TH v CH (14667/2022) [2024] ZAWCHC 100 (9 April 2024).

Introduction In TH v CH (14667/2022) ZAWCHC 100 (9 April 2024), the Western Cape High Court heard a case between divorced parents, TH (the father and applicant) and CH (the…

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