08/11/2025 Bertus Preller Abducting parent defences, Article 13 defences, Article 13(a) consent, Article 13(b) grave risk, Habitual Residence, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Left-behind parent rights, Prompt return of child, Wrongful removal of child abducting parent defences, ancillary relief, Article 13 defences, Article 13(a) consent, Article 13(b) grave risk, Central Authority South Africa, child return application, Convention proceedings, curator ad litem, custody proceedings, Denmark child abduction, family law South Africa, grave risk threshold, habitual residence, Hague Convention, International Child Abduction, intolerable situation, jurisdictional issues, Koch case, left-behind parent rights, Mirror Orders, N M v Central Authority, Plascon-Evans rule, prompt return of child, Protective Measures, Sonderup v Tondelli, summary proceedings, two-stage process, wrongful removal of child When Midnight Departures Belie Consent: Article 13 Defences Fail in International Child Abduction Case – Central Authority of the Republic of South Africa and Another v L (2025-178969) [2025] ZAGPJHC 1101 (3 November 2025). Factual Matrix: A Mother's Contested Departure from Denmark to South Africa The dispute before Adams J in the Gauteng Division of the High Court centred on a six-year-old boy who… READ MORE
26/12/2024 Bertus Preller Abduction, Adoption, Alienation, Best Interests of the Child, Children, Guardianship, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, International Family Law, International Travel Australian family law, best interests of the child, child abduction, Child Custody, Child Relocation, child welfare, child’s views in family law, children’s act, comparative law, cross-border family disputes, Custody Battles, English family law, Family Advocate, Family Law, family law frameworks, family law reform, family mediation, Fletcher v Fletcher, French family law, Hague Convention, International Child Abduction, joint parental responsibility, legal aid in family law, parental authority, parental responsibility, Parental Rights, relocation disputes, relocation with children, sibling unity, South African Family Law 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… READ MORE
01/03/2024 Bertus Preller Abduction, Children, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Parental Rights, Relocation, Views of the Child child custody law, child protection law, child welfare, Children's Best Interests, consent and acquiescence, cross-border family law, custody rights, Family Law, Hague Convention, International Child Abduction, international custody battle, Judicial Discretion, Justice Cloete, Legal Analysis, legal decision-making, legal fairness, Legal Jurisdiction, legal precedent, legal proceedings costs, MB v LC and Another, parental disputes, Plascon-Evans rule, South Africa legal system, wrongful retention Justice Prevails: Navigating International Child Abduction Law with Precision and Compassion. – MB v LC and Another (21586/2023) [2024] ZAWCHC 61 (29 February 2024). Introduction and Background The case adjudicated by Justice J Cloete, delves into a dispute under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This matter revolves around… READ MORE
20/01/2024 Bertus Preller Abuse, Alienation, Children, Relocation Abduction Cases, Abductor Location, Central Authority, Child Participation, child protection, child welfare, Child’s Best Interests, cross-border custody, Custody Battles, custody disputes, domestic violence, Expeditious Proceedings, Family Law, Hague Application, Hague Convention, International Child Abduction, International Cooperation, Interpol Assistance, Judicial Proceedings, legal challenges, Legal Framework, Legal Reforms, Legal Representation, Mirror Orders, Parental Abduction, Parental Rights, Return Orders, South Africa, South African courts NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA: LEGAL PERSPECTIVES, CHALLENGES, AND CASE LAW ANALYSIS. INTRODUCTION The escalating global issue of international child abduction has significant implications within the South African legal framework. This analysis delves into South Africa's approach to addressing and implementing key… READ MORE