Best Child Custody Lawyers in Pretoria

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Hamel Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa

English
Hamel Attorneys, located in the heart of South Africa, is a prestigious law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services and deep expertise across a wide range of practice areas. Specializing in bankruptcy, criminal justice, estate planning, family law, and labor relations among others, the...

Founded in 2006
English
Jarvis Jacobs Raubenheimer Inc Attorneys is a distinguished South African law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services and a deep commitment to client success. With a seasoned team of attorneys, the firm provides expert guidance across a broad spectrum of legal fields, including business...
Pistorius Scheepers Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 2019
English
Pistorius Scheepers Attorneys Inc, established in 2019 by director Michelle Scheepers, is a dynamic and progressive law firm based in Pretoria, South Africa. The firm has developed into a highly regarded legal practice, serving both local and international clients. Their areas of expertise...
Wessels + van Zyl Inc
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 1998
English
Wessels + van Zyl Inc is a distinguished South African law firm with offices in Pretoria and Cape Town, offering a comprehensive range of legal services. Established in 1998, the firm has built a reputation for excellence in areas such as conveyancing, commercial law, estate planning, and...
Schoeman Borman Incorporated
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 1997
English
Schoeman Borman Incorporated, established in 1997 by founding director Daniel Schoeman, has grown into a reputable law firm in South Africa. Co-director Yolandie Borman joined the firm in 2005, and together they lead a team with over 60 years of combined legal experience. The firm offers a...
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 2000
English
S.V MAHLANGU Attorneys (Inc) is a distinguished law firm located in Sunnyside, Pretoria, dedicated to delivering professional and efficient legal services. With over 25 years of experience, the firm offers a comprehensive range of legal solutions, including general litigation, family law, and...
Couzyn Hertzog & Horak
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 1929
English
Established in 1929, Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele across South Africa. The firm's areas of expertise encompass aviation law, commercial finance and banking, commercial law, competition law, constitutional law,...
Sambo and Makgabutlane Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa

English
Sambo and Makgabutlane Attorneys, based in Pretoria North, South Africa, is a dynamic law firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services. The firm specializes in various areas of law, including Family Law, Labour Law, Statutory and Regulatory Compliance, Commercial and Contract Law,...
ML Schoeman Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa

English
ML Schoeman Attorneys, located in Montana Park, Pretoria, is a distinguished law firm renowned for delivering exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of practice areas. The firm's team of knowledgeable and dedicated lawyers adopts a results-driven approach to effectively handle various...
Tshabangu Attorneys, Pretoria Central
Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 2016
English
Established in September 2016 by Vusi Pazel Tshabangu, Tshabangu Attorneys is a 100% black-owned law firm located in Pretoria Central. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including general litigation, professional negligence, deceased estates, criminal law, third-party...
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South Africa Child Custody Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 4 legal questions about Child Custody in South Africa and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

Legal Gaurdianship Appointment
Family
Child Custody
You will need the court approval on the legal guardianship.kindly contact us via: 07026624801 (call)gavelgreylp@gmail.com 
Hi, I have been a present and supporting father to my four year old son and I do everything for him but I struggle and get resistance everytime I want him to visit me at my place without her mom being around because we are no longer together. The maternal
Child Custody
Family
Father's Rights
**SJ Law Experts, Islamabad**All matters related to U.S. Immigrant Visa Petitions, USCIS Petition, USCIS Waiver Petition, USCIS Motion, U.S. Returning Resident Visa (SB-1 Visa), U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas, Canada, UK and Schengen States Visa applications and Family Law, Property Law or Corporate Law: Contact SJ Law Experts, Islamabad or Call /WhatsApp at +92 335-411-2288 and email at SJLawExperts@gmail.com. For more information, visit our Website: www.SJLawExperts.com.Thank youSJ Law Experts, Islamabad [Advocates, Legal Advisors & Immigration Lawyers]
Asking Courts Permission To Take Your Child From The Mother For Better Schooling Opportunities Elsewhere
Family
Child Custody
Kindly contact us @gavelgreylp@gmail.com for legal guidanceThank you 

About Child Custody Law in Pretoria, South Africa

Child custody law in Pretoria, South Africa, is primarily governed by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, aimed at ensuring that the best interests of the child are at the heart of any legal decisions. Custody involves the rights and responsibilities that parents or guardians have towards the upbringing and care of their children. In Pretoria, as in the rest of South Africa, the legal system strives for practical arrangements that safeguard the welfare and emotional stability of the child. This might involve sole custody to one parent, joint custody arrangements, or guardianship by another party.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are numerous circumstances in which seeking legal advice is essential in child custody matters. Such cases include disputes between separated or divorced parents, where custody arrangements are contested, or when a parent with custody wishes to relocate. Other scenarios might involve allegations of abuse, neglect, or when a parent seeks sole custody due to the other parent's inability to fulfill their responsibilities. A lawyer can navigate the complexities of the law, represent your interests, mediate negotiations, and work towards an amicable settlement that serves the child's best interests.

Local Laws Overview

The central piece of legislation guiding child custody in Pretoria and the broader South African context is the Children's Act. Key features of this law include the best interests standard, which is paramount in any custody arrangement. The act also emphasizes the importance of co-parenting and encourages mutually agreed-upon parenting plans. The law recognizes various custodial arrangements, such as sole, joint, and shared custody, and considers factors like the child's age, emotional ties with parents, and the child's own preferences if they are capable of forming an opinion. It also provides mechanisms for amending custody orders as circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors does the court consider when deciding child custody?

The court considers several factors, including the child's age, emotional ties to each parent, the parents' ability to provide care, and the child's own preferences if they can express them. The child’s best interests remain the paramount concern.

Can grandparents request custody or visitation rights?

Yes, grandparents can apply for custody or visitation rights, but they must demonstrate that such involvement aligns with the child’s best interests.

What is joint custody?

Joint custody means that both parents share decision-making responsibilities concerning the child's welfare, although it does not necessarily mean equal time with each parent.

Can a parent withhold visitation if child support is not paid?

No, visitation and child support are separate legal issues. Withholding visitation because of unpaid child support can violate court orders, and the appropriate action would be to seek enforcement of support payments through the courts.

How are custody agreements enforced?

Custody agreements are enforceable by law, and violating them can lead to legal consequences. It is advisable to seek legal help if one party is not adhering to the terms.

What should I do if I want to modify a custody agreement?

If circumstances have changed significantly since the original agreement, you can apply for a modification through the courts. It is essential to demonstrate why the new arrangement would benefit the child.

Is relocation with the child without the other parent's consent allowed?

Relocation, especially to a location that affects the existing custody arrangement, generally requires consent from the other parent or permission from the court.

How can I prove my ability to provide a stable environment for my child?

You can provide evidence like financial stability, a safe living environment, emotional support, and maintaining a consistent routine in your household.

Can children choose which parent to live with?

The court may consider the child's wishes, especially if they are mature enough to express a reasoned preference, but the child's best interests remain the deciding factor.

What is mediation, and how can it help in custody disputes?

Mediation is a process where an impartial third party helps both parents negotiate and reach a custody agreement. It can be a less adversarial and quicker alternative compared to going to court.

Additional Resources

If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to organizations such as the Family Advocate's Office in Pretoria, which provides mediation services and helps parents develop parenting plans. Legal Aid South Africa also offers free legal resources and advice for qualifying individuals. Non-governmental organizations like Child Welfare South Africa can provide guidance and support services.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance for a child custody matter, start by consulting with a qualified family law attorney. They can provide personalized legal advice, assist in drafting custody agreements, or represent you in court. Gathering documentation about your relationship with the child, current custody arrangement, and any relevant communications can be beneficial in preparation for legal proceedings. Additionally, consider pursuing mediation as a first step towards resolving disputes, as this can often lead to faster and more agreeable outcomes.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Pretoria through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Child Custody, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Pretoria, South Africa - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.