Best Child Support Lawyers in Durban

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Goodway & Buck Attorneys
Durban, South Africa

English
Family Child Support Adoption +11 more
Goodway & Buck Attorneys, based in Durban, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims, personal injury cases, commercial law, and family law matters. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in assisting refugees and South African...

English
Legal Leaders | Moolla Attorneys Inc., based in Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, offers specialized legal services in family law, labor law, and commercial litigation. The firm's team, led by Attorney Aslam Moolla, brings over a decade of courtroom experience, particularly in divorce proceedings and labor...
Zungu Incorporated
Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2014
English
Zungu Incorporated is a boutique law firm with over a decade of experience serving individuals, associations, trusts, corporate clients, and government departments across South Africa. With offices strategically located in Johannesburg and Durban, the firm offers a comprehensive range of legal...
CNG Attorneys Inc
Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2018
English
CNG Attorneys Inc., established in April 2018, is a boutique law firm based in Durban, South Africa. Founded by partners Cara Jane Chiocchetti, Shirona Naicker, and Candice Munien-Govender, each with strong litigation backgrounds, the firm has grown to a staff complement of over 24. As a proudly...
THORPE & HANDS INCORPORATED
Durban, South Africa

English
Established in 1936, Thorpe & Hands Incorporated is a distinguished law firm based in Durban, South Africa, renowned for its comprehensive legal services and longstanding commitment to client satisfaction. The firm specializes in property law, litigation, wills, trusts and estates, labour law, and...
King-Essack & Associates
Durban, South Africa

Founded in 1966
English
Established in 1966, King-Essack & Associates is a distinguished law firm headquartered in Westville, South Africa. With a team of seasoned professionals, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across 35 practice areas, including commercial law, litigation, conveyancing, family law, and...
Sthembiso Mbhele & Associates
Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2003
English
Sthembiso Mbhele & Associates, established in 2003 by Sthembiso Ishmael Mbhele, is a dynamic law firm committed to delivering professional and comprehensive legal services at affordable rates. The firm offers a full spectrum of corporate and commercial law services, including transactional and...
Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2023
English
Salomon McIntyre & Co, established in 2023, is a dynamic legal firm based in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal. With a combined experience exceeding 40 years, the firm offers comprehensive legal services encompassing civil and criminal litigation, family law, conveyancing, wills and estates, notarial...
HARILALL NAIK PETERS ATTORNEYS
Durban, South Africa

English
Harilall Naik Peters Attorneys, located in Ballito, South Africa, offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including Criminal Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Tax Law, and Property Law. The firm is led by Directors Nikhil Harilall and Suvania...
MAHOMED SALEK ATTORNEYS
Durban, South Africa

English
Mahomed Salek Attorneys, based in Durban, South Africa, is a dynamic and adaptable law firm dedicated to providing prompt and dependable legal advice and representation. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of both corporate clients and individuals,...
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About Child Support Law in Durban, South Africa

Child support law in Durban, South Africa, is designed to ensure that both parents equally contribute to the financial needs of their child or children. It's governed by the national laws, particularly the South African Children's Act of 2005 and the Maintenance Act of 1998. These laws provide detailed guidelines on how much and how often payments should be made based on factors like the parents' income, the needs of the child, and the child's standard of living. Parents involved in disputes over child support can approach a lawyer for guidance and representation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Magistrate's courts handle child support cases in Durban, and it is possible for individuals to represent themselves. However, the legal process can be challenging to navigate alone, particularly in issues involving calculation of payment amounts, defaults in maintenance payments, and changes in circumstances. A lawyer can also be helpful when disputing paternity, relocation, parental rights, disputes on custody, or when you want to modify an existing agreement. Therefore, if you are facing any of these issues, it would be advisable to engage the services of a lawyer.

Local Laws Overview

The Children's Act and the Maintenance Act together form the basis of child support laws in Durban. Key aspects include that both parents are responsible for the maintenance of their children according to their means. This obligation continues until a child is self-supporting, adopted, or deceased. The Act also provides guidelines on how to determine payment amounts, taking into account the needs of the child and the earnings of each parent. Non-compliance to the maintenance order can lead to serious penalties, including imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for applying for child support?

You can apply for child support at the local magistrate's court. You will need to provide details about the other parent, proof of expenses for the child, and proof of your income.

At what age does child support end?

Child support generally ends when the child becomes self-supporting, gets married, is adopted, or passes away. The court has the discretion to determine what constitutes 'self-supporting'.

What happens if the payee defaults on payments?

Non-payment of child support is a criminal offence in South Africa. Legal action can be taken against the defaulting party, and they can be held liable for arrears. In severe cases, assets can be attached or even imprisonment can be ordered.

Can child support agreements be modified?

Yes, child support agreements can be reviewed and modified if the circumstances of the parents or the child changes significantly. Such changes must be substantial and material to warrant a modification.

What might happen if I don't agree with the maintenance order?

If you disagree with the maintenance order, you may file an objection. A legal representative can guide you through this process to present your case effectively.

Additional Resources

The South African Department of Social Development, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and local community law centers offer resources, information, and referral services that can assist parents seeking help with child support issues.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with child support matters, consider consulting with a family law attorney who can guide you through the process. They can help you prepare your case, understand your rights as a parent, and potentially represent you in court. In Durban, there are numerous legal aid services and law firms that offer affordable services with expertise in this area. Seek initial consultation and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Durban 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 Support, 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 Durban, 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.