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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Attorneys in related practice areas.
Family law in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is a subset of civil law. It handles matters related to family relationships, including but not limited to marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. Legal standards are influenced by both local customary precepts and international conventions, which Papua New Guinea is a signatory of, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
There are various situations where individuals and families may require legal assistance. These might include when couples plan to marry or end their marriage, when parents or others seek custody of children or wish to formalize adoption processes, or when victims seek protection from domestic violence. In all these situations, a lawyer experienced in family law can provide invaluable assistance, ensuring your rights are adequately protected and advocated for.
The Family and Sexual Violence Legislation of Papua New Guinea provides significant protections for victims of family and domestic violence. This includes safety and protection orders, provision for safe houses, and severe penalties for violations. Additionally, adoption laws are governed by the Child Welfare Act, while marriage and divorce fall under the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Marriage Act respectively. Local customary laws also have significant influence in how these laws are interpreted and applied, particularly in rural areas.
The legal age for males and females to marry is 21 years. However, with parental consent, males can marry from 18 years and females from 16 years.
Grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug addiction, insanity, and incurable disease.
The welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration in deciding who gets custody. The court also considers factors such as the parents' ability to provide for the child's needs and the child's own wishes if they are old enough.
Adoption in Papua New Guinea is governed by the Child Welfare Act. An adoption order may be granted if the court is satisfied that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.
Victims of domestic violence can seek help from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, or from the police. They can also apply for a Protection Order.
Valuable resources include the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee, Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council, Child and Family Services of the Department of Community Development, and various local NGOs such as the PNG Human Rights Advisory. Legal assistance can be sought from the Public Solicitor’s Office or from private legal practitioners.
If you need legal assistance with family matters, it's important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process. You can approach the Public Solicitor’s Office for free legal aid, or contact a private lawyer or law firm specializing in family law. It's crucial to collect all relevant documents and maintain a record of all related occurrences to help your case.
