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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
In South Africa, including La Lucia, divorce laws are governed by the Divorce Act of 1979. Divorce & separation cases can be complex and emotionally charged. Divorce involves the dissolution of a marriage and separation often involves creating terms for living separately while remaining legally married. Legal intervention becomes necessary to solve disputes over matters such as spousal maintenance, property sharing, and child custody and support.
Divorce and separation often involve various intricacies related to property division, spousal support, and child custody. Engaging a skilled lawyer can help you navigate these challenges, ensuring your interests are properly represented. A lawyer can also guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and obligations under South African law. If your spouse has hired a lawyer, it is even more crucial that you have legal representation to safeguard your interests.
Division of matrimonial property can be based on the type of marriage contract. In community of property, all assets and debts are generally shared equally. In out of community of property, each spouse retains their own assets, unless otherwise stipulated. The grounds for divorce include irretrievable breakdown of marriage, mental illness, or continuous unconsciousness. Child custody is determined by the child's best interests, and maintenance can be awarded to either spouse based on several factors including the couple's standard of living during the marriage.
1. Can I get a divorce without my spouse's consent?
Yes, a divorce can be granted even if one spouse does not agree, if the court finds that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
2. How is property divided in a divorce?
It depends on the marriage contract. If you're married in community of property, assets and debts are usually split equally. If you're married out of community of property, each spouse retains their own assets and liabilities.
3. On what basis is spousal support determined?
Spousal support is determined based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial resources, and the standard of living during the marriage.
4. How is child custody decided?
Child custody is decided based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's age, the child's relationship with each parent, and each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs.
5. What are the grounds for divorce?
The grounds for divorce in South Africa include irretrievable breakdown of marriage, mental illness, or continuous unconsciousness.
You can contact the South African Law Reform Commission, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development or private organizations such as FAMSA (Families South Africa) for more resources and help with the legal complexities related to divorce and separation.
If you need legal assistance with divorce or separation, it's advisable to consult with a family law attorney. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your initial consultation, gather all relevant documents such as your marriage contract, property documents, and details of financial assets and liabilities. Remember that the process can be lengthy and difficult, so ensure your legal representation has the necessary expertise and experience.
