Children of African customary unions – Legal Fundi

Chapter 8

More From this Chapter

MONTHLY EXPENSES

Checklist: Child abuse and neglect

Checklist: Maintenance

Checklist: Divorce

Checklist for Marriage

Model letter: Request for social worker’s report to assist with application for legal aid

Problem 6: Making a will

Problem 5: Maintenance is not paid

Problem 4. Getting maintenance through the Maintenance Court

Problem 3. Adopting a child

Problem 2. Entering into a civil union

Problem 1: Getting a divorce

Winding up a dead person’s estate

Dying with a will

Dying without a will

Who may perform an abortion?

Consent to an abortion

When may a woman have an abortion?

Children of African customary unions

Children of Muslim or Hindu marriages

Adoption of children

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Laws protecting abused and neglected children

Reporting child abuse

Stopping child abuse using the Domestic Violence Act

Child sexual abuse

Removing children from abuse or neglect

Parental responsibilities and rights

The duty to support children

Custody or care

CUSTODY, GUARDIANSHIP AND SUPPORT OF CHILDREN

Summary of the Children’s Act

The Children’s Act and Children’s Amendment Act

Laws that apply to child care and protection

CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Arrangements made at the time of divorce

The Family Court

Ending a Muslim or Hindu marriage

Ending an African customary marriage

Divorce in a civil marriage

The rules of civil marriage

Muslim and Hindu marriages

African customary marriages

Civil marriages

Draft Marriage Bill (2023)

Children of African customary unions

If a couple was married by African customary law, but they did not also have a civil marriage, the law says the children are legitimate. The natural father has rights over his children and a duty to support them. The Children’s Act gives parental responsibilities and rights to all fathers if certain specified conditions are present, whether they are married or not.

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