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Read our latest articles that make the law easier to understand. We explain your rights in simple, jargon-free language, showing how it applies to real situations you may face at home, at work or in your community.

Family and relationships

Child Abuse in South Africa – How to Identify and Report it

“Not all heroes wear capes” is undoubtedly a phrase you’ve come across at some point. Of course, it speaks to the everyday person who recognised an injustice, stood up and decided to take action. This is incredibly powerful when the person who needs help cannot necessarily do anything about their circumstances themselves. Yes, everyday heroes exist, and they are essential when it comes to identifying and reporting possible child abuse in South Africa. Sadly,
Family and relationships

Navigating Customary Divorces and Women’s Rights in South Africa

Our country is one of the most unique places in the world: it’s a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and a beacon of diversity to the rest of the globe. Of course, South Africa is particularly inspirational and ground-breaking in that it strives to provide equal rights for all citizens and has a Constitution that kicks discrimination to the curb! It’s a testament to the laws in our country evolving with the times… but it doesn’t stop there! A healthy democracy that is built on equality must be open to continuously adapting and ironing out any creases of inequality. And that
Family and relationships

Parenting Plans in South Africa

Some moms and dads may make co-parenting look easy, but for many, maintaining a healthy relationship and getting along with an ex after a breakup or divorce, isn’t always easy. Especially when it comes to raising kids and agreeing on how to give them the love, care and support they deserve. Successful co-parenting doesn’t require parents to best friends, only to put personal differences aside and the children first. As a renowned psychotherapist, Dr Anne Brown puts it “Co-parenting is not a competition. It’s a collaboration of two homes working together with the best interest of the child at heart.”
Family and relationships

Legal Rights and Duties of Parents in South Africa

It’s not an exaggeration to say that raising children is one of the most challenging (yet rewarding) tasks in life; any parent will admit that it takes a lot of time, commitment and love to nurture and shape a human being. The goal, of course, is to meet children’s essential needs, helping them grow, develop and achieve their capabilities as much as possible. Parents are raising the next generation, after all! A child-focused approach that prioritises their best interest and needs isn’t just good parenting; it’s an obligation set out in our country’s laws. Knowing and
Family and relationships

Paying Child Maintenance in South Africa

Raising a child is one of the toughest undertakings – it takes a lot of time, nurturing and love to ensure they get a steady foundation in life, one that will set them up for a bright future. Of course, another crucial point in raising a child is understanding and taking on the financial aspect. So while parents need to provide love and care, they also need to play their part in paying the bills. We unpack what the law says about paying child maintenance in South Africa. What is maintenance, and who has the duty to pay maintenance? The law, specifically the
Family and relationships

6 Signs You are in a Lasting Relationship

There comes a time in every relationship when you think about your partner and ask yourself, “Is this the one?”. And, yes, things seem to be going well: you enjoy each other’s company, you share similar tastes in movies, and you both agree pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza, for example. But are those solid foundations for a commitment that will stand the test of time; and if not, what exactly are the signs you are in a lasting relationship? Things seem to get a little trickier when you consider that not all relationships look the same,
Family and relationships

Helping you Navigate the Legal Ins and Outs of Dating and Relationships

There is no denying that technology has irrevocably changed the way we date and get to know romantic partners. A potential significant other is often a swipe away, and a fun date can materialise after a flirty text message exchange. Leading the way in this digital dating age is the millennial generation (those born in the 1980s to early 2000s). This digitally-savvy group has, as Tara Parker-Pope writes in an editorial for The New York Times, “ rewritten the rules for courtship,
Family and relationships

Rules of Engagement: Legal Advice for Getting Engaged

It’s something that’s been brewing in your mind for quite some time now. You’re on cloud nine and can’t imagine the rest of your life without the person you have been dating and building a life with. With equal parts nervousness and excitement, and the butterflies in your stomach fluttering faster and faster, you seriously consider taking your relationship to the next level. Of course, it’s more than just getting down on one knee and popping the question. So obtaining tips and legal advice for getting engaged in South Africa is essential to ensure you are in the know, protected and
Family and relationships

Top Tips to Safely Date Online in South Africa

Technology has revolutionised the way we live our lives. Not only has it modernised the way we work, shop and have fun, but also how we date and fall in love. Long gone are the days of having to strike up relationships in the “real world”, as finding Mister or Missus Right (or Right Now) has become as simple as creating a profile on a dating app and getting somewhat of a thumb workout. But, while online dating is a convenient way of meeting new people and possibly finding lasting love, it’s essential to consider the risks, to safely date online in South Africa.

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