Legal consultation and representation
- City (or suburb) where you need the service: Witbank, Emalahleni
- What are you looking for?: Consultation, Representation in court
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Price estimate:
R15,000
I am the biological father of my 6-year-old daughter. Since she was approximately 2 years old, she stayed with my mother, and during that time I took full responsibility for her needs without financial assistance from her mother. I provided for her daily needs, clothing, school requirements, and other expenses.
Her mother was always allowed to visit and take the child during holidays, including December holidays. I never prevented contact between them, even though I often did not get the opportunity to spend Christmas holidays with my daughter myself.
In , when my daughter started school, her mother took her to stay with her permanently without discussing it with me or obtaining my agreement. I did not create conflict about this decision because I wanted peace for the sake of the child. I continued supporting my daughter financially by purchasing school uniforms, stationery, shoes, jerseys, and other items whenever requested.
However, despite my continued support, I have been denied reasonable access to my daughter. Her mother does not allow the child to visit me, even during school holidays. The last time I physically saw my daughter was in November at her school graduation ceremony. School events have become the only opportunity I have to see my child.
I previously contributed approximately R1, to R1, per month towards my daughter’s support. On some occasions, the mother returned the money and stated that she did not need my assistance.
In early April , I approached the Family Advocate Office to seek assistance regarding child access because I wanted to have contact with my daughter. The mother did not cooperate during the process, and we were referred to the Children’s Court. Shortly afterwards, she initiated maintenance proceedings against me.
On 6 April , we attended the Family Advocate’s office. During that meeting, I did not feel that I was given a proper opportunity to explain my concerns regarding access to my child. The discussion mainly focused on financial contributions, including groceries, aftercare, medical aid, winter clothing, and summer clothing, and the matter was concluded on the same day.
I am not refusing to support my child financially. My concern is that I am expected to contribute financially while being denied meaningful access and involvement in my daughter’s life.
I am requesting guidance from the Court regarding:
• My parental rights and reasonable access to my child;
• Whether the current maintenance arrangement can be reconsidered together with the issue of access;
• Whether shared care or primary custody should be considered in the best interests of the child, especially considering that I have consistently been involved in her upbringing and support.
My intention is not to create conflict with the mother, but to have a fair opportunity to be part of my daughter’s life emotionally, physically, and financially.
