CAN I REFUSE TO PAY MAINTENANCE IF I AM DENIED ACCESS TO MY CHILD?
Upon the birth of a child, both parents automatically have a duty to support that child. The fact that the child is born to married or unmarried parents is irrelevant. The duty is apportioned between the parents according to their respective means. S 15(1) of the Maintenance Act states that a court order for the […]
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A CHILD’S WELLBEING?
By operation of law, the liability to maintain someone is based on three factors: firstly, the claimant’s inability to support himself or herself; secondly, his or her relationship to the person from whom he or she claims support; and thirdly, the latter’s ability to provide support. The common law and the Children’s Act recognise that parents are […]
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNMARRIED FATHERS
The rights and responsibilities of biological fathers who were not married to the child’s mother at the time of conception or birth can be uncertain. In this article we will discuss when a biological father obtains rights and responsibilities towards their child(ren). Alissa has a 7-year-old son called Jessie. Alissa had been living with her […]