• General principles of parental rights as defined in the Children’s Act
• What is meant by “parental responsibilities and rights”?
• How are parental responsibilities and rights obtained?
• Discussion of the rights of a married father
• Discussion of the rights of an unmarried father
• Acquisition of parental responsibilities and rights defined and explained
• Discussion of maintenance disputes of unmarried fathers and how it is dealt with
• Brief reference to major decisions by one parent and visitation rights

This section contains pre-reading material that you should read through at your leisure before the webinar.  The webinar handout you would find on the next tab – we suggest that you download and print the handout / webinar material before the start of the webinar as we will be referring to sections in the handout during the course of the webinar.

 

• Pre-reading material on the rights and responsibilities of parents towards children

This section contains the slideshow (if used), webinar handout and important resources that we will be referring back to during the webinar. Please download and print these before the start of the webinar or have them available electronically to enhance your learning experience.

 

• Maintenance Act, Act 99 of 1989

• Regulations Maintenance Act 99/1989

• Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005

• Constitution of South Africa

 

Resource material for this webinar:

• Handout: Parental responsibilities and rights (married & unmarried fathers)

• Slides: Parental responsibilities and rights (married & unmarried fathers)

• Article: Parental responsibilities and rights of unmarried fathers: court decisions and implications for social workers (Carmel R Matthias – Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk Vol 53 No 1; Issue 6)

• DSD – Children Act Explained Booklet

• Thesis – Acquisition of parental responsibilities and rights (Anna Sophia Louw)

• Thesis – Parental and grandparental rights and responsibilities in light of the best interests of the child principle (M Mushonga)

 

Lunch and Learn is a social responsibility project overseen by Oppermans Inc, a family law practice with more than 24 years of experience. The weekly webinars are provided free of charge, aimed at creating awareness on child maintenance. This webinar was pre-recorded at the end of 2023, and the information contained therein was (and still is) correct at the time of recording—the Maintenance Act or Rules has not been amended or changed since. Discussions of relevant case law dealing with specific maintenance issues are found under the “free resource library” tab on the home page.

Affidavits referred to, or templates provided, are mere examples that could be used and should be customized to your specific matter. These documents, such as affidavits cannot be considered “outdated.” The additional speakers on some of these webinars were invited guest speakers who have participated out of their free will and have no affiliation or association with Lunch and Learn.

The details contained in these webinars are for educational and informative purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. You are strongly advised to consult with an experienced legal practitioner for advice on your specific maintenance matter.