Single Parenthood Your Legal ABCs
Your Baby|November/December 2019
Know your rights as a parent and make single parenting a lot less stressful
Single Parenthood Your Legal ABCs

WITH ITS PRACTITIONERS dressed in billowing black togas and its piles of paperwork and archaic terms, the law can be scary. When it may impact your role as a single parent, it may even be terrifying.

But it does not have to be. Your desire to ensure the well-being of your child is at least one thing you may have in common with the law.

The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 specifically prescribes that your child’s “best interest is of paramount importance” (Section 7) in all matters concerning their care, protection, and well-being.

Safeguarding your child’s best interests is not always easy, but learning your legal ABCs will help. As it has an effect on your baby from their first breath, all parents should have at least a basic understanding of family law.

If parents are unmarried, a baby is registered under the mother’s surname, unless both parents jointly request in writing that the father’s surname be used

AFTER YOUR BABY’S BIRTH

Within 30 days of a baby’s birth, you have to give notice to the Director of Home Affairs in terms of the Births and Death Registration Act 51 of 1992. A birth certificate will then be issued.

If you’re married (same- or opposite-sex marriage), notice is given under either or both parents’ surnames (or a double-barrelled one).

If parents are unmarried, a baby is registered under the mother’s surname, unless both parents jointly ask, in writing, that Dad’s surname be used.

An unmarried father needs to obtain the mother’s consent to register the baby under his name. Should a mother refuse or be unable to give the consent, a father may apply to a court for a declaratory order in respect of his paternity, in terms of Section 26 of the Children’s Act.

THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF UNMARRIED FATHERS

この記事は Your Baby の November/December 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Your Baby の November/December 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

YOUR BABYのその他の記事すべて表示
Who's The Best Mother Of Them All?
Your Baby

Who's The Best Mother Of Them All?

We all want the best for our kids. It’s easier when we have the support of women trying to do the same. So, why do we compete against each other all the time? Lori Cohen investigates

time-read
6 分  |
January/February 2020
Where Is Dad?
Your Baby

Where Is Dad?

More and more children in South Africa are being raised by single moms, leaving them with the burden of having to answer the many endless questions from their children about their absent fathers, writes Kate Sidley

time-read
6 分  |
January/February 2020
When Chubby Isn't Cute
Your Baby

When Chubby Isn't Cute

Those round cheeks in babies and toddlers are very cute, but with the childhood obesity epidemic on the rise, paying attention to those few extra kilograms is more important than ever, advises registered dietician Lindsay Archibald-Durham

time-read
4 分  |
January/February 2020
What's The Buzz On Baby Groups?
Your Baby

What's The Buzz On Baby Groups?

A regular gathering for the littlies can have great benefits for your baby – and for you. Kerryn Massyn finds out why and what kinds of classes are out there

time-read
8 分  |
January/February 2020
Self-Care For Mama
Your Baby

Self-Care For Mama

Taking regular bits of time off for ourselves should be one of our top new year’s resolutions for 2020. Here are some super ideas to take care of ourselves…

time-read
3 分  |
January/February 2020
Parents I-C-E...
Your Baby

Parents I-C-E...

There have been many shifts in the traditions of what it means to be a godparent. Make sure you and the chosen godparents see eye to eye on the role, writes Genevieve Swart

time-read
5 分  |
January/February 2020
Mommy Wine Time?
Your Baby

Mommy Wine Time?

The wine-mom culture has become a symbol for the modern mother’s idea of selfcare. However, it has since been reduced to puns about pinot noir and knowing when to pump-and-dump, making it more destructive than one can think, writes Samantha Herbst

time-read
6 分  |
January/February 2020
Get A Head Start On School
Your Baby

Get A Head Start On School

A new school year is exciting, but it can also be daunting to get back into the swing of things. Here’s how to tweak your routine, so you’re both ready and prepped, writes Lori Cohen

time-read
5 分  |
January/February 2020
Generation Next - Tech-Savvy Geniuses Or Illiterate Dumb-Dumbs?
Your Baby

Generation Next - Tech-Savvy Geniuses Or Illiterate Dumb-Dumbs?

Our children are being born at the peak of an unprecedented technological revolution. Samantha Herbst explores how growing up in a digital world may help or hinder our children’s future

time-read
7 分  |
January/February 2020
Don't Be Rash
Your Baby

Don't Be Rash

While nappy rash is a common complaint, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with in order to know how to treat it, writes Tori Hoffmann

time-read
3 分  |
January/February 2020