Parental Rights of Divorced Muslim parents who were only married in terms of Muslim Rights (Updated)
When Muslim parents divorce, either via a Talak or Faskh, there remains the unresolved issue of their respective parental rights and responsibilities to their children. In other words, with whom should the child reside, and what type of visitation rights should the other parent have? Then there is the issue of child maintenance, parental guardianship consent and so on.
Parents married in terms of South African civil law have the advantage of having the civil divorce court deal with the issue of access (contact) and custody (care). The civil divorce court is obliged to do this before pronouncing a final decree of divorce. This is however not the case of a Talak or Faskh. As you would see later, we suggest that Muslim divorced parents enter into a parenting plan.
Divorced Muslim Fathers’ parental rights
Muslim fathers, who were married in terms of Muslim Rites, have just as many rights as the mothers, to their children. This is so notwithstanding them having been married in terms of Islamic Rights only (and not civilly). From a South African Legal perspective, they are both co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights with regard to their minor children.
What often happens is that one parent refuses the other reasonable contact to the child after the divorce. Or he or she may take the stance that he or she is the sole decider as to where and when the other parent may have contact with the children. This is not lawful and clearly not in the children’s best interests. The end result is, for example, the father takes the mother to the High Court, or the Children’s Court and the Judge or Magistrate confirms the father’s rights which he had all along. This can turn out to be very expensive, and draining on the children and parents alike. Attorneys and Advocates may be used and simple issues get battled out in the public domain. A more responsible approach needs to be followed which is suggested next.
What should Muslim parents do after they separated?
Should parents who were married in terms of Muslim Rites and have a child or children together, separate, it is suggested that they, as soon as possible, try to agree on a parenting plan and have it registered with the Office of the Family Advocate or have it made an Order of Court. This option became available since 1 April 2010 with the coming into effect of section 33 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. If a parent refuses to try to agree on a parenting plan, the Court needs to be approached if issues cannot be resolved. This situation is best to be avoided.
The parenting plan would be a document which the parents themselves decided upon and not dictated to them by the Court. Of course, the parenting plan has to be in the child or children’s best interests. By parents following the parenting plan route, they would keep their personal issues out of the realm of the Court and concentrate on being the best parents they can be for their children. This is so, notwithstanding their relationship with each other has severed.
Drafting a Parenting Plan
A well-drafted parenting plan would provide for issues, starting from the date of its drafting, until the children are adults. Suppose the children are toddlers when the parents separated; the parenting plan would need to deal with issues that could arise when it comes to schooling, extramural activities and issues of consent for a passport and so on. As the child gets older, he or she may want to spend more time with the other parent. This needs to be dealt with in the parenting plan, if applicable. The parenting plan can also make reference to a parenting facilitator or coordinator to assist the parents in resolving disputes in the future.
Who can assist you with a parenting plan?
Social workers, psychologists and family mediators are well suited to assist parents with parenting plans. Other suitably qualified persons would be attorneys and advocates. If the person has the necessary training and experience to assist you, we advise that you make use of him or her to assist you in obtaining a parenting plan.
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My son is recently divorced (Taalaq), early this year Eversince,his ex wife has refused him to have any contact. His only option was to get a lawyer and take her to court. His allowed Sundays and 2 hours every Wed until next court date in December. In the interim of these visits the toddlers cry when it’s time to go back to their mother, how does this impact the kids or what happens next should the court not increase or allow him to exercise his parental right as a father just because they are too small as ‘suggested’ by his attorney?
The court would decide what is best for the children. He needs to build his case for what he wants and convince the court it is best for the kids.
What happens if father leaves kids for years and decides to come back after he said at the time he wants nothing to do with them when they little?
Also how is it the child’s best interest if the father has been nothing but abusive to mother in front of them or even does not display moral ethics or is it just not good at all..from experience over years everytime he shows up after few months, then they become disobedient and school marks drop horrendously??? I disagree to child’s interest in this matter talking from experience working hard raising two boys.
Good day
It may be best to discuss your specific matter with a social worker to advise what is best for the kids.
Do you have someone who can assist in jhb?
Good day. Unfortunately we only have legal advisers in Cape Town. You are welcome to give us a call.
What happens when father cuts all ties with baby because he wants nothing to do with the mother
The father is still responsible to pay maintenance for the child.
Why do I get the feeling that you are favouring the father in the case of divorce. Shouldn’t the mother get full custody of the children, especially if the man has been physically abusive.