“An inability on the part of the parents to maintain a child must be established before a grandparent will be legally liable to do so” (extract from judgment below) One wonders how many grandparents are aware of (let alone plan for) the possibility that they may have a legal duty to support their grandchildren in…
A recent CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) ruling, in which an employee’s dismissal for smoking cannabis before work was set aside and he was re-instated, has garnered a lot of media attention. Unfortunately, some of the resultant articles and headlines may have given the inaccurate impression that employees are now free to report…
It’s been a hard year but at long last the Summer Holidays are here! Here’s a selection of websites to help you enjoy your break – Holiday safely in the time of COVID-19 Read Daily Maverick’s “How to go on holiday safely in the time of Covid-19: A practical guide” here for some thoughts on how to…
“By subscribing to the constitution, each member accepts the benefits stipulated in his or her favour by the other subscribing members. One of those benefits is that there shall be rules of conduct to give substance to the objectives and rights promised and conferred by the constitution … and that the other members will be…
“People are entitled to walk our streets without having to fear being attacked by dogs and, where such attacks occur, they should in most circumstances be able to look to the owner of the dog for recompense” (extract from judgment below) Dog owners (in fact owners of any potentially dangerous domesticated animal) should take note…
“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail” (Benjamin Franklin) The media is still awash with warnings about the dangers of not complying with POPIA (the Protection of Personal Information Act). The risks of non-compliance are indeed substantial but whilst much is made of the fact that the Act itself is now in force,…
“Compliance with court orders is always important. There is a particular scourge in this country of spouses, particularly husbands, failing to pay judicially ordered maintenance” (extract from second judgment below) Getting money out of serial maintenance defaulters is a notoriously difficult exercise, but even the most recalcitrant and cunning dodger will baulk at the prospect…
“Zooming Into the Future: Tips to Improve One’s Appearance at Online Meetings” on Law.com is a useful compilation of advice on the best – Lighting Background Eye level Appearance (did you know about the “Touch Up My Appearance” button? Sound. It’s written specifically for lawyers doing their lawyerly things and for witnesses giving evidence online but is…
“Death knocks at all doors alike” (John Dunton 1692) Sooner or later we must leave our families to face life without us, and of course these are particularly dangerous times for us all. Make sure that your own affairs are in order now – A valid will is the only sure way to protect your loved ones…
“Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages” (Terry Pratchett) The flood of lockdown lay-offs and salary reductions has left many tenants struggling to find rent money, and their landlords wondering how to cover their bond repayments and other expenses. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant…