When parents separate, one of the most important questions is often: “How will we continue parenting our child?” A parenting plan can help parents create clear arrangements about where a child will live, when they will spend time with each parent, how important decisions will be made, and other practical aspects of parenting. In South

Can social services remove a child without a court order? Learn when South African law allows emergency removal, what happens afterwards, and what parents need to know about Children’s Court proceedings.

Important: Because this is legal content, I recommend that Chenique reviews the final article before publishing, particularly any wording describing procedural rights or current practice. The Children’s Act has been amended over time, and the Department of Justice records that the Children’s Court Rules were also updated in 2026.

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most difficult issues they may face is contact with their children. In some cases, parents are able to agree on when and how a child will spend time with each parent. In others, disagreements can become serious, with one parent refusing to allow the other parent to

Learn what the Children’s Court does in South Africa, the types of cases it hears, who can apply, and how it protects the best interests of every child.