When relationships end, from which a child was born, disputes inevitably arise regarding who is going to have primary care of the child, and how visitation is to be exercised by the other parent.

If a parent is unreasonably withholding access of the child to the other parent, you are entitled to approach the court to grant you the necessary access and visitation.

The fundamental principle and standard in South Africa law is the child's best interests.

In disputes regarding contact and access to minor children, the court will generally require a report from an expert in child psychology, such as a psychologist or social worker, who will investigate, assess and make written recommendations to the court as to what access and contact they believe will be in the best interests of the minor children.

You have the option to pay for an expert in private practice to conduct the assessment, or you may make use of the State-provided Family Advocate's Office, who will appoint a social worker to assist the parties.

It is always best to try and resolve disputes relating to minor children in the least acrimonious way possible, we can assist by mediating and negotiating a parenting plan to set out and provide certainty as to exactly how access and visitation will occur.