Hi I have a few questions: I live in south Africa. I am 20 years old. My ex fiancé and I were together for 6 years and in that time, 2 years engaged. We have a son that is now 1 years old. 3 months ago he got abusive towards me and threatening our child. I left him, I filed an abuse case against him and he pleaded guilty and got away with only paying a fine. I worked through his lawyer as I want no contact with him, and his lawyer said that he wants no further contact with me or his son, but is willing to pay his maintenance. Our child is on his fathers surname, and want to change it to mine, but the father won't give his signature? If I take it to court what are my rights to change our sons surname? I've heard that if a father has no contact with his child for a certain amount of time I can change his surname without the fathers permission, how many months or years is that? How do I go about getting full custody of our son? I am unemployed and living with my parents, how does maintenance go... is it half, half as I am unemployed, have never worked as I fell pregnant in my matric year and I've asked the father to pay for a medical aid for our son and he refused he said he is paying R1000 a month and that's enough, does doctors or hospitalization fall under the maintenance or is that optional? Thanks

Sorry, I am not familiar with South African family law, so I cannot answer this question. And I don't know that we have any SA law experts on this forum either. But you never know, so be patient and see if someone can give you an answer.

Like AK, I am not familiar with South African Family Law. However, THIS (http://www.ehow.com/list_6856124_child-support-laws-south-africa.html) site offered some information that can be helpful.