Q: I’m employed by a Government entity, and recently my friend opened a small business and offered me the chance to become a partner and provide consultation services. I know that taking another job while employed is illegal but I’m not taking another job, I’m just providing consultations in my free time. Is this considered legal?
A: Whether you work for a private or public company, if you provide consultation services and receive a financial sum in return, it is considered a violation of labour law – unless you have requested written approval from the company that is your sponsor. If they have agreed to your doing the extra-curricular work then you should not face any trouble.
Q: My husband and I separated but without going to court and getting a divorce. We agreed on a monthly amount to support me and our son but he has since stopped payment. Do I have the right to seek the court’s help or do I not have this right as the agreement was done privately between me and him?
A: The agreement between you and your estranged husband does not deter from your right to file a case using the personal status law. The first step would be that you file a complaint in court and attempts would be made to settle the matter outside a courtroom. If he fails to cooperate, the complaint would be referred to court, where you are advised to provide any proof of the agreement that he broke and the court would issue a verdict in accordance with the evidence provided.
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