Offering personal legal service for over 25 years
We specialise in Family Law with all of the sub categories that this involves. Family Law relates to family at it’s centre and as such it is the most personal part of the law. We are always accessible to help you navigate through the changes and challenges of facing litigation and it’s pitfalls.
Why Choose Us?
25 Years of Experience: A quarter-century of dedicated legal service
Personal Approach: We understand that Family Law is deeply personal
Accessibility: Always available to guide you through legal challenges
Strategic Location: Conveniently situated near key legal institutions
Comprehensive Services: Covering all aspects of Family Law
Is it true that maintenance for children is payable on a 50/50 basis?
No this is incorrect. Maintenance is payable by the parents of the child on a pro rata basis. If one party earns R100 000 per month and the other earns R50 000,00 it is logical that the pro rata share of each party is determined on that basis. The bigger earner will then have to pay double that of the reasonable needs of the children , based on the respective incomes of the parties.
Will I lose my rights or be in a worse position if I move out of the house?
No.You will not lose your rights to claim from your spouse if you move out. If you leave your children there, and move out, it will certainly be taken into account if there is a battle for primary care of the children. You will also not be able to monitor what your spouse does with the movables whilst you aren’t there.
How long does a divorce take?
Some divorces are finalised in three weeks with other matters take more than 2 years to finalise.I all depends on the issues that the parties are not in agreement about, and the issues before court like – Primary Care of children, Spousal Maintenance, Values of assets, hidden assets, etc.
I am married in community of property. Am I entitled to claim half of my spouse’s pension fund from the date of marriage or from the date that he or she started working?
The latter. You are entitled to claim half his or her pension from date that her or she started working and not from date of marriage only.
Which documents are needed to start a divorce?
- Your ID
- Copies of your marriage certificate and if applicable your Antenuptial Contract
- If applicable- copies of your children’s birth certificates
- Proof of income
- Bank statements of all of your accounts
- Proof of debts
- Proof of your pension Fund value
- A statement of all of your investments/ Retirement Annuities/Policies (Ask your broker if applicable)
- Your municipal account if applicable
- Your lease agreement – if applicable
- Your statements of accounts on all of your accounts
How can I manage my matter and curtail my legal costs?
- You are engaging the services of a legal professional . Be aware that you can control how much or how little your matter costs. The more time your attorney spends on telephone calls, emails, messages etc. the more your matter will cost you.
- Remember that you pay for your attorney’s TIME. If you make a telephone call to him/her you will be billed for the time of the phone call regardless of whether your made the call or received it.
- Ask your attorney what their fee structure is.Ask to see your fee mandate and read it thoroughly before you sign it.Ask for a copy of the mandate that you sign
- Be prepared- when you go to your attorney go with a list of questions.
- Make copies of all of your documents for your attorney. Copying costs can be curtailed in this manner.
- Send one email with all of your information/concerns/questions.Do not send short emails every day as you will be billed for each one separately.
- Be proactive – most matrimonial matters relate to either finances or children. Keep record of what happens and write it down so that you can fall back on your information and recollection exactly.
- Be careful of what you put in writing or on text messages as this can be used against you in your matter.
- Do not expect immediate feedback from your attorney. Give them at least four days to a week to respond.
- Your attorney has to be a fit for your personality and your specific legal dilemma.If he or she isn’t a fit, get another one. Your attorney works for YOU and you are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. You should never be afraid to speak to your attorney.
Need expert legal advice on
Family Law matters in Port Elizabeth?
We’re here to help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence and care.
