Family law and divorce
Divorce, maintenance and arrangements for your children. We help you understand your options, agree where you can, and go to court only when you must.
What we help with
Agreed divorce
An uncontested divorce, where you both agree on the terms. Usually the quickest and least costly route.
Contested divorce
When you can’t agree on property, money or the children. We aim to settle, and prepare for court if we must.
Parenting plans
A written agreement on where children live, how contact works and how decisions are made.
Maintenance
Claiming, changing or answering a claim for child or spousal maintenance (regular financial support).
Protection orders
Help to apply for, or respond to, a domestic violence protection order.
Antenuptial contracts
An agreement signed before marriage that sets out how property is shared.
How it usually goes
An agreed divorce, step by step. If you don’t agree on everything, there are more steps.
- First consultationWe listen, explain your options in plain words and tell you what each would cost.Usually takes: 30 minutes
- Settlement agreementIf you both agree, we write down who keeps what and how the children will be cared for.Usually takes: [1 to 3 weeks]
- Summons issued and servedThe papers are issued at court and delivered by the sheriff (the court official who delivers legal papers).Usually takes: [2 to 4 weeks]
- Court dateAn agreed divorce goes on the unopposed roll: a short hearing, usually without the other party.Usually takes: [4 to 8 weeks]
- Decree of divorceThe court order that ends the marriage. We send you a copy and explain anything still to do.Usually takes: On the day
What to bring to your first meeting
- Your ID or passport (bring it, don’t send it)
- Your marriage certificate
- Your antenuptial contract, if you have one
- Your children’s birth certificates
- Your last three payslips and bank statements
- A rough list of what you own and owe
Bring originals to the meeting. Please don’t email ID documents before we have spoken.
Typical costs
You get a written estimate before any chargeable work starts. How our fees work
Who you’ll work with
Questions people ask
Do we both need our own attorney?
In an agreed divorce, one attorney can draft the agreement, but we act for only one of you. Your spouse is always welcome to get their own advice before signing.
How long does an agreed divorce take?
Often [6 to 12 weeks] from signing the agreement, depending on how busy the court is.
Will I have to go to court?
For an agreed divorce, usually only briefly, or not at all if the court allows it. For a contested divorce, we prepare you well before any court date.
Can we talk in isiZulu or Sesotho?
Yes. Naledi speaks English, isiZulu and Sesotho, and court papers are prepared in English.
Start with a consultation about your family matter.
By phone, video or in person. R [amount] for 30 minutes.