Family Law
Lawyerz
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Family Law


Navigating Family Law with Confidence

 

Family law matters are often complex and emotionally charged. Whether facing the challenges of divorce, child custody arrangements, or domestic violence, navigating the legal landscape can feel daunting.

At Lawyerz, we understand the sensitivity of these situations and are committed to providing the expert guidance and support you need during this difficult time. Whether you’re in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Umtata, or Khayelitsha, or Amanzimtoti, we got your back.



Prenuptial, Antenuptial, Cohabitation/Domestic Partnership and Marriage Contracts

Entering a marriage or committed partnership is exciting, but securing your future with a robust contract is a responsible and loving act. Our experts specialise in drafting, reviewing, and registering Antenuptial Contracts (ANC), providing clarity on options like with or without accrual before you say "I do." We help couples understand the financial impact of their choice, ensuring both parties know the legal consequences should the relationship end.


This proactive step prevents painful financial disputes down the line, safeguarding your assets and financial independence.

For couples choosing to live together without marriage—a Domestic Partnership or cohabitation—a detailed Cohabitation Agreement is a non-negotiable step.


Since South African law does not automatically recognise cohabitation as a legal relationship, this contract is essential to define property ownership, debt responsibility, and financial contributions. We answer critical questions like "Is a prenuptial agreement the same as an ANC?" (it is, in South Africa) and help you decide, "Do I need a cohabitation agreement if we have a child?"

The goal is to provide peace of mind by clearly outlining responsibilities while the relationship is harmonious.

We work closely with you to understand your current assets and future goals, ensuring your contract is tailor-made to your unique circumstances.


Whether you are protecting a family business, significant pre-marital wealth, or simply ensuring the financially weaker spouse is protected by the accrual system, a well-drafted contract provides security. This foundation of clarity allows you to focus on building a beautiful life together, knowing your financial future is professionally secured.

Divorce and Separation

The decision to end a marriage is never easy, but our dedicated divorce lawyers are here to guide you through the process with professionalism and empathy. We manage all forms of separation, from a smooth uncontested divorce where both parties agree on terms, to navigating complex, contested divorce litigation.


We provide clear answers on the full divorce procedure, including "How to file for divorce in South Africa" and advice on the specific divorce process for marriage in community of property.


Our goal is always to minimise conflict, reduce the emotional toll, and secure a favourable settlement as efficiently as possible.

We understand that clients are concerned about timelines and expenses, often asking, "How long does a contested divorce take in South Africa?" and seeking information on the cost of uncontested divorce. By employing effective negotiation and a legal strategy, we strive to make the process as short and cost-effective as the circumstances allow.


Our service includes meticulously drafting the necessary court documents and the final separation agreement to ensure your interests—especially regarding the division of assets and retirement funds—are fully protected.


If settlement is possible, we strongly advocate for divorce mediation as a constructive alternative to the stress of litigation, allowing you to maintain control over the outcome.


However, should court intervention be necessary, you can trust our legal expertise to fight rigorously on your behalf. We ensure every aspect of your divorce, including property division and financial claims, is handled with the diligence and care you deserve.

Child Custody, Guardianship and Adoption

The best interests of the child are the primary focus of all our services relating to child custody (now legally referred to as care and contact). We assist parents in developing a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines living arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities.


This plan ensures stability and clarity for the children, allowing them to adjust smoothly to the new family structure. We provide expert advice on complex issues, such as clarifying the rights of unmarried parents regarding a child in South Africa.

Our support extends to cases involving changes in parental responsibility, addressing difficult questions like, "Can a mother refuse contact with the father South Africa?" or establishing the requirements to get sole custody of a child.


We help navigate guardianship application procedure for a minor if one or both parents are deceased or unfit to care for the child. Furthermore, we handle all the legal requirements for adoption by securing court orders to establish a new, permanent family relationship.


Whether you need a court order to enforce access, formalise a shared care arrangement, or secure legal guardianship, our child custody lawyers provide compassionate yet firm representation. We are experts in legally binding agreements and ensuring your parental rights are fully upheld and protected. We are dedicated to ensuring your children's well-being and future are secured, providing you with certainty and peace of mind during this emotional time.

Child and Spousal Maintenance

Securing fair financial support is crucial for both the custodial parent and the children's well-being following a separation or divorce. Our team manages all aspects of child maintenance and spousal maintenance, whether you are claiming, defending, or seeking a variation of an existing order.


We address practical concerns, such as calculating "How much is child maintenance per child in South Africa?" by considering the specific needs of the child and the financial capacity of both parents. This service is key to ensuring that the financial burden of raising a child is shared equitably.


For immediate financial needs during the divorce process, we expertly handle the application for interim relief known as Rule 43 application for interim maintenance South Africa. This essential legal mechanism provides temporary financial support for the spouse and children until the final divorce order is granted.


We also provide clear advice on the often-complex issue of spousal maintenance, including When can spousal maintenance be terminated in South Africa? and the factors that determine its necessity and duration.


Our comprehensive service includes collecting necessary financial documentation, representing you in Maintenance Court or the High Court, and enforcing maintenance orders when payments are missed. We fight diligently to ensure that the lifestyle of the children is not negatively affected by the separation.


We take the stress out of these challenging financial negotiations so you can maintain a focus on rebuilding your life.

Family Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Mediation is often the most cost-effective, time-efficient, and least stressful way to resolve family disputes, helping you avoid costly and drawn-out litigation. As experienced family mediators, we facilitate constructive discussions between parties regarding divorce settlement, child arrangements, and financial disputes.


We help couples reach a mutually acceptable agreement that is then made a binding court order. This service is perfect for those who want a child custody agreement without going to court.

Our Family Mediation process is confidential and provides a neutral, safe space for you and your ex-partner to make decisions together.


We offer transparent information on the mediation fees for divorce settlements in South Africa, showing how significantly lower they are compared to a fully contested court case. Even for couples facing intense conflict, mediation can transform a hostile situation into one of co-operative problem-solving.


We use our skills to guide you to create practical and lasting solutions, whether the dispute involves a parenting plan or the division of marital property.


Once an agreement is reached, we ensure all necessary documents are legally drafted and registered, providing a final, enforceable resolution.


By choosing mediation, you retain control over the outcome, foster better post-divorce communication, and ultimately safeguard the emotional well-being of your entire family.

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