Your Trusted Legal Partner
in the Garden Route.

Most transfers register within eight to twelve weeks of the offer to purchase being signed, depending on how quickly bond approval, rates clearance and the Deeds Office move. Delays almost always come from outstanding municipal figures or a bond that has not yet been granted. We keep both buyer and seller updated at each stage so you know where the transfer stands.

Three years from the date of the accident if the driver who caused it was identified, and only two years if it was a hit and run or the driver could not be identified. If the claim is lodged in time, you then have five years from the accident date to issue summons. These deadlines are strict, so speak to an attorney early rather than close to the cut-off.

An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on everything, including the division of assets, maintenance and arrangements for the children, and it can often be finalised in weeks. A contested divorce is where any of those is in dispute and has to be argued, which takes considerably longer and costs more. Most matters that start out contested end up settling, and we work towards that wherever it serves the client.

The estate is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, which sets a fixed order of who inherits regardless of what the person may have intended. The estate must still be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death. Drawing a will is inexpensive and it is the only way to decide for yourself who receives what.

A trust holds assets separately from your personal estate, which can protect them from creditors, provide for someone who cannot manage assets themselves, and make succession smoother on death. It is not right for everyone, as a trust brings ongoing administration and its own tax treatment. We would rather talk through whether one suits your circumstances before setting it up.

In most cases yes. The memorandum of incorporation governs the company itself, but it does not deal with what happens between the shareholders, such as how decisions get made, what happens if someone wants out, or what happens if a shareholder dies. Most disputes between business partners come down to something a shareholders’ agreement would have settled at the start.

Often it is not. Litigation is expensive and slow, and for many disputes a letter of demand or a negotiated settlement achieves the same outcome far sooner. We give an honest view early about whether a matter is worth pursuing in court, and we say so when it is not.

Any documents relevant to the matter, such as a contract, an offer to purchase, an accident report, correspondence or a previous will, along with your ID. If you are not sure what is relevant, bring what you have and we will work through it. Phone reception on 044 873 0155 to arrange a time.