Divorce & family law

Divorce and family law services.

Property division, child custody, spousal support, and family law representation. Tell us about your situation and a legal professional will contact you to discuss your options.

FreeConfidentialNo obligation
What we offer

Divorce and family law services.

From a first filing to a finalised settlement.

Divorce Proceedings

Full representation in contested and uncontested divorces. Property division negotiations, settlement agreements, and court representation.

Property Division

Guidance on marital property regimes, asset division, and protecting your financial interests during divorce settlement.

Spousal Support

Negotiation and litigation support for spousal maintenance. Working toward fair support awards based on your circumstances.

Child Custody

Protection of your parental rights. Custody arrangements, access schedules, and best-interests representation for your children.

Child Maintenance

Claims and defence for child support, with fair maintenance calculations using the Maintenance Justice System (MJS) formula.

Agreements

Drafting and review of antenuptial contracts, postnuptial agreements, and settlement agreements.

How it works

Our divorce process.

Six steps, from first consultation to final order.

1

Free consultation

Tell us about your situation. We connect you with a legal professional in your province.

2

Case assessment

A legal professional reviews your circumstances, marital regime, and options for property division and support.

3

Strategy planning

Develop a legal strategy, whether pursuing settlement, mediation, or litigation, based on your goals.

4

Negotiation & settlement

A legal professional negotiates fair terms on property, support, and custody with the other party’s legal team.

5

Court representation

If settlement fails, a legal professional represents you in court for contested divorce proceedings.

6

Final order & follow-up

The court issues a final divorce order, and a legal professional helps ensure compliance and enforcement of terms.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Property, custody and maintenance, explained simply.

Uncontested divorces typically take 3–6 months from filing to final order. Contested divorces can take 12–24+ months depending on complexity and court schedules. The speed depends on how cooperatively both parties settle issues like property division and custody.

It depends on your marital property regime. In community of property (the default), you get 50% of joint assets. In accrual systems, you share equally in the growth of net worth. A legal professional will identify your regime and calculate your entitlements accurately.

Yes, if you’re financially dependent or partially dependent. Courts consider your earning capacity, the marriage duration, your contributions, and standard of living. Support can be permanent, temporary (rehabilitative), or a lump sum settlement.

Courts apply the “best interests of the child” test. They consider each parent’s fitness, the child’s bond with each parent, their wishes, health needs, and practical arrangements. Both sole and joint custody are possible.

Court-ordered maintenance is legally enforceable, and non-payment is a criminal offence. A legal professional can take the matter to the Maintenance Court for enforcement, pursue wage attachments, or seek contempt of court charges.

Costs vary based on your situation. Uncontested divorces with agreed settlements cost less than contested litigation. Legal professionals typically charge hourly rates, flat fees for services, or contingency arrangements, and fees should be discussed upfront.

While not strictly required, it’s highly recommended. A legal professional helps ensure you understand your legal entitlements, that settlement terms are fair, and that all documents are filed correctly, often avoiding costly mistakes in property division or support awards.

Take the first step

Protect your family’s future.

Don’t navigate your divorce alone. Tell us about your situation and our legal team will connect you with a legal professional in your province who will help protect your rights.

Chat on WhatsApp →

Prefer email? Write to hello@counsel24.co.za

FreeConfidentialNo obligation