Considering Divorce? Here’s Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Deciding to end a marriage is rarely a sudden choice. For most people, it is the result of months, sometimes years, of deliberation, emotional struggle, and trying to find a way forward. Most people only seek legal counsel when emotions have boiled over, communication has completely collapsed, or impulsive, life-altering decisions have already been made. […]
Can a Voice Note, Email, or Draft Ever Count as a Will?
South Africa’s Wills Act 7 of 1953 remains unchanged in 2026. Voice recordings, emails, and unsigned drafts do not automatically qualify as valid wills, but courts retain a narrow discretion to use them in exceptional circumstances. The rise of digital communication has prompted a recurring question in estate practice: if someone records their final wishes […]
Small Claims Court vs Magistrate’s Court: Which One’s Right for Your Case?
When a dispute turns serious enough to head to court, one of your first decisions can make all the difference: where to take your case. In South Africa, most civil disputes end up in either the Small Claims Court (SCC) or the Magistrate’s Court. Both are designed to make justice accessible, but they operate very […]
Who Is Liable When an AI-driven Vehicle Causes Harm?
As autonomous vehicles (AVs) evolve from concept to real-world use, South Africa faces pressing legal questions: if an AI-driven vehicle causes harm, who bears liability? Under current South African law, liability for road accidents is largely governed by the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996 (the RAF Act). The RAF is a statutory insurance […]
Paws and Policies: Pet Ownership in Sectional Title Schemes
For the millions of South Africans who call a sectional title unit or gated community home, the question of whether you can keep a pet is far more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. As urban living becomes increasingly dense, the legal landscape governing pets in shared residential spaces continues to evolve, and both […]
Are Electronic Wills Valid?
We live in an age where agreements are concluded by email, documents are signed electronically, and important records are stored in the cloud. It is therefore not surprising that clients often ask: “Can I sign my will electronically?” or “Is the will saved on my laptop valid?” The short answer is that South African law […]
Trusts and Family Wealth
Passing wealth from one generation to the next is no longer a simple administrative exercise. Families today live longer, own more complex assets, and face evolving tax and legal environments. Against this backdrop, estate planning has shifted from short-term succession planning to long-term stewardship. One structure continues to feature prominently in this conversation: the living […]
How to Clear Your Name After a Default Judgment Against You: Rescission of Judgments
Most people only become aware that a default judgment has been granted against them when the sheriff arrives with a warrant of execution or when their credit applications are unexpectedly declined. A default judgment is usually issued when a defendant fails to enter an appearance to defend or does not attend trial, and in the […]
When Grief Meets Red Tape: Understanding Today’s Estate Challenges
Losing a loved one is already one of life’s most difficult experiences. Add to that the burden of South Africa’s complex estate administration process, and families often find themselves overwhelmed at the worst possible time. In 2026, the challenges facing estate administrators have reached unprecedented levels, but understanding these obstacles and seeking professional help can […]
Mediation Before Litigation: Balancing Efficiency and Constitutional Rights
South Africa’s civil justice system faces significant challenges, including escalating litigation costs, prolonged delays, and an overwhelming backlog of cases, with some civil trial dates not projected until 2031. Against this background, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has been developing a Draft Mediation Bill since 2019 to integrate alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly […]