Looking for a new home is an exciting venture. It often coincides with an important milestone, like starting a family and needing more space, changing jobs and looking for something more luxurious, or a fresh start in a new city. When people start thinking about buying a house, they tend to begin with a rough […]
While you might not think you need legal advice or assistant, there are five documents that everybody should have easy access to at all times. Will This document sets out your wishes should you die. Not having a valid will can cause untold hassle for your family. For more information, have a look at one […]
You may have picked up on the news that the South African property market is flourishing, despite the economic implications of COVID-19 and the lockdown that followed, while the rental market is taking strain. (You can read our previous blog on it here.) If you have some property that you rent out and want to […]
Contrary to all expectations, the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown has created a boom in South Africa’s property market — but the rental market isn’t sharing this upward swing. Instead, rent in 2021 is set to be cheaper than it was this year. So if you own property that you rent out for extra income, […]
In our previous blog post, we touched on the importance of appointing someone you trust as executor of your will. Here’s exactly what executorship entails, and why you should leave it in the hands of someone experienced. All your assets and debts are what’s called your ‘estate’. When you die, the executor of your will […]
Many people put off writing a will — which is understandable, given that planning for what happens after you die isn’t something pleasant to think about. But if you have a family of your own, a partner, or possessions that will need to be distributed in the event of your death, it’s wise to express […]
With the latest amendments to lockdown regulations, couples are allowed to marry with a wedding ceremony and reception once again, provided that fewer than 48 guests attend and that everyone present wears a mask (which makes for interesting photos!). One thing that has not changed is deciding on a marital property regime before you say […]
At face value, new regulations around wearing masks in public seem to suggest that people who go out in public without a mask are liable to fines or prison sentences – both of which would result in a criminal record. However, close scrutiny of the regulations reveals that not wearing a mask is not a […]
The conveyancing process transfers ownership of property from one party to another. It start when someone selling a property accepts an offer for it. For first-time home buyers in particular, this process can be complex and quite daunting. Because there are so many parties involved, a property transfer can quickly become frustrating and drawn-out. We […]
Whenever you bring two people or more, there’s bound to be conflict somewhere along the line. This is especially true in offices, both big and small, where people (often with very different personalities) spend a large part of their time. For a business to succeed, these people need to work well together, in pursuit of […]
A decision handed down by the Constitutional Court this week underscored the importance of deciding which matrimonial property system you want to apply to your marriage before you get married. An application for leave to appeal a Supreme Court of Appeal decision was dismissed. In terms of the Matrimonial Property Act, if you want to be […]
In any conflict, it’s likely that those involved will feel angry, hurt, sad, and resentful. It’s easy for these emotions to get the better of us, and cause us to lash out at the other person. At the end of the day, though, that doesn’t solve anything, and an acrimonious divorce can ruin the happy […]
South Africans are certainly enjoying the (albeit limited) taste of freedom that we have under the level 4 regulations! There have been many photos and videos posted on social media showing streets, parks and promenades with walkers and joggers. I went for a bike ride this morning and I was constantly passing runners, walkers and other cyclists […]
The primary purpose of a will is to regulate the succession of your assets when you die. However, other matters may (and should) also be regulated in your will. If you do not have a will, your estate does not simply go to the state, as is popularly believed. Intestate succession is dealt with in the Intestate […]
In and among the dress fittings, cake tastings and seating charts, the excitement of planning a wedding is a whirl, and the soon-to-be newlyweds often forget that when they say “I do”, they are entering into the most important contract of their lives. It might take a bit of romance out of getting ready for […]