Is Divorce Mediation Worth It? Pros, Cons & When It Fails (South Africa) (2026)
Is divorce mediation worth it in South Africa (2026)? Pros, cons, costs, timelines, and the red flags that make mediation fail—plus what to do instead.
How Divorce Mediation Works (2026): Step-by-Step Process in South Africa
How divorce mediation works in South Africa (2026): a step-by-step process, what to prepare, costs and timelines, children and parenting plans, and when mediation fails.
Divorce Mediation Checklist (South Africa) (2026): Documents, Questions & Red Flags
This divorce mediation checklist (South Africa, 2026) covers the documents to prepare, the questions to ask, and the red flags that make mediation fail. Use it to arrive with disclosure, a realistic budget, and a settlement-first plan.
Uncontested Divorce Checklist (South Africa): Timeline, Cost Factors & Step-by-Step (2026)
TL;DR — Uncontested divorce checklist An uncontested divorce checklist helps you get divorced faster by avoiding missing documents and vague agreements. You must agree on property division, maintenance and (if applicable) children’s arrangements. Most delays come from incomplete settlement terms, poor service, or missing parenting details. If there are complex assets, foreign elements, or children, get […]
Child Custody for Fathers in South Africa: What Courts Actually Look At (2026)
TL;DR Child custody for fathers is decided on the child’s best interests, not gender. Courts reward stability, routine, and evidence – not anger or blame. A practical parenting plan and clean communication usually outperform emotional arguments. If the matter is escalating, get advice early to prevent avoidable damage. Quick answer: child custody for fathers in […]
Moving on from abuse
Reclaiming your life after an abusive relationship Throughout 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, we’ve been looking at breaking free of an abusive relationship. It’s shocking how many women live with abuse, sometimes for decades. The problem is not unique to South Africa. It is global, oblivious to social class […]
Making your escape
Planning for the future after leaving an abusive relationship Key points: Establishing a support network: The role of friends, family, and domestic violence support organisations Safety precautions when confiding plans Using prepaid phones and alternative internet access to maintain secrecy Legal considerations: Prioritising legal aspects, such as obtaining protection orders and understanding custody rights Securing […]
Evictions from “hijacked” buildings: what the law actually requires in South Africa (PIE, court orders, SAPS & municipalities)
By Simon Dippenaar • 20 October 2025 Summary Only a court can authorise an eviction in South Africa. Private groups, landlords, managing agents, security companies, or politicians cannot lawfully “evict” anyone. This neutral explainer sets out what the law requires, regardless of politics or immigration status. A recent media report referenced politically charged calls for […]
Unmarried fathers’ rights and responsibilities
This Father’s Day/Youth Day, we reflect on fatherhood and young fathers Father’s Day coincides with Youth Day this year, and this provides an opportunity to reflect on the role…some would say plight…of young fathers, over 90% of whom are unmarried and not living with the mother of their child, as well as on the rights […]
Unfairly dismissed?
The law is very clear on when dismissal is considered unfair. What can you do about it? South Africa’s Labour Relations Act (LRA), like all of our legislation post-1994, aims to protect the rights of all parties, ensuring no discrimination or bias and maintaining a balance of power between stakeholders. Workers’ dignity and rights, so […]
Forfeiture of pension benefit
When is a spouse not entitled to half a pension on divorce? A recent case challenged the matrimonial property regime “out of community of property without accrual”, because on divorce a wife was unfairly denied a share of assets she had helped to accrue through her unpaid contribution to the household (raising children, building her […]
Land Court Act
After many revisions, the Land Court Act is finally enacted The Land Court Bill has been occupying legislators for some time now. Last year, it was finally enacted and became the Land Court Act No. 6 of 2023. The Land Court Act is an attempt to right some of the wrongs of the past, and […]