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When domestic violence intersects with child custody battles, the stakes are incredibly high. The safety and well-being of children and the victimised parent become the main focus. Understanding the impact, navigating legal systems, and ensuring safety are critical...

In the emotional whirlwind of a divorce, one of the critical decisions you will face is whether to pursue mediation or litigation. As you navigate this challenging time and seek a trustworthy divorce attorney in Durban, understanding the differences between mediation...

Understanding your financial standing is crucial, especially when considering business or antenuptial contracts. The team at Durban Law Offices knows the importance of this first step. Calculating your net worth not only provides a clear picture of your assets and...

When contemplating marriage, the topic of antenuptial contracts might be on your radar. Discussing financial agreements might seem like the antithesis of romance, but it is crucial for protecting both partners' interests. As your experienced family law attorneys at...

When it comes to dealing with harassment and seeking protection, understanding the legal aspects is crucial. In South Africa, the Protection from Harassment Act plays an important part in safeguarding individuals from unwanted behaviour. Let us look at the key aspects...

Ending a marriage is a tricky process, particularly when it comes to navigating spousal and child maintenance responsibilities. Understanding the legal aspects of these responsibilities is crucial during and after divorce. Seeking legal guidance, especially from a...

Harassment is unfortunately all too common in South Africa, with many individuals experiencing it in various forms. Whether someone is being harassed at work, in public, or online, the impact can be significant and long-lasting. That is why people need to recognise...

Estate planning is crucial to securing your family's future, especially when it comes to the care and inheritance of your children. Ensuring that your children are protected and provided for in the event of your passing is a fundamental responsibility for any parent....

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process, impacting the lives of individuals and families in significant ways. With South Africa employing a 'no-fault' divorce system, the legal framework is designed to provide a compassionate pathway for couples...

Navigating joint custody can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. The transition from a united front of parenting to separate households can be fraught with emotional, logistical and legal complexities. Our child custody lawyers have provided these six...

During economic downturns, we continue to see increased divorce rates in South Africa. It is important for individuals going through this challenging time to grasp the complexities of divorce, especially when finances are tight. How Financial Stress Affects Marriages...

In recent years, we have seen an increase in couples choosing to live together without getting married. This choice often holds some misconceptions about the status of being a "common law spouse" in South Africa. Cohabiting couples must understand their legal standing...

Being a good father is a role that shapes a child's life. The desire to pursue full custody can come from a place of deep love and commitment. Moving through the legal system to uphold your child's best interests can be complex. The assistance of experienced child...

Domestic violence is a grim reality for many individuals and families in South Africa. It is a problem that requires both emotional support and legal guidance. For those facing challenges of domestic abuse, the role of a domestic violence attorney takes centre stage...

Family law focuses on the legal side of life's big moments—like getting married, adopting a child, or even going through a tough divorce and custody battles. It's all about understanding and managing the legal ties that bind families together or helping to untangle...

Children are the most vulnerable members of our society. When they are involved in legal disputes, the potential for trauma is high. It takes a committed team of professionals to guarantee their rights are protected and their well-being is maintained. At Durban Law...

In South Africa, domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects many individuals regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. Understanding what is defined as domestic violence and who can be a victim is the first step towards seeking the help and legal...

As the holiday season approaches, it can be particularly challenging for families navigating through the complexities of divorce. This is especially true when children are involved. As leading divorce lawyers in Durban, we understand these challenges and have compiled...

Legal separation can seem like an overwhelming process, particularly when emotions run high and the future seems uncertain. However, with the proper guidance and mindset, you can navigate this challenging period with confidence. In this blog, we will outline some...

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging events in a person's life. Yet, it also presents an opportunity for growth and a fresh start. Understanding the complexities that come with this significant life change is crucial. Here are some strategies...

Marriage is a significant step in life that goes beyond love and celebration. It involves important legal aspects that should not be overlooked. At Durban Law Offices, we aim to help you easily navigate these legal waters. Here are some key points to consider before...

Family law is a unique branch of legal practice that concentrates on matters related to family relationships. It can be a complex and emotional field, so it is essential to understand what a family lawyer does before you seek their services. So, if you are wondering...

Divorce is typically a very complicated and difficult process, especially when there are children involved. Knowing what not to do in a child custody battle is almost as important as knowing what to do. Making one small mistake on your part could tip the scales in the...

South Africa’s divorce rate is around 40%, with most married couples getting divorced in their early to mid-forties. While divorce lawyers said that it seems to be an unfortunate part of life, do you know what the grounds for divorce are in SA? As some of the best...

Although the South African constitution provides a blueprint of expected civil rights to be upheld for its citizens, regrettably a large percentage of the children in our country are still experiencing major infringements of these rights daily. By getting in contact...

While everyone handles divorce differently, it is safe to say that it is not a pleasant experience. For many people, divorce may be one of the toughest things that they’ll ever have to go through and in the midst of it, they may find it impossible to see the light at...

While common law marriages are legally recognised in the USA and Australia, the same cannot be said for South Africa. As local specialist divorce lawyers, the team at the Law Offices of Karen Olivier is here to provide a clear definition of the common law marriage and...

Unfortunately, partly due to a lack of information and education, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding divorce and maintenance. These untruths can be incredibly harmful as they can cause people to make uninformed decisions that could end up greatly...

Have you been searching the internet for the “best family attorney near me”, but are still not too sure which lawyer to put your trust in? Choosing the right family attorney is a very big decision that should not be taken lightly. As family law experts ourselves,...

The ideal parenting situation for a child is to be cared for by both of their parents in somewhat equal measure. But, unfortunately, there are many situations in which this is simply not possible. When it comes to divorce, separation, and parents living in different...

  Divorce can be a difficult and emotional time, and the cost of hiring a divorce lawyer is an added stressor. It's important to understand the costs involved in the divorce process to help you budget and plan accordingly. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to...

  Fatherhood is an essential part of family life, and the law acknowledges that. In adoption cases, the rights of fathers are equal to those of mothers but the truth is that fathers are often left out of adoption processes, with the focus being mainly on the...

  Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on the victim, particularly on children who witness or experience the abuse. It is crucial to seek legal assistance in such situations, and a domestic violence attorney can play a vital...

  Choosing the right family law lawyer in South Africa can be a daunting task, especially when you are dealing with sensitive issues related to your family. Whether you are going through a divorce, seeking child custody, or dealing with any other general family...

Adoption is a legal process that allows a person or a couple to become the legal parent(s) of a child who is not biologically theirs. It is a life-changing decision that should not be taken lightly. If Googling “family lawyer near me” and considering adoption in South...

  Child abuse is a serious problem in South Africa. According to UNICEF, 28 children are attacked each day. Child abuse can have long-lasting and devastating effects on the child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. As law offices in Durban, we...

If you are looking to be granted custody over your children, it is crucial that you are prepared to face these common legal issues related to being a father to children in South Africa. Keep reading to find out how fathers’ rights lawyers in Durban can prepare you for...

  Going through a divorce is never easy, and it can become even more challenging without the best legal representation. Hiring a divorce lawyer in Durban is crucial in ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. A knowledgeable...

  Biological parents and any other holders of full parental rights and responsibilities are considered guardians. Guardians are able to appoint another or more than one person to act as a child’s caregiver(s). Keep reading to learn more about appointing a...

  Do you remember the last time you updated your plans for your estate? Worse, is this something you haven’t thought of yet? Since we’re getting a fresh start with 2023, it’s a great time to consider something that may have been far from your mind with the...

You may have heard the numbers but how often are we told the reasons that some couples just don’t make it? Divorce is something that we never plan on but it is a very real possibility. From irrevocable differences to infidelity and more, there are various reasons that...

Grandparent guardian rights is not a typical topic that we see spoken about enough considering the many different family dynamics we have in South Africa. If you’re here to learn your rights or find out how you can apply for guardianship, keep reading as our family...

  Whether you’re looking for a way out or trying to help a loved one, the more you know, the better your outlook will be. South Africa, while intolerant of it, is unfortunately known for domestic violence which makes knowing your rights as well as the benefits of...

  If you’re reading this then you are already aware that divorce affects more than just you and your spouse. The others most affected by this decision are your children. Whether you are in the process of filing for divorce or are learning about your options, it...

If you’re new to the idea of marriage in South Africa or you never gave much thought at the time to the type of marriage you registered in the past, Continue reading for an explanation from a family law lawyer. In accordance with the Matrimonial Property Act 88 of...

Divorce is difficult enough without worrying about your partner being dishonest about the assets that are meant to be measured up and divided by your legal counsel. Due to the painful nature of divorce, people are known to behave in unexpected ways or act out of...

General family law encompasses family issues ranging from marriage, divorce, child custody, maintenance, adoption and more. You can think of general family attorneys as representatives that are called in when needed for legal proceedings that affect family...

Have you ever found yourself wondering what the role of your divorce lawyer will look like? Knowledge is power and even if divorce is the furthest thing from your mind or you are doing research for another, it’s good to have a picture to compare to should you ever...

In case this forms part of your initial round of research on this topic, let’s first cover what spousal maintenance is. Spousal maintenance is separate from child maintenance in that it gets paid by one spouse to the other post-divorce. Your divorce lawyers in Durban...

Starting at the beginning, what is domestic violence? If you have read our article covering this topic, you will know that having the right domestic violence lawyer on your side will make all the difference. The Domestic Violence Act In South Africa, the law is highly...

In South Africa, all parents has]ve rights and duties over their child or children. This is collectively known as parental rights and responsibilities. There are times where a parent is not able to fulfil these as desired. This can be due to several reasons such as...

In South Africa, each and every child is automattically given the constitutional right to be cared for within their best interest upon being born. This is a common frontrunning factor in many legal cases involving children such as child custody. If you would like to...

Benefits of Having a Domestic Violence Lawyer There are just no two ways about it.. Domestic violence is horrible. But we need to keep in mind that not all parties accused of this are found guilty. Working with a lawyer specialising in sensitive cases such as this...

When Is an Antenuptial Contract Necessary? It may not be fun to think about but all marriages eventually come to an end whether by death or divorce. The fairness and ease with which this comes to pass hinges upon the agreements chosen before you tie the knot. We are,...

Before we tackle the hows of divorce proceedings it is crucial to understand that we are all entitled to file for divorce in South Africa as long as you provide evidence to the court that there is no chance of settling your differences and you cannot live together any...

Finding the right lawyer for you and your situation can start to get overwhelming. Especially since there are so many good Durban divorce lawyers advertising their services. There may be a fair share of divorce attorneys around, but they are definitely not all the...

What You Need to Know About Child Custody In accordance with South African law, childcareis settled according to the Children’s Act. Whether you are seeking legal counsel or opting for a DIY divorce, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the legal...

Need To Know More About What The Ruling Is On Relocating Children Outside Of South Africa And How You Can Appeal This? Read More To Find Out. Whether due to the divorce of parents or in the case of single-parent families, there are rules when it comes to the...

Every family in South Africa will have experienced stress at least once as a unit. It may not be a commonly discussed topic. However, family stress is very real and we’ve decided to shed some light on what it is, the effects on the family unit and how you can manage...

The lockdown has certainly shaken things up in more ways than one. What started off as a stern warning not to break lockdown protocol with the reason being a child custody agreement has now been amended. The Regulations The regulations of the Disaster Management have...

Since the lockdown commencement date, there has been a concern for those in quarantine with abusive spouses. To paint a picture, South Africa faces largely different challenges to a Western country that is facing a similar situation. As the home of one of the largest...

You, like many others out there may be thinking that the leading cause of couples seeking out a divorce lawyer in Durban, is infidelity, however, you would be incorrect. The number one reason that marriages end in divorce is a lack of or problems with communication....

There may be a long list of varying factors that a court will take into account in a custody battle, however, there is an order to this list. These are the top five factors that are taken into consideration when deciding which parent should have custody of the child....

Relocation – If you are wanting to know more about relocating your underage child, then this is the place to be as we cover the most asked questions on the topic. The main obstacles that you may face are covered here but if you have any other questions feel free to...

When it comes to any custody case, whether it is settled out of court or it is a case where a child custody attorney gets involved - the solution should always be in the best interest of the child. When speaking of the “best interests”, there are always child custody...

The concept of an adult child was originally developed to explain challenges that are faced by now adults that grew up with an addict or alcoholic household members. This has expanded to include those that have suffered being brought up around workaholic, numbed,...

In a healthy relationship, both partners are meant to support one another while still being capable of having their own lives apart from one another. This, however, is not the case within co-dependent relationships. What often happens here is that an enabler comes to...

There have been numerous studies that prove having a happy childhood reaps the benefits of improved mental and physical health, better relationships, and lifetime achievement. On the other side of the coin, an unhappy childhood can lead to many issues like physical...

Respect is one of the first things children are taught as soon as they are old enough for their behaviour to be labelled as “disrespectful”. While it is important, children should be taught to respect themselves first. This means not letting anyone belittle or break...

It is a common psychological fact, that a person’s childhood often shapes them as a human being. Children are sponges, who are constantly observing and learning from the people and world around them. We, of course, want all our nations’ children to be raised in a...

Children are vulnerable members of society that are in need of special protection since they are dependent on others. Children cannot fight for themselves. Therefore, it’s up to their guardians, caretakers, and the state to care for and protect them. This is done by...

Any form of neglect or abuse of a minor will result in harmful effects on the child or young person. The general rule of thumb is to treat everyone with respect – why are children so often left out of this? The effect that abuse can have on a young mind and body can...

Many assume that an abusive relationship starts out that way, this is not the case. It comes on slowly, so slowly that you wake up one morning (if you’re lucky) and don’t recognise the person sleeping next to you. The key is having a good support system, good people...

Parental Rights of Fathers relies on the Children’s Act of South Africa (Act 38 of 2005). When it comes to fathers’ rights, a biological father has full parental rights, unless a court rules otherwise. This is true for all fathers provided that he meets the...

“Narcissist” – We have all thrown around this word when describing a self-absorbed person - especially when it comes to various personal relationships including co-workers, friendships, romances, and family. But how do we really know that someone truly is a...

“If you put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out. If you put a frog in warm water and gradually turn up the heat until the water is boiling, the frog will remain there until it dies. That is an abusive relationship.” The thrill of growing a new relationship is...

The inclusion of Children’s Rights in the Bill of Rights was a major development for South African children, many of whom had suffered previously, their rights not being adequately protected in terms of applicable Law. Children are among the most vulnerable members of...

Domestic abuse is violence between one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or co-inhabitation. South Africa has one of the highest domestic violence rates in the world and is sadly the most common form of human rights abuse in South...

“Narcissist” – This word has been broadcasted over social media greatly over this past year. There has been an influx of quizzes and articles along the lines of, “Are you dating a narcissist?”, “Symptoms of a narcissist” and such. However, we rarely speak about the...

Image Source Every year, starting on the 25thof November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women)until the 10th of December (Human Rights Day) a campaign known as 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-basedViolence is held in hopes of creating...