The Constitutional Court has recently delivered a significant judgment reaffirming that customary marriages and civil marriages hold equal legal status. Importantly, the Court clarified the implications and validity of antenuptial contracts within the context of...

Purchasing a property at an auction often feels like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, with the thrill of competitive bidding, the possibility of securing a bargain, and the pressure of acting quickly. However, beneath this excitement lies a complex legal and...

The world is smaller than ever - South African families increasingly own property in Portugal, hold shares in the US, or have children studying in London. Yet while your life may be global, the law remains stubbornly local. This article explains why a single South...

In South Africa, levies in sectional title and similar community schemes are the cornerstone of funding for maintenance, operations, insurance, and future repairs. However, when levies are increased, particularly when the increases appear excessive, owners often...

Civil litigation costs refer to the legal expenses involved in initiating and pursuing a lawsuit or application. These costs include, for example, the issuing of summons, the drafting of affidavits, pleadings, and notices exchanged between the parties until the court...

You've moved into your new home, and suddenly things start going wrong. A damp patch appears out of nowhere, the lights trip when you turn on a switch, or a small crack starts spreading. It's unsettling, especially when you're unsure what the law allows once you've...

Most families only think about executor fees when someone passes away, and the uncertainty often adds strain during an already difficult time. People worry about estate administration costs, delays at the Master’s Office, and whether the executor’s fee will reduce...

The rise of digital transformation has brought electronic document signing platforms to the forefront, making it easier to sign contracts and important documents remotely. But are these digital signatures legally binding? Let's break it down.   Understanding...

WhatsApp and similar messaging platforms have become a staple of modern communication and, increasingly, also business communication. But, viewing these platforms as informal and not binding could be dangerous, as the recent case of Gerritsen Trading CC t/a Gerritsen...

If you own property in a sectional title, there are new rules governing how your community can issue fines. The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) has introduced a new Consolidated Practice Directive 1 of 2025, which provides clearer standards for handling fines...