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Legal Answers

Plain-language answers to common South African legal questions, written to meet Google's YMYL quality standard.

Can I Claim RAF After 20 Years?

South African road accident claims expire after 3 years under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969. Claims after 20 years are

How Does Small Claims Court Work in South Africa?

Small Claims Court resolves disputes up to R20,000 in 30–60 days without lawyers. File, serve, attend a hearing, and get

How long does debt review last in South Africa?

Debt review typically lasts 3 to 5 years in South Africa. Learn what determines the duration, how to shorten it, and whe

How Long Does Divorce Take in South Africa?

Divorce in SA takes 4–8 weeks uncontested or 6 months to 3+ years if contested. Includes mandatory 6-week waiting period

How Long Does RAF Take to Pay Out?

The Road Accident Fund typically pays out in 6–18 months for uncontested claims and 2–5 years for litigated cases. Full

How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer in South Africa takes a minimum of 6–7 years: 4-year LLB degree, 2-year articles, board exam, and High

How Much Do Criminal Lawyers Earn?

Criminal lawyer salaries in South Africa range from R15,000 to R200,000+ monthly depending on experience, location, and

How Much Do Lawyers Earn in South Africa?

Attorney salaries: candidate R10K-R18K, junior R20K-R40K, mid R40K-R80K, senior/partner R80K-R300K+. Corporate firms hig

How much does debt review cost in South Africa?

Debt review fees are regulated under NCA Regulations Table B. Learn the exact caps: application R50, restructuring R6,45

How Much Does Divorce Cost in South Africa?

Divorce in SA costs R5,000–R15,000 uncontested or R30,000–R100,000+ if contested. Breakdown of attorney fees, court cost

How Much Does RAF Pay? Compensation Limits & Caps 2026

RAF compensation caps for loss of income (R311,921/year), general damages, death benefits, and medical costs in South Af

How to Apply for Divorce in South Africa

Step-by-step guide to applying for divorce in SA. Grounds, court procedure, uncontested vs contested process under Divor

How to Become a Lawyer in South Africa

Complete pathway to becoming an admitted attorney in SA: LLB degree, articles, board exam, High Court admission and LPC

How do I check if I am under debt review?

Three ways to check your debt review status in South Africa: credit bureau report, your debt counsellor, or the NCR regi

How to Check Your RAF Claim Status

Three ways to track your Road Accident Fund claim in South Africa: online portal, phone, or RAF office visit. Processing

How to Claim RAF: Complete Step-by-Step Process

Complete guide to claiming from the Road Accident Fund in South Africa. Full 6-step process with forms and deadlines. Ex

How to Deal with Debt Collection Attorneys

Know your rights against debt collectors in SA. Request proof, dispute debt, negotiate, or apply for debt review under t

How to Get a Free Divorce in South Africa

Access free divorce legal services in SA through Legal Aid SA, law clinics, and NGOs. Means test and eligibility explain

How to Get a Pro Bono Lawyer in South Africa

Find free pro bono legal representation via law clinics, ProBono.org.za, Legal Aid SA, and university networks. Expert l

How to Get a Copy of Divorce Decree

Get certified copies of your divorce decree. Apply at Home Affairs or court. Fee, timeline, and required documents expla

How to Get a Court Order Without a Lawyer

Self-representation in Small Claims Court, Maintenance Court, and Protection Orders. No lawyers required or allowed. Exp

How do I get out of debt review in South Africa?

There are 3 legal ways to exit debt review in South Africa under the NCA. Learn what they are, what "cancelling" actuall

How to Get Power of Attorney

5-step PoA process: draft, sign, witness, notarise, register. Cost R500-R2,000. Easy wins for simple documents. Expert l

How to Open a Law Firm in South Africa

Law firm startup: admitted attorney + LPC registration + Fidelity Fund certificate + trust account + PI insurance. Advoc

How do I remove debt review from my credit record?

Step-by-step guide to removing the debt review flag from your credit record in South Africa under NCA section 71 and Reg

Is debt review a good idea in South Africa?

Debt review protects your assets and reduces payments, but restricts new credit for years. Compare debt review vs consol

What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do?

Corporate attorney: M&A, contracts, regulatory compliance, BEE, JSE listings. Transactional (no court). Big 5 firms high

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

Criminal lawyers represent accused persons in South Africa. Learn what they do, from bail to appeals, in magistrate's co

What Does an Attorney Do?

South African attorney: admitted practitioner in lower courts, conveyancing, contracts, client advice. vs. advocate (spe

What Is a Litigation Lawyer?

Litigator = dispute resolution through courts. Civil (contracts, damages), criminal (defence), family (contested matters

What Is a Patent Attorney?

Patent attorney = IP specialist in patents, trademarks, designs. Must pass SAIIPL exam. Non-examining jurisdiction (SA).

What Is Conveyancing?

Property conveyancing explained: definition, step-by-step process, costs, and the role of registered conveyancers in Sou

What is debt review and how does it work in South Africa?

Debt review is a formal debt relief process under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. Learn how it works, who qualifies,

What is Divorce?

Divorce in South Africa explained. Uncontested vs contested, what is a divorce decree, and how the Divorce Act 70 of 197

What is Family Law?

Family law in South Africa explained. Divorce, custody, adoption, maintenance, domestic violence, and protection orders

What Is Power of Attorney in South Africa?

Power of attorney types, legal requirements, and limits under South African common law explained. SA has no statutory la

What Is the Labour Relations Act?

The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 regulates employer-employee relationships, collective bargaining, and dispute resolu

What Subjects Do I Need to Become a Lawyer?

Matric requirements: English (Home/FAL), Maths or Maths Lit. APS 30-38. No mandatory specialisation. Top SA law facultie

What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money?

Highest-paid: corporate M&A/banking (R100K-R250K+), mining law, IP/patents, tax law. vs litigators. Dress code, tattoos,

Where to Get Free Legal Advice in South Africa

Free legal assistance via Legal Aid SA, law clinics, CCMA, Maintenance Court, Small Claims Court, ProBono.org.za, and NG

Where to Report Lawyers in South Africa

Report lawyer misconduct to the Law Society of South Africa or Legal Practice Council. Learn the complaint process and p

Who Gets Custody of Child in Divorce South Africa?

Child custody in SA divorce. No automatic maternal preference. Family Advocate role, best interests test, and typical cu

Who Qualifies for Legal Aid in South Africa?

Legal Aid South Africa eligibility: means test (household income ≤R8,000/month), merit assessment, qualifying cases, and

Who Qualifies for a RAF Claim? Eligibility Requirements

RAF eligibility: anyone injured in a South African road accident caused by negligent driving. Excludes own negligence, a