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 prescribe after 3 years under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969. A 20-year-old claim ha…
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 contested, including the mandatory 6-week waiting per…
How Long Does RAF Take to Pay Out?
The Road Accident Fund typically pays out in 6-18 months on uncontested claims and 2-5 years on litigated ones. The dela…
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?
Becoming a lawyer in South Africa takes 6-7 years minimum: a 4-year LLB, 2 years of articles, the board exam, and admiss…
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 capped by NCA Regulations Table B: R50 application, R6,450 restructuring, 5% monthly after-care. Re…
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. What each one requires, what cancelling actual…
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 and PI insurance. Advoca…
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. How it compares to consolidat…
What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do?
Corporate attorneys handle M&A, contracts, regulatory compliance, BEE and JSE listings. Transactional, not courtroom. Bi…
What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?
Criminal lawyers represent accused persons in South Africa, from bail applications through trial to appeals, in the magi…
What Does an Attorney Do?
South African attorneys are admitted practitioners handling lower courts, conveyancing, contracts and client advice. Adv…
What Is a Litigation Lawyer?
A litigator resolves disputes through the courts: civil (contracts, damages), criminal defence and contested family matt…
What Is a Patent Attorney?
A patent attorney is an IP specialist in patents, trademarks and designs who must pass the SAIIPL exam. South Africa is …
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 governs employer-employee relationships, collective bargaining and dispute resolutio…
What Subjects Do I Need to Become a Lawyer?
Matric requirements for an LLB: English (Home or FAL) plus Maths or Maths Literacy, APS 30-38. No compulsory specialisat…
What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money?
Highest-paid SA lawyers: corporate M&A and banking (R100K-R250K+), mining, IP and patents, and tax. How they compare wit…
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 attorney misconduct to the Legal Practice Council or the Law Society of South Africa. The complaint process and t…
Who Gets Custody of Child in Divorce South Africa?
Child custody in an SA divorce: no automatic maternal preference. The Family Advocate role, the best-interests test, and…
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. Own negligence and acciden…