Court Representation & Legal Disciplines
We appear in High Courts, Regional Magistrate's Courts, and CCMA hearings throughout Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. All matters begin with clear fee estimates and direct attorney access.
Family & Matrimonial Law
Divorce and custody disputes require calm, firm legal counsel. We draft realistic parenting plans, protect joint assets, and initiate urgent Rule 43 court applications when interim maintenance is refused.
Typical Timeline & Approach
- Uncontested Divorce: 4 – 8 weeks to Final Decree. Fixed package available.
- Rule 43 Urgent Application: Interlocutory relief within 30 days for immediate maintenance and legal cost contributions.
- Protection Orders: Same-day urgent Magistrate Court ex-parte applications.
Criminal Litigation & 24/7 Bail Defense
Arrest or police detention requires urgent, on-site counsel. Our attorneys attend police stations 24 hours a day across the greater Durban area to handle police bail and formal court bail hearings.
Emergency Checklist
If a loved one is detained:
- Note the exact police station (SAPS) holding them.
- Ask for the Investigating Officer (IO) and CAS / OB number.
- Do NOT make statements before our attorney is present.
- Call our emergency cell immediately: 071 125 5875.
Labour Law & CCMA Arbitration
We represent employees and employers in CCMA conciliations, arbitrations, and Labour Court proceedings. We assist with unfair dismissal claims, Section 189 retrenchments, and disciplinary hearings.
CCMA 30-Day Window
Unfair dismissals must strictly be referred to the CCMA or relevant Bargaining Council within 30 calendar days from dismissal. Do not let statutory time limits lapse.
Deceased Estates & Trusts
We report deceased estates to the Master of the High Court, obtain Letters of Executorship, publish statutory notices, and prepare final Liquidation and Distribution accounts without unnecessary delays.
Executor Tariff Clarity
Statutory executor fee in South Africa is capped at 3.5% + VAT on gross estate assets. We ensure completely transparent accounting with zero unapproved administrative disbursements.
Commercial Contracts, Company Law & Compliance
Led by Director Annette Stewart (former General Manager for RMI for 10 years and 24+ years High Court admitted attorney), our commercial practice assists businesses with binding agreements, shareholder structuring, Consumer Protection Act (CPA) compliance, and high-stakes dispute resolution.
10-Year Industry Executive Insight
Annette Stewart served a decade as the first female General Manager of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). She brings real-world corporate operational leadership to risk governance, enterprise disputes, and supplier negotiations.
Antenuptial Contracts (ANC) & Notarial Deeds
In South Africa, your marital property regime permanently dictates your financial liability, insolvency risk, and estate succession. Under the Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984, our Notaries draft, execute, and lodge antenuptial contracts with the Pietermaritzburg Deeds Registry.
Critical Timing Rule
The contract MUST be signed before a Notary Public prior to your solemnisation ceremony.
If you marry before signing, you are automatically married In Community of Property. Changing regimes afterwards requires an expensive Section 21 High Court application costing upwards of R25,000.
How Your Legal Matter Progresses
From your first instruction to final court order, you are kept informed at every statutory milestone with zero hidden steps.
Confidential Intake
FICA verification, comprehensive conflict check, and 45-minute strategic evaluation with Director Annette Stewart or senior litigators.
Written Mandate & Tariff
We provide a clear written fee agreement under Section 35 of the Legal Practice Act. You approve all milestones before costs are incurred.
Pleadings & e-Filing
Drafting summons, founding affidavits, or CCMA referrals. Electronic CaseLines indexing and formal Sheriff service.
Courtroom Advocacy
Fierce representation in the High Court, Magistrate's Court, or CCMA hearing by seasoned trial advocates with 20+ years in practice.
What Documents to Bring to Your First Session
Having these core documents ready allows us to give immediate, actionable legal advice from day one.
family_restroom Divorce & Family Matters
- Original or certified Marriage Certificate
- Registered Antenuptial Contract (if applicable)
- Barcoded IDs / Passports of both spouses
- Birth certificates of all minor children
- Latest 3 months bank statements & proof of income
- Schedule of monthly living expenses (for maintenance)
account_balance Deceased Estate Reporting
- Original Death Certificate issued by Home Affairs
- Original Last Will & Testament of the deceased
- Identity document of the deceased and surviving spouse
- Inventory of all assets (properties, vehicles, bank accounts)
- Marriage certificate and ANC contract of deceased
- Names and contact details of all surviving heirs
shield_lock 24/7 Urgent Bail Assistance
- Name of the SAPS police station where detainee is held
- Investigating Officer (IO) name & CAS / OB Number
- Detainee's full legal name & South African ID Number
- Proof of permanent residential address (FICA utility bill)
- Confirmation of stable employment (for bail surety)
- Any chronic medical conditions requiring urgent prescription access
gavel CCMA & Labour Disputes
- Written letter or notice of dismissal / disciplinary outcome
- Signed Employment Contract and company code of conduct
- Last 3 months payslips or proof of monthly remuneration
- Minutes / recordings of internal disciplinary hearing
- Record of all correspondence (emails, letters, WhatsApps)
- Verification that dispute is within the 30-day statutory window