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Blog & Articles

Hammond Pole Attorneys – Serious about service
Hammond Pole Attorneys > Blog & Articles (Page 6)
12 March
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Securing Your Family’s Future After Your Death

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

Ensuring that your affairs are in order after your death is important, but it is even more critical that you organise your estate before you pass if you are the parents of minor children under the age of 18. While no one wants to think of leaving behind a young family, the consequences for them in the event of your untimely death without proper provision having been made for their future, can be traumatic. It is therefore imperative that you have a correctly drawn- up last will and testament to cover all necessary arrangements. For parents of minors Children under the age of...

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20 February
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Spotting Employment Contract Red Flags: A Guide for Employees and Employers

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

Often in our enthusiasm to secure a new job, we choose to ignore or overlook potential red flag issues around the terms and conditions of the employment offer. But mutual trust between employer and employee is essential for a harmonious working environment and there is often no going back after getting off to a bad start.     For both employer and employee, a good start includes the signing of a contract whose terms and conditions have been agreed to by both parties. Although the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) does stipulate that written particulars of employment should be provided to the...

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11 February
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The Road to Property Development in South Africa

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

Property development in South Africa can be a lucrative and profitable business for the aspiring and able entrepreneur. However, given our rigid legislation, municipal by laws and compliance framework, property development can also be a costly and longwinded exercise if not planned appropriately.   THE LAND A suitable piece of land must first be identified and acquired before embarking on a proclamation. This is an essential pre-development requirement, which is a process of obtaining council consent and publicly declaring the developer's intention to commence with the project. At the commencement of the project, a developer would need to assemble a team of professionals including a...

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11 January
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Common Law Marriage Myths and the Power of Cohabitation Agreements

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

According to latest data from StatsSA, fewer South Africans are getting married as the number of civil marriages continues to decrease. For many, the concept of a ‘common law marriage’ has become deeply ingrained in beliefs about long-term partnerships with the assumption that cohabiting couples share the same legal rights and responsibilities as those who are legally married, just by virtue of living together for a certain number of years. However, this belief has no grounding in South African law. This misunderstanding can have profound consequences, particularly concerning inheritance, property ownership, and financial support.   The myth vs reality in South African...

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07 December
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What you need to know about before buying your dream holiday home

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

The allure of owning a holiday home, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, is undeniable. With the increasing flexibility of remote working and an emphasis on work-life balance, the dream of having a retreat in your favourite holiday town is more achievable than ever. At Hammond Pole Attorneys, we rounded up some crucial tips to guide you through the process.   Evaluating Your Budget Investing in a holiday home is a significant financial decision. It's crucial to assess the property market trends and interest rate fluctuations. Researching the area of interest is key – understanding the...

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23 November
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Tips for buying a property in Cape Town

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

There is no denying the beauty of the Cape and you can hardly go wrong with picking an area to call home!  However, moving to Cape Town (or the surrounding towns and cities) is not without its challenges.   Each area or suburb in Cape Town can have a very different feeling and energy.  From the city hustle and bustle of Greenpoint and Sea Point, to family living in the Southern Suburbs or the quieter Durbanville, it may take some time to find the right fit for you.   If you're planning to move to Cape Town, you should consider renting a property before...

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19 October
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When is it too soon to sell a residential property you bought?

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Property Law

Whether or not South Africa will experience a buyer’s or seller's market for property in 2024 is challenging to predict, but several factors point towards a potential buyer’s market for some time to come. The economy is expected to remain weak, which will reduce the number of prospective homebuyers due to affordability constraints. High interest rates will lead to higher borrowing costs, indicating a market where buyers may have more bargaining power to potentially lower prices.  On the other hand, a shortage of affordable housing in certain areas could push property prices higher, potentially supporting a seller’s market.   Either way, it...

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27 September
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Securing Your Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Last Wills & Testaments

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

In honour of September being Wills Month, we are dedicated to equipping you with essential knowledge about the importance of estate planning. A Last Will and Testament stands as a foundational document, shaping the way your legacy is preserved and assets are distributed. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Last Wills and Testaments, providing you with a comprehensive Q&A guide to demystify this crucial aspect of safeguarding your future.   What is a Last Will and Testament?   A Last Will and Testament is a formal written document in which an individual outlines their instructions regarding the distribution of their assets...

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21 September
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Debt after death: what South Africans need to know

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

Unfortunately, debt can outlive a person after their death. This means it is critical for estate planning purposes to understand what happens to liabilities such as a home loan or vehicle financing facility after death.   How debt is dealt with after death all depends on the solvency of the individual’s estate, the type of debt still outstanding, and the terms of their will.   What happens when a person dies? In the event of death, that person’s assets and liabilities are transferred to a deceased estate. The estate and the appointed executor are then responsible for paying off debts and distributing assets according to...

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29 August
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Navigating the Legal Process after Losing a Loved One: A Guide to Reporting and Administering an Estate

Posted by Hammond Pole
in Hammond Pole Blog

What do I do when my loved one has passed away?   When a loved one passes away, it is a difficult time in one’s life. In addition to dealing with the emotional turmoil and grief of losing a loved one, a person is left wondering, “what do I do now?”   When a person passes away, it is a requirement by law that the person’s death be reported to the Master Office of the High Court. This is in order for the Master’s office to issue a Letter of Executorship or a Letter of Authority to the person nominated per the Last Will...

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