STATISTICS OF CIVIL CASES FOR DEBT, MARCH 2017 – RELEASED BY STATS SA

STATS SA has released some figures on Civil Debt Cases in Judgments in South Africa. Below is a summary with a link to the full report. - The total number of civil summonses issued for debt decreased by 0,8% in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016. The largest negative contributions to the 0,8% decrease were civil summonses relating to:  services (contributing -3,4 percentage points);  goods sold (contributing -2,0 percentage points); and  rent (contributing -0,5 of a percentage point). - The total number of civil judgements recorded for debt decreased by 16,1% in the first quarter of 2017...

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY – GAS INSTALLATIONS

A certificate of conformity (COC) is required by law for all permanent liquid gas installations in your house or property and must be obtained from an authorised person or an approved inspection authority, which confirms that it is safe according to the applicable standards. Examples of gas installations that require this certificate include gas fire places or gas hobs, as well as gas hot water systems, gas fireplaces, etc. According to the pressure equipment regulations of 2009 an authorised person shall issue a COC after a gas installation or alteration of the installation and where there is a change of user...

DIVORCE – THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE UGLY AND LEAVE YOU WOUNDED FOREVER

Even with a decline in the number of people getting married in South Africa, since 2016, the divorce rate in South Africa has increased. IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A GOOD DIVORCE?? YES!! The same manner in which you and your partner chose to get married, the choice is ultimately yours to decide how you wish to get divorced. 1. A uncontested divorce: This possible providing you and your partner can agree on: 1) Arrangements regarding your children? and 2) The division of your assets? After consulting with your attorney, we can assist you with drafting a divorce settlement agreement (contract) recording whatever you and your...

THE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY ADVOCATE

The family advocate assists parents in divorce proceedings to reach an agreement on disputed issues, namely care, contact and guardianship. If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, the family advocate evaluates their circumstances in light of the best interests of the child and makes a recommendation to the court regarding care, contact and guardianship. WHAT DOES THE FAMILY ADVOCATE DO? The Family Advocate assists the parties to reach an agreement on disputed issues, namely custody, access and guardianship. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the Family Advocate evaluates the parties’ circumstances in light of the best interests...

THE TRANSFER PROCESS – INFOGRAPHIC

The process of transferring a property from a buyer to a seller can seem complicated at times.  But it is actually a rather simple process in theory. At Hammond Pole Attorneys we try to make this process as easy and as seamless as possible. If you are buying or selling property  here is a short infographic showing and explaining the basics of the transfer process to you. ...

PRESCRIPTION

PRESCRIPTION - The Basics Prescription is regulated by the Prescription Act 68 of 1969 ("the Act") and refers to the role that a specific time plays in the making and ending of certain rights. Furthermore, it entails the time limits that an individual has after a specific incident has occurred, and resulted in certain damages being caused, to institute legal action.  A debt, which is described as the payment of money or delivery of goods or services, will prescribe after the lapse of a certain time period. This means that the claimant will not be able to issue a claim once the time period have...

SA PROPERTY AND FOREIGN CITIZENS

APPOINTMENT OF TRANSFERRING ATTORNEY

The process of selling and eventually transferring your valued property can have many pitfalls if you do not receive the correct advice timeously.  It is therefore advisable to use transferring attorneys who can guide you and who you can trust to look after your interests. Since you are the seller you have the right to nominate the conveyancer dealing with the transfer of your investment. We suggest that you do so cautiously and with serious regard for your own interests. The seller is generally the party that is afforded the opportunity to appoint the transferring attorney.  This is due to the fact...

2014 Marriage and Divorce Statistics

Some statistics recently released by Stats SA on Marriage and Divorces from 2014. Total number of Marriages/Unions A total of 150 852, civil marriages (down by 4.9% on 2013) A total of 3 062 customary marriages (down by 12.5% on 2013) A total of 1 144 civil unions (up by 15.2% on 2013) Median ages of first-time brides and bridegrooms The median ages of first time civil marriage bridegrooms and brides remained unchanged at 33 years and 30 years respectively between 2013 and 2014. For all customary marriages, the median age for bridegrooms (34 years) and brides (29 years) increased by a...