27 May

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2014 Marriage and Divorce Statistics

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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...

27 May

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Frequently asked questions about divorce

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Here are some FAQ's about divorce. How much does it cost to get a divorce? Divorces are unique to the individuals wanting the divorce as they depend on the circumstances surrounding the marriage. At Hammond Pole, we offer advice and assistance in determining the best route to take in reaching the most favourable outcome to our clients in the least amount of time. The cost of your Divorce will depend on the circumstances of your situation (whether there are minor children born of the marriage, your assets, maintenance claims, etc.) at the time of divorce. How long does it take to get a...

27 May

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‘VOETSTOOTS’: What does it mean?

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'Voetstoots' merely means that as a seller you are selling the property with the existing problems it has. So the buyer takes it "as is". There is one very important caveat here - as the seller you have to fully disclose all known problems with the property in order for the buyer to make an informed decision. A voetstoots clause will not provide any legal protection if you intentionally conceal defects in bad faith with the purpose of defrauding the buyer. We are situated on the East Rand of Johannesburg (JHB) in close proximity to the airport. The following towns are nearby: Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Germiston,...

27 May

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What to do after the passing, or death, of a loved one: A Guide on how to start winding up the estate and the process thereafter.

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Dealing with the death of a loved one can be over-whelming for all the family and friends concerned. It is for this reason that we at Hammond Pole Attorneys would like to assist you in setting out the correct processes to follow, when winding up the estate, in order to avoid making this traumatic experience any worse. First and foremost it is crucial to limit the financial exposure of the family in regards to the death of a loved one. That is why it's so important that the family report the passing of the loved one to the Masters office as...

27 May

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ANTENUPTIAL AGREEMENT – What is it?

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An antenuptial agreement is a contract signed before marriage by parties who intend to marry each other out of community of property. In other words, each person wants to retain ownership of his or her own assets as opposed to pooling the assets to form one communal estate. If no such agreement is signed the husband and wife will automatically be married in community of property. The decision to enter into an antenuptial contract may have serious consequences. Both during the course of the marriage and in the event of its dissolution (whether on death or divorce) and it is therefor...

27 May

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

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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...

27 May

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CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY – GAS INSTALLATIONS

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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...

27 May

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

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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...

27 May

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THE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY ADVOCATE

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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...

27 May

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THE TRANSFER PROCESS – INFOGRAPHIC

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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. ...

2014 Marriage and Divorce Statistics

Frequently asked questions about divorce

‘VOETSTOOTS’: What does it mean?

What to do after the passing, or death, of a loved one: A Guide on how to start winding up the estate and the process thereafter.

ANTENUPTIAL AGREEMENT – What is it?

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

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY – GAS INSTALLATIONS

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

THE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY ADVOCATE

THE TRANSFER PROCESS – INFOGRAPHIC

APPOINTMENT OF TRANSFERRING ATTORNEY

SA PROPERTY AND FOREIGN CITIZENS

PRESCRIPTION

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