Family Law

Family law matters are among the most personal and emotionally charged situations a person can face. Whether you need to protect yourself or your children from harm, enforce a maintenance obligation, or formalise parenting arrangements after separation, we handle each matter with sensitivity, clarity, and an unwavering focus on what is genuinely in your family's best interests.

Protection Orders

The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 provides for the urgent issue of a protection order against a person who has subjected you to domestic violence — including physical abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, intimidation, harassment, and stalking. An interim protection order can be obtained from any Magistrate Court without the respondent being present, and served on them by the sheriff. A return date is then set for a final order hearing.

We assist applicants at every stage — preparing a comprehensive founding affidavit, attending court with you, and ensuring the order contains all necessary provisions to protect you and your children. Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence.

Child Maintenance

Both parents are legally obligated to contribute to their children's maintenance in proportion to their respective means, regardless of the state of their relationship. This obligation continues until each child turns 18 or becomes self-supporting. If a parent fails to pay maintenance, you can apply to the Maintenance Court for an order. Non-compliance with a maintenance order is a criminal offence under the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998.

We assist in calculating a fair maintenance contribution based on the parties' income and the child's reasonable needs, preparing Maintenance Court applications, and enforcing existing orders that are not being met — including through attachment of the defaulting parent's salary.

Parenting Plans

The Children's Act 38 of 2005 encourages parents who separate or divorce to put in place a formal parenting plan that sets out the practical arrangements for their children. A parenting plan can cover primary residence, contact schedules, schooling, medical decisions, travel permissions, and communication arrangements.

When incorporated into a court order, a parenting plan becomes legally binding and enforceable. We assist parents in negotiating workable, child-focused plans — and where agreement cannot be reached, we represent you in contested parental rights proceedings before the High Court or Family Court.

What We Handle

• Urgent interim and final protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act
• Child maintenance applications, variation of maintenance orders, and enforcement
• Parenting plans — drafting, negotiation, and incorporation into court orders
• Contested primary residence and contact right disputes
• Guardianship — applications, disputes, and the appointment of alternative guardians
• Relocation applications where a parent wishes to move with the children
• Spousal maintenance claims and variation applications after divorce
• Adoption and the legal termination of parental responsibilities and rights