Written for people, not lawyers. Each guide has key points, a cost card, FAQs and a clear note on when you actually need an attorney.
Nothing. Referring a dispute to the CCMA is free, there is no filing fee at any stage, and you may represent yourself. The only costs that arise are your own, such as transport, copies, or an attorney if you choose to use one.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Disputing a credit listing is free. You lodge the dispute with the credit bureau, the bureau must investigate and ask the credit provider to prove the entry, and if it cannot be proved the listing must be removed.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
A no win no fee agreement means your attorney is only paid if your claim succeeds. The Contingency Fees Act caps the success fee at double the normal fee or 25% of the award, whichever is lower, excluding disbursements. The agreement must be in writing.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Not unless your lease allows it. During a fixed term the rent is what the lease says it is, and an increase can usually only happen on the escalation date the lease sets out or when the lease comes up for renewal.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
If you genuinely agree on everything, an uncontested divorce usually takes about six weeks to three months from issuing the summons to the decree. Delays almost always come from service, the court roll, or an agreement that is not really agreed.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Usually not. Before dismissing you for misconduct your employer must give you a fair chance to state your case. Skipping that step normally makes the dismissal procedurally unfair, even if the reason for dismissing you was a good one.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Debt review restructures your debt so you pay it off over a longer period and keep your assets. Sequestration declares you insolvent, sells your assets and writes off the shortfall. Debt review suits a steady income; sequestration suits debt that can never realistically be repaid.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Yes. Passengers can claim from the Road Accident Fund, including passengers in the vehicle that caused the accident. You generally have three years to lodge, or two years if the driver responsible was never identified.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Start by asking the body corporate in writing for the approved budget and your levy statement. If the answer does not satisfy you, apply to the Community Schemes Ombud Service, which resolves scheme disputes cheaply. Keep paying the undisputed amount while you dispute.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
It depends on your matrimonial property regime first, and whose name the house is in second. In community of property the house falls into the joint estate whatever the title deed says. With accrual, the owner keeps it but the other spouse may have a money claim.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
You claim UIF unemployment benefits from the Department of Employment and Labour, either at a labour centre or online through uFiling. You need your ID, the UI-19 from your employer, your banking details and a certificate of service, and you should apply as soon as possible after your last day.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
No. A credit provider generally needs a court order to take your car, unless you voluntarily hand it over. Anyone who tows your vehicle away without an order and without your agreement is acting unlawfully, and you can go to court urgently to get it back.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance no longer operates under that name. Short-term insurance complaints now go to the National Financial Ombud Scheme of South Africa, which is free. Complete the insurer's internal dispute process first, then lodge.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
For most residential tenants the Consumer Protection Act allows you to cancel a fixed-term lease on 20 business days written notice. The landlord may charge a reasonable cancellation penalty, but not the whole balance of the rent.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
Yes. South African law does not favour mothers as a rule. A court decides on the best interests of the child, and a father can be awarded primary care where that is what the child's interests require.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
A restraint of trade is valid in South Africa unless it is unreasonable. A court will ask whether your former employer has a real interest worth protecting, and whether the restraint goes further than needed in time, area and scope.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
There are three realistic ways out of debt review: settle the debts and get a clearance certificate, withdraw before a court order is granted, or apply to court to have the debt review order set aside. Once a court order exists, you cannot simply stop paying.
5 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
The Consumer Protection Act gives you five business days to cancel a purchase made through direct marketing, without a reason and without a penalty. It is not a general right to change your mind about anything you buy.
4 min read · Reviewed 4 Sep 2026
We use essential cookies to make the site work. Optional analytics cookies are off unless you allow them. Privacy policy
