A first divorce consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. You tell me what is happening, I explain where you stand, and you leave knowing your options, a realistic timeline and what it is likely to cost.
Most people who call me have been putting it off for months. Not knowing what the meeting involves is part of what keeps them from making the call. This is what actually happens.
Speak to an attorney today. Confidential, no obligation.
Before you come: what to bring
You do not need a complete file. Bring what you have, and we will work out what is missing. It helps to have:
- your ID document and, if you have them, your spouse’s details
- your marriage certificate
- your antenuptial contract, if you signed one
- birth certificates or details of your children
- recent payslips and bank statements
- bond statements, title deeds and vehicle details
- pension, provident or retirement annuity statements and life policies
- a list of debts
- any existing court order, protection order or agreement between you
If you cannot find something, come anyway. Many documents can be obtained once we start.
What I will ask you
I ask questions because the answers decide which route is open to you. Expect these:
- How long have you been married, and in what property regime? Whether you are married in community of property, or out of community with or without accrual, shapes how assets are divided. Read more in our guide to dividing property in a divorce.
- Are there children? Where there are minor children, we need to plan their care, contact and maintenance. See our guide to child custody and contact in a divorce.
- Do you and your spouse agree? If you agree on the children, the money and the property, your divorce can follow the shorter uncontested route.
- Where do you and your spouse live? A South African court must have jurisdiction, which depends on where a spouse is domiciled or ordinarily resident.
- Is anyone at risk? If there is abuse or intimidation, safety comes first and the legal route is planned around it.
What I will explain
By the end of the meeting you should understand four things:
- Your options. An agreed divorce, mediation, or a contested matter. Each has different costs and timelines. See our guide on how long a divorce takes.
- Where it is likely to be heard. Most divorces are heard in the Regional Court or the High Court, depending on the circumstances.
- What it will cost. We offer an all-inclusive fee for uncontested divorces and hourly rates for contested ones. Our pricing page sets out the detail.
- What happens next. The first steps, who needs to sign what, and what you can do now to keep things moving. See how to start the divorce process.
What you do not have to do
You do not have to decide anything in the meeting. You do not need your spouse’s agreement to consult an attorney. And I will not contact your spouse or take any step in your matter unless you instruct me to.
Everything you tell me is confidential.
Tips for getting the most from the meeting
- Write down your questions beforehand. Stressful meetings are easy to leave with a question unasked.
- Bring a notebook, or ask to have the key points sent to you.
- Be frank, including about things you are not proud of. It is better that I hear them from you than from the other side.
- Think about what matters most to you, whether that is the children, the house or a quick, quiet end to it. It helps me advise you.
Common questions
Do I need to know whether I want a divorce before I come? No. Many people come to understand their options before deciding. We can talk through what a divorce, or an alternative, would mean.
Can I bring someone with me? Yes, a family member or friend can come along. If the conversation will be sensitive, you may prefer to speak to me alone first.
Will my spouse find out I came? Not from me. I do not contact your spouse unless you instruct me to.
Speak to a divorce attorney in Gqeberha
If you are thinking about divorce, the first conversation costs you nothing but a little courage. I will tell you plainly where you stand, what your matter is likely to involve and what your options are.
Confidential. No obligation.
Confidential. No obligation. I will tell you plainly where you stand.
This post is general information about South African divorce law and is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney about your circumstances.
