Family law insights and commentary from the offices of divorce and family law attorney Simon Dippenaar.
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Post-pandemic trends in technology and family law Many things changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some practices we were all glad to see end, such as wearing face masks and needing proof of a negative test result before air travel. But some behaviours were introduced that have become mainstream, such as working from home and virtual […]
We’ve been following the Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others (2022) case since the beginning, and have written extensively on the Divorce Amendment Bill, which will grant women in Muslim marriages the same rights on divorce as their compatriots in conventional unions. Although the Bill was signed […]
New strategies for modern families The concept of “family” is changing. It no longer automatically implies a heterosexual couple and 2.4 children. Same-sex couples adopt or have their own children, either through donor insemination or surrogacy. As more marriages end in divorce, we see more blended families as individuals find new life partners, with or […]
Innovative financial strategies in divorce Divorce is a complex and emotional process, especially when it comes to dividing finances and assets. A settlement perceived as fair by both parties lets them move forward with financial stability and without smouldering resentment. But asset division is rarely a smooth process, even in marriages in community of property […]
Understanding emotional needs Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability both to manage your own emotions and to understand, interpret and respond to the emotions of people around you. EI is a critical skill for parents engaged in child care and contact disputes. Both attorneys and parents must demonstrate empathy and patience when addressing children’s fears and concerns in a […]
Soft skills are vital in a divorce lawyer Divorce is never a pleasant experience, however amicably the spouses may hope to approach the process. When there are minor children involved, the divorce can become contested, because emotions run riot and parents are unable to resolve their differences calmly and reasonably – and out of court. […]
What to do if you and your soon-to-be-ex are different nationalities Is your spouse a foreign national? Or are you a South African married abroad? Divorce is a challenging process, and it becomes even more complicated when it involves more than one country. Whether you’re a South African married to a foreign spouse or a […]
Why the “third way” might be the best option If you are contemplating divorce, you may be wondering what the process involves. In South Africa, there are three types of divorce: contested, uncontested and mediated. Mediation benefits can keep disputes out of court. Uncontested divorce is the quickest and least expensive option. The spouses work […]
