Arrive prepared. Ask better questions.

Divorce matters: what to prepare before you consult

A divorce is a court process. Preparation helps the attorney understand the marriage, children, assets, liabilities and possible settlement route.

• Bring identity documents, the marriage certificate and existing court papers.
• List children, parenting arrangements, school and medical costs, and maintenance needs.
• Prepare information about property, debts, policies, vehicles, bank accounts and income.
• Record urgent concerns and the practical outcome you hope to achieve.

Public resource: Department of Justice divorce FAQ

RAF claims: documents that usually matter

Road Accident Fund claims are document-heavy. Keep records from the beginning and seek advice on applicable time limits.

• Keep accident report details, police references and available witness information.
• Collect hospital records, medical reports, invoices, receipts and treatment history.
• Retain proof of income and evidence of time away from work.
• Keep copies of every form and record submitted or received.

Public resource: Road Accident Fund: How to Claim

Unlawful arrest: information to record early

Where a person believes an arrest or detention was unlawful, the factual sequence should be recorded while details are still fresh.

• Write down the date, time, place, police station and known officer details.
• Record whether reasons for arrest were explained and when the person appeared in court.
• Keep release documents, medical records, photographs and witness details.
• Obtain legal advice before publishing or circulating detailed allegations.

Public resource: Constitution: Bill of Rights

Bail applications: what the court wants to understand

Bail does not determine guilt or innocence. It considers whether an accused person may be released while the criminal matter continues.

• Prepare proof of address, employment and family responsibilities.
• Disclose previous convictions, pending cases and any travel concerns.
• Provide information about community ties and future court attendance.
• Follow every bail condition strictly if bail is granted.

Public resource: South African Government bail information

Maintenance matters: proof helps establish needs and means

Maintenance matters commonly require information about the claimant’s needs and the means of the person expected to contribute.

• Prepare proof of income, bank statements and regular household expenses.
• Bring children’s birth certificates and available information about the other parent.
• Keep proof of payments, missed payments and any existing order.
• Record changed circumstances where variation may be required.

Public resource: Department of Justice maintenance guide

Do not ignore a summons or application

Civil court documents can require action within defined periods. Keep every page and obtain advice promptly.

• Retain the summons, notice of motion, affidavits and every annexure served.
• Collect contracts, invoices, payment records and correspondence.
• Write a timeline including dates, amounts and possible witnesses.
• Ask an attorney to confirm the applicable response deadline.

Public resource: Magistrates’ Courts forms

What clients should bring to a criminal consultation

• Charge sheets, bail receipts, warning notices and court-date documents.
• Available witness information, messages, documents or video details.
• A factual timeline that separates what you saw from what others told you.
• Every approaching court date—missing court can have serious consequences.

Public resource: Department of Justice criminal law information

How to send complete correspondent instructions

• Provide the full case number, court, parties, date, time and appearance type.
• Attach relevant pleadings, notices, draft orders and proof of service.
• Give clear instructions on filing, issuing, attendance and reporting.
• Include the instructing attorney’s direct contact details for urgent queries.

View correspondent services and the full workflow

How to prepare for your first consultation

• Bring your ID, contact details, court papers and relevant agreements.
• Write a concise timeline in date order.
• List urgent deadlines and the questions you need answered.
• Identify both the strengths and the difficult facts in the matter.

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Legal information disclaimer

Website content is general public information. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Formal advice depends on the facts, records, deadlines and applicable law in a particular matter. A mandate exists only after the firm has completed its acceptance process and confirmed the engagement.