Divorce in South Africa – Some Frequently Asked Questions

A divorce can be stressful and very complicated so we have highlighted some Divorce Frequently Asked Questions

What is Divorce?

A Divorce is the dissolution of a marriage by means of an Order of Court. In other words, divorce brings a marriage relationship to an end.

Who is allowed to grant a divorce?

Since a divorce entails the changing of a person’s status, a divorce may only be granted by a Court of Law. At the date of writing hereof the Courts who are empowered to grant divorces are the High Court and the Regional Court.

What do I need to prove to be granted a decree of divorce?

Broadly speaking, in South African Law, there are two grounds upon which a Decree of Divorce may be granted. These are:

1. The irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (Section 4 of the Divorce Act)
2. The mental illness or the continuous unconsciousness  of a party to the marriage (Section 5 of the Divorce Act)

How do I proceed with a Divorce?

There are two ways to proceed with a divorce, namely:

1. Uncontested Divorce;
2. Contested Divorce;

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce depends on various factors. Most particularly, the divorce attorney involved and their pricing structure. A contested divorce may prove very costly as the litigation process is very time-consuming. An uncontested divorce, however, is much more predictable and one might expect to pay in the region of R8000.00 – R10 000.00 for the whole process.

Should I change my will if I am considering divorce?

Definitely. A divorce is a life-changing process, which may have immense financial consequences to all involved. It is always a good idea to ask your attorney about your will during the first consultation.

What are the issues that will be dealt with in divorce?

The issues generally dealt with are:

1. Assets and Liabilities
2. Maintenance for the Parties
3. Parental Rights and Responsibilities, including:
   1. Contact
   2. Care
   3. Guardianship
   4. Maintenance

How long does a divorce take?

It is difficult to predict how long a divorce will take. A contested divorce may take years to finalise. An uncontested divorce usually takes about 2-4 months from start to finish.

For more Divorce Frequently Asked Questions, see our blog or contact us.