Legal Guides & Articles
Simple explanations for complex legal issues. Find the answers you need.
Recent Articles
Clear Your Name: How to Expunge a Criminal Record in South Africa
A criminal record can stop you from getting a job or visa. Find out if you qualify for expungement (clearing your record) and the exact steps to apply in 2025.
Landlord Cut Your Electricity or Water? Here's How to Fix It FAST.
It is illegal for a landlord to cut your power or lock you out without a court order. Learn about the Spoliation Order—the emergency legal tool to restore your services immediately.
Old Debt? It Might Be 'Prescribed' (Expired). Don't Pay Until You Read This.
Debt collectors chasing you for a loan from 5 years ago? It might be 'prescribed'. Learn the 3-year rule, how to check if debt is expired, and why paying R10 could ruin your defence.
Unlawful Arrest: Can You Sue the Police? (Claims Guide)
Arrested without a warrant or sufficient evidence? You may have a claim against the SAPS for unlawful arrest and detention. Learn your rights and how to sue for damages.
Suspended from Work? Your Rights Step-by-Step (2025 Guide)
Suspended pending a disciplinary hearing? Know your rights. Learn about 'precautionary suspension', full pay requirements, and when to go to the CCMA.
Bought a Broken Car? The '6 Month Rule' to Return It
The car dealership sold you a lemon? The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) says you can return it within 6 months. Here is how Section 56 works.
Landlord Changed the Locks? How to Get Back In (Spoliation Order)
Your landlord cannot lock you out, disconnect electricity, or kick you out without a court order. Here is how to use a Spoliation Order to get back in immediately.
Hit a Pothole? How to Claim Damages from the Municipality
Pothole wrecked your tyrel and rim? Don't pay for it yourself. Here is exactly how to claim damages from the Municipality or SANRAL in South Africa.
Understanding the Bail Process in South Africa: A Complete 2025 Guide
Learn how bail works in SA. Understand police bail, court bail, Schedule 5 & 6 offenses, bail conditions, and what to do if you or a loved one is arrested.
Boundary Wall Disputes in South Africa: Your Legal Rights and How to Resolve Them
Learn your legal rights in boundary wall disputes with neighbours. Understand party wall laws, cost-sharing, repairs, and how to resolve property boundary conflicts in Johannesburg, Cape Town and across SA.
How to Contest a Will in South Africa: Grounds, Process & Your Rights
Think a will is invalid? Learn the legal grounds for contesting a will in SA, including fraud, undue influence, and incapacity. Step-by-step guide for beneficiaries.
Noisy Neighbours in South Africa: Your Legal Rights & How to Take Action
Suffering from noisy neighbours? Learn your legal rights, how to lodge complaints, get an interdict, and claim damages under SA municipal bylaws and common law.
Shareholder Disputes in South Africa: Your Rights & How to Resolve Them
Facing a shareholder dispute? Learn about Section 163 oppression remedy, minority shareholder rights, and how to resolve business partner conflicts in SA.
Restraint of Trade: Are Non-Compete Clauses Enforceable in South Africa?
Signed a non-compete agreement? Understand when restraint of trade clauses are enforceable, your rights to challenge them, and what employers can actually restrict under SA law.
Credit Score Disputes: How to Fix Bad Debt on Your Record
Bad debt ruining your credit score? Learn your rights under the National Credit Act, how to dispute incorrect information, debt prescription rules, and how to get a clearance certificate.
Cybercrime & Identity Theft: How to Report and Protect Yourself
South Africa saw a 400% surge in identity theft in 2024. Learn how cybercriminals operate, how to report to SAPS, your rights under the Cybercrimes Act, and how to protect yourself.
Starting a Business in South Africa: Complete Legal Guide
Want to register a Pty Ltd company? A comprehensive step-by-step guide to CIPC registration, SARS tax requirements, B-BBEE compliance, and all the legal essentials for new businesses.
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Your Rights and the CCMA Process
Sexual harassment at work is illegal and you have rights. Understand what constitutes harassment under South African law, employer obligations, and how to file a CCMA claim.
Cohabitation Rights: What Unmarried Couples Need to Know
Living together but not married? Understand the legal myths about "common law marriage," how to protect your rights, and what happens if the relationship ends.
Consumer Protection Act: Your Rights When Buying Goods and Services
The Consumer Protection Act gives you powerful rights. Understand your right to refunds, returns, repairs, and how to complain about defective products or poor service.
Medical Negligence Claims: When Can You Sue a Doctor or Hospital?
If a doctor or hospital's negligence caused you harm, you may have a claim. Understand what constitutes medical negligence, how to prove it, and the claims process.
How to Change Your Name and Update Your ID in South Africa
Want to change your name legally? A step-by-step guide to changing your name through Home Affairs or by deed poll, updating your ID, and notifying institutions.
POPIA Explained: Your Privacy Rights in South Africa
Understand the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), what data protection rights you have, and how to protect yourself from privacy violations.
How to Register a Pty Ltd Company in South Africa
Want to start your own business? A step-by-step guide to registering a Private Company (Pty) Ltd with CIPC, including costs, requirements, and what happens after registration.
Rental Deposit Disputes: How to Get Your Money Back
Is your landlord withholding your deposit unfairly? Understand your rights, what landlords can legally deduct, and how to recover your deposit through the Rental Housing Tribunal.
Retrenchment in South Africa: Your Rights and How to Claim UIF
Facing retrenchment? Understand your legal rights, what payments you're entitled to, and how to successfully claim from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Your Rights When Arrested in South Africa
Know your constitutional rights if you are arrested. What police can and cannot do, your right to remain silent, bail, and when to call a lawyer.
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Your Rights and How to Report It
Sexual harassment at work is illegal. Understand what constitutes harassment, your rights under the law, and how to report it to HR, the CCMA, or the police.
How to Claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF)
Injured in a car accident? Learn how to claim compensation from the RAF, what you can claim for, and whether you need a lawyer.
Unfair Dismissal: Your Rights and the CCMA Process
Fired without a good reason? Understand the difference between substantive and procedural fairness and how to refer a dispute to the CCMA.
How to Get a Divorce in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Contested vs. uncontested divorce, the difference between Regional and High Court, and how to split assets fairly.
Child Maintenance: How to Claim What Your Child Deserves
A guide to the Maintenance Court process. Learn how to calculate fair maintenance, apply for a court order, and enforce payment.
Eviction Guide: Can My Landlord Just Kick Me Out?
Understanding the PIE Act, illegal lockouts, and the correct legal procedure a landlord must follow to evict you.
Debt Review: How It Works and How to Get Out of It
Struggling with debt? Debt review can protect your assets, but it comes with restrictions. Learn the pros, cons, and exit strategies.
Domestic Violence: How to Get a Protection Order
You do not have to live in fear. A step-by-step guide to obtaining a protection order against an abuser.
Small Claims Court: Suing Without a Lawyer
Owed money? The Small Claims Court is a free, quick way to resolve disputes up to R20,000 without needing an attorney.
Why You Need a Will (and What Happens If You Die Without One)
Dying intestate can leave your family in a legal nightmare. Learn the basics of drafting a valid will in South Africa.
Traffic Fines and AARTO: Do I Really Have to Pay?
Confused by AARTO? Understand the demerit system, enforcement orders, and why ignoring fines can block your license disc renewal.
Constructive Dismissal in South Africa: Resigning Because You Were Forced
Did you resign because your boss made your life unbearable? You may have a claim for constructive dismissal at the CCMA.
Maternity Leave in South Africa: Your Rights and How to Claim UIF (2025)
Pregnant employees are entitled to 4 months of unpaid maternity leave. Learn about your rights, job security, and how to claim from the UIF.
Deceased Estates in South Africa: How to Report a Death and Get Letters of Executorship
When a loved one passes away, their estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court. Learn the step-by-step process to obtain Letters of Executorship.
Buying a House in South Africa: The Legal Process Explained (2025)
From the Offer to Purchase to the Deeds Office transfer. Understand the conveyancing process, transfer duties, and hidden legal costs.
Marriage Contracts in South Africa: ANC vs Community of Property (2025 Guide)
Understanding the difference between Community of Property and Antenuptial Contracts (with or without accrual) is the most important financial decision you will make.