Find a family law attorney in South Africa: child maintenance, care and contact, parenting plans, protection orders, adoption and the Family Advocate.
List your firm for freeMukwani Attorneys
Mukwani Attorneys is a Johannesburg-based law firm committed to providing professional, personalised and effective legal solutions. We assist individuals and businesses across a range of legal matters, including family law, divorce, criminal law, litigation, commercial law, labour law, property law and estates. Our approach is built on honesty, integrity, quality and excellence, with a focus on understanding each client's unique needs and providing practical legal guidance.
Elzana Gerber Attorneys
Our firm simplifies legal challenges through clear, jargon-free strategic guidance. By collaborating closely with clients to deliver practical solutions, we ensure every matter is handled with efficiency and excellence. We commit to resolving issues while setting a high standard for our clients and the industry.
A family law attorney deals with the legal side of family life outside divorce itself: maintenance for children and spouses, care of and contact with children, parenting plans and the Family Advocate, guardianship, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, adoption and surrogacy, and the recognition of customary and religious marriages and life partnerships.
Maintenance court and protection order applications can be made without an attorney at no charge, and an honest attorney will tell you when that route is right. Where representation is needed, expect hourly billing with a written estimate. Legal Aid South Africa assists qualifying parents in children matters.
General information about South African law and practice, not advice on your matter. The practitioners listed on this page give that advice.
Apply at the maintenance court at the magistrates court nearest to where you live. The maintenance officer investigates both parents means and the child needs, and the court may make an order by consent or after a hearing. The service is free and an attorney is not required, though many parents use one for a complex or contested claim.
Yes, if he meets the requirements of section 21 of the Children's Act: he lived with the mother in a permanent life partnership when the child was born, or he consents to be identified as the father, has contributed to the child upbringing and has paid maintenance for a reasonable period. Disputes go to mediation and then to court.
Apply at any magistrates court under the Domestic Violence Act, or the Protection from Harassment Act for someone outside a domestic relationship. The clerk must assist you, no attorney is needed, and the court can grant an interim order the same day. The police must then serve it and act on any breach.
Fee quotes with the cost notice, trust for maintenance and settlements, the court diary and a client portal.