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It is advisable to consult a lawyer as soon as a legal issue arises or before entering into any significant agreement. Early legal advice can help prevent disputes and protect your rights.

During the consultation, the attorney will review your matter, discuss the legal issues involved, and advise you on possible options and next steps.

You should bring any documents relevant to your matter, such as contracts, correspondence, agreements, invoices, or court documents.

Even seemingly simple legal matters can have complex legal implications. Consulting an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and avoid potential complications.

An attorney can assess the facts of your matter, review any relevant documents, and advise whether you may have a valid claim or legal defence.

Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the matter and the time required. Fees are generally charged at an hourly rate.

Like many law firms, FDP Law charges an initial consultation fee, which allows the attorney to assess your matter and provide preliminary legal advice.

We can discuss the estimated expected costs and fee structure with clients at the beginning of a matter, but it is never possible to predict exactly what the costs of a matter will be.

In some cases, courts may order the unsuccessful party to pay a portion of the successful party's legal costs, but this depends on the circumstances of the case.

Civil matters with which FDP Law commonly assists include contract disputes, property disputes, debt recovery, damages claims, and other private legal disputes.

The duration of a civil case depends on its complexity and whether the matter is resolved through settlement or proceeds to trial. FDP Law prides itself on as quick a turnaround as possible, and our team strives to make these processes as efficient and painless as possible.

No. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or settlement discussions before reaching trial.

If a summons is ignored, the court may grant a default judgment against the defendant. FDP Law can assist with all aspects relating to default judgments.

Commercial law is the set of rules that guide how businesses operate and interact with others. It governs business transactions, contracts, and the legal relationships between businesses and individuals involved in commercial activities. In simple terms, it helps ensure that buying, selling, and business dealings are fair, clear, and legally protected for everyone involved.

Legal review helps ensure that contracts are enforceable, properly drafted, and aligned with your rights and commercial interests.

Examples include partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, supply agreements, service contracts, and joint venture agreements.

Yes. Commercial lawyers assist with resolving disputes between businesses, partners, suppliers, or clients.

Businesses can reduce legal risks by ensuring contracts are properly drafted, complying with regulations, and seeking legal advice before entering into significant transactions.

Registering a company in South Africa involves submitting the necessary documentation to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This includes reserving a company name, appointing directors, and filing the required registration forms. An attorney can assist with the registration process and advise on matters such as shareholder agreements and corporate governance.

A company lawyer assists businesses with company formation, corporate governance, compliance, shareholder agreements, and corporate transactions.

Corporate governance refers to the rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled.

Businesses should seek legal advice when starting a company, drafting shareholder agreements, restructuring, or dealing with disputes.

A shareholder agreement is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of shareholders and how a company will be run. It helps manage decision-making, share ownership, and what happens if someone leaves the business. Because it affects your control and financial interests, it is important to have it properly drafted. FDP Law can help ensure the agreement is clear, fair, and protects you from future disputes.

Yes. In certain circumstances, directors can be held personally responsible for actions such as reckless trading or breaching their fiduciary duties. Because the risks can be significant, it is important to have the right legal guidance. FDP Law can assist in identifying and managing these risks, helping to protect directors and prevent issues before they arise, as well as advising where liability concerns already exist.

Yes. Property transactions involve complex legal requirements, and an attorney helps ensure the process is legally compliant and runs smoothly. FDP Law can help protect your interests by carefully reviewing or drafting the sale agreement, ensuring all terms are fair and clear, conducting the necessary checks on the property, and managing the transfer process. We also help identify and resolve potential risks early on, giving both buyers and sellers confidence and peace of mind throughout the transaction.

A lease agreement sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in relation to the use of property.

Yes. Many property disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation before litigation becomes necessary. We recommend involving legal representation early to ensure your rights are protected and to improve the chances of reaching a fair, cost-effective resolution. FDP Law can assist by engaging with the other party, facilitating constructive discussions, and working towards resolving the dispute efficiently while avoiding the time and expense of court proceedings where possible.

While it is legally possible to handle certain aspects of a divorce without legal representation, it is strongly recommended to consult an attorney to ensure that your rights, assets, and any arrangements relating to children are properly protected. FDP Law can guide you through the process, help you understand your options, and ensure that any agreements reached are fair, legally sound, and in your best interests.

The cost of a divorce depends on whether the matter is contested or uncontested, as well as the complexity of the issues involved. An uncontested divorce is generally less expensive than a contested divorce.

A divorce can still proceed even if one spouse refuses to cooperate. The court may grant a divorce if it is satisfied that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Even in an uncontested divorce, the matter must still be finalised through the court. However, if the parties agree on all terms, the court process is usually quicker and simpler.

A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that sets out arrangements regarding the care, contact, and upbringing of their children following separation or divorce.

South African law focuses on the best interests of the child. Courts may order various care and contact arrangements depending on what is most beneficial for the child.

In certain circumstances, a spouse may claim spousal maintenance after divorce depending on factors such as financial need, earning capacity, and the duration of the marriage.

Responsibility for debt during a divorce depends on your marital property regime and the circumstances in which the debt was incurred. In some cases, both spouses may be jointly responsible, while in others, each party may remain liable for their own debts. Because debt can significantly impact your financial position after divorce, it is important to understand your rights and obligations. FDP Law can assess your specific situation, advise on how debts should be dealt with, and help ensure that any settlement is fair, practical, and legally sound.

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, including asset division and arrangements for children. Because there are no disputes, the process can be finalised more efficiently.

Certain aspects of divorce orders, particularly those relating to children or maintenance, may be varied if circumstances change.

A deceased estate is everything a person leaves behind when they pass away, including their money, property, and belongings, as well as any debts they may owe. The estate must then be managed and distributed either according to the person's will or, if there is no will, in terms of the law. FDP Law can guide you through this process, helping ensure the estate is handled correctly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible.

When a person passes away, their estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court in the jurisdiction where they lived. The Master will then appoint an executor who is responsible for handling the administration of the estate.

The executor named in the will, or appointed by the Master of the High Court, is responsible for administering the estate. The executor's duties include identifying assets and liabilities, settling debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

The time required to finalise a deceased estate depends on factors such as the complexity of the estate, the number of assets involved, and whether any disputes arise. In many cases, the process can take several months or longer. If a matter becomes complex or drawn out, FDP Law can assist by guiding the administration process, addressing any issues that arise, and helping to ensure the estate is finalised as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

If a person dies without a valid will, their estate will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act. This law determines how the estate is divided among the deceased's surviving spouse, children, and other relatives.

A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are transferred to and managed by trustees for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts are commonly used for estate planning, asset protection, and managing wealth for future generations.

Trusts are often established to protect assets, manage wealth for beneficiaries, provide for children, or assist with estate planning. A properly structured trust can help ensure that assets are managed and distributed according to the founder's wishes.

A trustee can be a person, a professional advisor such as an attorney or accountant, or a company. They are responsible for looking after the trust's assets and managing them properly for the benefit of the people the trust is set up to support.

Trustees are responsible for administering the trust in accordance with the trust deed and applicable laws. Their duties typically include managing trust assets, keeping proper records, acting in good faith, and ensuring that beneficiaries' interests are protected.

In many cases, a trust may be amended or terminated depending on the provisions of the trust deed and the applicable legal requirements. Legal advice is often recommended before making any changes to an existing trust.

You can schedule a consultation by contacting the firm via phone, email, or the website contact form.

We aim to respond to enquiries promptly and schedule consultations as soon as possible.

Yes. Communications between attorneys and clients are confidential and protected by legal privilege.

Yes. We assist both private individuals and businesses across various legal matters.

If you choose to proceed after your first consultation with FDP Law, we will advise you on the next steps. This may include preparing the necessary documents, engaging with the other party, or initiating legal proceedings where required. We will guide you throughout the process, keep you informed, and work towards a practical, effective outcome tailored to your needs.