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Best advice on finding a top divorce lawyer for your divorce case  in Wynberg, Cape Town

Do you live in Wynberg, and are you considering divorcing your spouse? Or have you been threatened with divorce? Either way, a divorce is a legal matter, and it is best to find sound legal advice or assistance. Furthermore, divorcing someone has potential severe legal consequences you may not know of. The first consequence, of course, is that you are no longer married to your former spouse, and there is no legal obligation to maintain each other (unless you qualify for alimony). You may also not inherit from your former spouse’s intestate. Lastly, and obviously, you are free to marry someone else. However, do you know of the proprietary (property) consequences of getting a divorce? What about the assets and debt you and your spouse incurred in Wynberg or elsewhere during your marriage? Do you know what should happen to it? If not, it is best you find out about these critical aspects and others before getting divorced. Then there is the issue of parental responsibilities and rights after the divorce should there be minor children involved. This article aims to provide guidance on finding the best attorney or advocate for your divorce matter that can adequately and properly advise you or handle your divorce. The advice would apply whether you live in Wynberg or anywhere else in South Africa. The issues we shall deal with are the following.
  • Gender of the Advocate or attorney;
  • Location of the Advocate or attorney;
  • Experience of the Advocate or attorney;
  • Costs of the Advocate or Attorney; and
  • The personality of the Advocate or Attorney.

What is the best gender of the Advocate or Attorney I need to use for my divorce? Is a male or female better?

Generally, the gender of your Advocate or Attorney should not play a role at all in a legal matter. However, depending on your background and the issues involved in your divorce, you may prefer a specific gender where you may feel more comfortable. A female who has been emotionally, physically and psychologically abused may be more comfortable with a female Attorney or Advocate. However, the same female client may prefer a male Advocate or Attorney. No more will be said on this issue.

What is the ideal office location of the Advocate or attorney? Does it have to be in Wynberg?

The location or office of your attorney or Advocate is essential if you wish to consult with them in person. It is also ideal, but not necessary, for their offices to be close to the Court where the divorce would be handled. However, many lawyers make use of correspondent lawyers for this purpose. Furthermore, location should not be an issue if you want a specific lawyer to handle your case. This is so especially seeing that people are making use of virtual meetings.

What level of experience should the Advocate or attorney have?

It is important to remember that not all legal matters require the best lawyer. If your divorce is straightforward, finding the best lawyer in the field is unnecessary. The best may be very busy and lack the time to give your case the attention it deserves. However, if your matter is complicated, then in that case, the most experienced and best lawyer out there is not warranted.

What about the Costs of an Attorney or Advocate?

For many, the costs of the Attorney or Advocate are the most crucial consideration when it comes to enlisting their services. Usually, the more experienced the Attorney or Advocate, the more they would charge. Another aspect that affects costs is the nature of the expertise of the Advocate or Attorney. If the issues in your matter are highly technical and complicated, an Advocate or Attorney with expertise and experience may charge more.

What about the personality of the Advocate or Attorney?

Many may discard the Advocate or Attorney’s personality as not important. However, it is essential to note that it may be time to change lawyers if you do not get along well with the Advocate or Attorney because of their personality. A lawyer and their client would develop a professional relationship in family law matters. This is especially so when the lawyer must discuss many personal issues regarding you, your marriage, children, finance, spouse etc. If you cannot get along well with your Attorney or Advocate, you may not divulge important information relevant to your case.

What is our best advice to a client looking for an Advocate or Attorney in a divorce matter?

Considering all the factors mentioned above, before enlisting the services of an Advocate or Attorney, ensure you enlist the right one. Do not look for the most experience or best, or the top one in family law. You may have to change lawyers if you do so and cannot afford legal bills. Therefore consider the above and any other factors that you may consider necessary when deciding on enlisting the services of an Advocate or an Attorney. Best of luck.

Posted on by Telelaw

Newlands – New Water Collection Point in Newlands Cape Town

[caption id="attachment_6323" align="alignleft" width="300"]New Water Collection Point Taps - Newlands Cape Town New Water Collection Point Taps – Newlands Cape Town[/caption]             The water crisis in the Western Cape is still upon us. Other than limiting our water usage, the majority of Cape Town ratepayers had to drill deep into their pockets to pay for the water they consumed. For many, no matter how little water they consume, they pay more for water now, than ever before. The crisis is affecting our pockets. Since the water crisis, residents have resorted to alternative means of acquiring and saving water. Some are using boreholes, others JoJo tanks, and others collecting water from various springs around Cape Town. One popular area where springs are in abundance, is Newlands, Cape Town. Since recently, people collected water from two points in Newlands. Now there is an additional collection point available to the public, situated behind the Newlands Swimming Baths, in Cape Town. Look at the picture above, can you see the empty swimming pools?   [caption id="attachment_6316" align="alignleft" width="300"]View from the parking lot at the new Water Collecting Point, Newlands, Cape Town View from the parking lot at the new Water Collecting Point, Newlands, Cape Town[/caption]          

 When did the new Water Collection Point Open?

The new water collection point opened its doors (or taps) to the public on Wednesday 9 May 2018. We, however, presume that it was only officially open the following day. Don’t quote us on that. Not many people know of it yet. A visit to the location on Friday morning, at 5:40, while doing a run, woke up the security guard on duty. It was clear he was new to his job and was a bit startled. Needless to say, we were welcomed to use the taps. We thought it was best to first check out the new location, before coming with our buckets, bottles and wheelbarrows to collect water.   [caption id="attachment_6322" align="alignleft" width="300"]Behind Newlands Baths is the New Spring Water Collection Point Parking Lot at the new New Spring Water Collection Point, Newlands, Cape Town[/caption]

 Where is the new Water Collection Point Situated?

This new Water Collection Point is situated behind the Newlands Swimming Pools. The pools are currently empty. One would wonder why not fill the pools up with spring water? After all, there is an abundance of it, and its free. Let’s leave that thought again for summer. To get to the new location, you have to drive from Claremont, southwards, towards Cape Town, with Newlands Baths on your left. As you pass the Baths, you would soon see a turn off to your left, taking you into the parking lot of the new collection point. There seems to be ample parking. However, with this water crisis still looming, congestion is expected in the near future. When we visited the location this afternoon, to take some pictures (from our phone – who moves around these days with a camera?), they were busy with some maintenance work at the entrance. It seems as if they were cutting some branches, making way for the parking. The picture collaborates with our assumption. We guess in the next few weeks, security will be more visible on the post. [caption id="attachment_6317" align="alignleft" width="300"]Newlands Springs Collection Point May 2019 Parking Area close to Spur Drive into the new Spring Water Collection Point – Close to Spur[/caption]

What are the operating times?

According to the banner on display, the operating times are from 05:00 until 23:00. So, if you are an early bird (like us), or late sleeper (or both), they cater for you. The current operating water collection points in Newlands are open 24/7. This may come to an end soon. We were advised by security that they expect approximately 5000, yes five thousand visitors a day. We suggest that you consider parking at the Parking Lot of Newlands Baths, should you decide to collect during peak times. The only problem with that is, you would have to walk about 200 meters to your vehicle with bottles in your hands. Unless you have a trolley, that may not be an issue. We presume many entrepreneurs would be nearby assisting people with their water carrying for a small fee. Otherwise, use it as your weekly workout session.  

 Newlands Springs Collection Point May 2019 - New Taps

The new Water Collection Taps at Newlands Cape Town

 Can one drink the water?

According to the banner on display (it may be clear in one of the pictures); you use the water at your own risk. That is a good disclaimer. We were however advised by the security on site that it is the same water the comes from the taps of the sister springs. It was said that the municipality will manage the new taps, so I guess a disclaimer is essential. Should your tummy ever cramp, remember the disclaimer before speaking to your lawyer. And no, we are not the City’s lawyers. [caption id="attachment_6320" align="alignleft" width="300"]Water Crises Cape Town Newlands Spring Collection Point Baths View to 8 taps on the North Facing Side of the Collection Point[/caption]

How much can you collect?

The rules are the same as at the other springs, 25 litres of water per person. So, bring with all your kids, neighbours and friends and make an outing of it. Unless the law changes, pets do not count as persons for the purposes of water collection (fee legal advice). If you have time available, fill up a 25-litre container, take it to your car, and then stand in the queue again. That might save you a few trips to Newlands. [caption id="attachment_6318" align="alignleft" width="300"]Newlands Springs Collection Point May 2019 - Parking for Water Collectors Newlands Springs Collection Point May 2019 – Parking for Water Collectors[/caption]

 Things to note

  • 25 Litres per person;
  • 15 minutes of parking;
  • Wait your turn;
  • Have loads of patience;
  • Wheel Clamping;
  • Use water at your own risk;
  • Collect from 05:00 until 23:00;
  • Enjoy the experience
  • Keep saving water
[caption id="attachment_6332" align="alignleft" width="300"]Water Crises Cape Town Newlands Spring Collection Point Water Crises Cape Town Newlands Spring Collection Point[/caption]             If you have any comments, please feel free to post it below. Also, have a look at a previous article on World Water Day. If you want some insight into the law, read this article:

YOUR HUMAN RIGHT TO DRINKING WATER: A BRIEF CONSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

HAPPY WATER COLLECTING – OUR LAWYER WATER WARRIORS

   
Posted on by Telelaw