Finding the right lawyer (Attorney or Advocate) to fight for you in your contractual dispute in East London. Read further below about a “Bulldog Lawyer”)

Contract law is the bedrock of business and day-to-day transactions, providing a framework for parties to define their rights, obligations, and expectations. However, disputes can arise when one or more parties feel that the terms of the contract have been violated. This can apply to an employment contract, lease agreement, marriage contract, or one where you lent someone money. Even buying groceries at your local grocery is a contractual transaction. You pay, and he provides you with the goods. The list is endless.

All is good until someone violates the terms of the contract. This is where you may want to use an attorney or advocate in East London. Read further below about what is referred to as a “bulldog lawyer”. If the other side is playing hardball or has a bulldog lawyer, then having a tough lawyer who takes no-nonsense is something that you must consider. Please note that the law on contractual disputes would be the same whether you live in East London or any other city in South Africa.

Let us get into the theory. Navigating the complexities of contract law disputes requires a clear understanding of the legal principles and practical strategies for resolution.

Critical Elements of Contract Law are as follows:

Formation of Contract:

Before delving into disputes, it’s essential to understand how contracts are formed. A valid contract typically requires an offer, acceptance, consideration, legal capacity, and legality of purpose. Disputes may arise if any of these elements are in question. If you are entering into a high value contact, it may be best to consult with an advocate or attorney beforehand.

Types of Contracts:

Contracts can take various forms, such as express, implied, unilateral, and bilateral. Understanding the nature of the contract is crucial in determining the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

Common Contract Disputes:

Breach of Contract:

The most prevalent type of contract dispute arises from a breach. This occurs when one party fails to fulfil its obligations outlined in the contract. It could involve non-payment, incomplete performance, or failure to deliver goods or services.

Misrepresentation:

If one party makes false statements that induce another to enter a contract, it may lead to a dispute. Misrepresentation can be innocent, negligent, or fraudulent, each carrying different legal consequences.

Duress and Undue Influence:

Contracts entered under duress or undue influence may be deemed voidable. If one party was coerced or pressured into an agreement, it could lead to a dispute over the contract’s validity.

What follows are resolution strategies when it comes to contract disputes.

Negotiation:

Often, disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Parties can discuss the issues, explore compromises, and reach a mutually acceptable resolution without legal action. You should use a tough lawyer to represent you if the other side is unreasonable.

Mediation:

Mediation involves a neutral third-party facilitating discussions between the parties to help them resolve. It is a voluntary and confidential process that can be less adversarial than litigation.

Arbitration:

Arbitration is a more formal process where an arbitrator or a panel makes a binding decision after hearing both sides. It provides a faster and more private resolution compared to traditional court proceedings.

Litigation:

If all else fails, parties may resort to litigation. This involves taking the dispute to court, presenting evidence, and having a judge decide. Litigation can be time-consuming and costly, but it provides a definitive resolution.

Conclusion:

Contract law disputes are an inherent risk in business transactions, but understanding the principles and available resolution strategies can mitigate potential damage. Whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, the goal is to find a fair and just resolution that upholds the integrity of the contractual relationship. As businesses continue to engage in complex transactions, a comprehensive understanding of contract law and dispute resolution mechanisms is essential for navigating the legal landscape successfully. When meeting with an advocate or attorney to assist you in your contractual dispute, discuss the above issues or factors with him or her to find out if they know what they are talking about.

What is a bulldog lawyer?

A “bulldog lawyer” is a colloquial term used to describe a lawyer (attorney or advocate) known for their aggressive and tenacious approach to legal representation. The term draws an analogy between the lawyer’s characteristics and those of a bulldog, known for its solid and determined demeanour. Bulldog lawyers are often associated with being assertive, persistent, and unwavering in pursuing their client’s interests.

Key characteristics of a bulldog lawyer may include:

Aggressiveness: Bulldog lawyers are known for their assertive and forceful advocacy on behalf of their clients. They are unafraid to challenge opponents and vigorously pursue their client’s objectives.

Tenacity:

Bulldog lawyers are persistent and determined in their legal pursuits. They may be willing to go to great lengths to achieve their client’s goals and are known for not easily giving up in the face of challenges.

Fearlessness:

Bulldog lawyers are often unafraid to take on tough cases or confront powerful adversaries. They may be known for their willingness to face complex legal battles head-on.

Advocacy Skills: Bulldog lawyers possess strong advocacy skills, including effective communication, negotiation, and litigation abilities. They can passionately argue their client’s case in court or during negotiations.

Strategic Thinking:

While aggressive, bulldog lawyers are also strategic in their approach. They carefully plan their legal strategies and tactics to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.

It’s important to note that “bulldog lawyer” can have positive and negative connotations. On the positive side, it highlights an attorney’s dedication and commitment to their clients. On the negative side, it may suggest an overly aggressive or abrasive style that may not be suitable for all legal matters or personalities.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

Finding the right lawyer (Attorney or Advocate) to fight for you in your contractual dispute in East London. Read further below about a “Bulldog Lawyer”)

Let us get into the theory. Navigating the complexities of contract law disputes requires a clear understanding of the legal principles and practical strategies for resolution.

Critical Elements of Contract Law are as follows:

Formation of Contract:

Types of Contracts:

Common Contract Disputes:

Breach of Contract:

Misrepresentation:

Duress and Undue Influence:

Contracts entered under duress or undue influence may be deemed voidable. If one party was coerced or pressured into an agreement, it could lead to a dispute over the contract’s validity.

What follows are resolution strategies when it comes to contract disputes.

Negotiation:

Mediation:

Mediation involves a neutral third-party facilitating discussions between the parties to help them resolve. It is a voluntary and confidential process that can be less adversarial than litigation.

Arbitration:

Litigation:

Conclusion:

What is a bulldog lawyer?

Key characteristics of a bulldog lawyer may include:

Tenacity:

Fearlessness:

Bulldog lawyers are often unafraid to take on tough cases or confront powerful adversaries. They may be known for their willingness to face complex legal battles head-on.

Strategic Thinking:

While aggressive, bulldog lawyers are also strategic in their approach. They carefully plan their legal strategies and tactics to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.

Getting divorce within 3 days
It often happens, when a marriage has irretrievably broken down, the parties are in agreement that they have to divorce. Furthermore, the parties came to an agreement regarding the propriety aspects of the marriage, care and contact of the minor children, as well as who should pay for the cost in relation to the divorce. If all the latter has been agreed upon, there is no need for the parties to wait many months to get divorced. What this article deals with is a real-life scenario where the marriage between a couple would be dissolved in the shortest possible time. In this case, three (3) days from the date of meeting their lawyer. If you don’t feel like reading this entire article, scroll down to the bottom for an illustration of a divorce finalised in 3 (three) days. Furthermore, it may become necessary for there to be a quick divorce. One such reason could be that a party is only visiting South Africa for a very short while and wants to resolve issues expeditiously. This would especially be so if the parties lived separately for a long time despite being married. Before we proceed with exploring and unpacking the question this article relates to, we will first have to look at certain basic requirements in order for parties to get divorced. This relates to the court’s jurisdiction, as well as the requirement that a marriage has broken down irretrievably. Another one is that they should be married. I guess we all knew that. [ninja_form id=72]

The jurisdiction of the divorce court

It does not mean that because you got married in a specific province or town that the Court situated there has the authority to divorce you. For example, if you married in Cape Town, and relocated to Johannesburg, and live there for quite some time, then Cape Town Court will not necessarily have the jurisdiction to divorce you. The same would apply should the parties have married in Johannesburg and relocated to the United States of America, and are domiciled there. Should they wish to get divorced, they cannot get divorced in Johannesburg. This is so as the Johannesburg Court will not have jurisdiction to divorce this specific couple. Now, what determines jurisdiction? Clearly, it is not the fact that you got married in the Court’s area of jurisdiction. Let’s look at the law.

The Divorce Act

Section 2 of the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 states the following: “A court shall have jurisdiction in a divorce action if the parties are or either of the parties is-

domiciled in the area of jurisdiction of the court on the date on which the action is instituted; or
Ordinarily resident in the area of jurisdiction of the court on the said date and have or has been ordinarily resident in the Republic for a period of not less than one year immediately prior to that date.

Well, there you have it. It does not mean that if you got married within the area of jurisdiction of the court, that automatically, that Court would have the jurisdiction to divorce you. You or your spouse should at least be domiciled, or resided within that honorable court’s jurisdiction for a specific period. When we refer to domicile, we basically mean that you intend the specific location to be your permanent home. This is a simple definition. Now let us move on to the second issue. That is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage between the parties

It goes without saying, a court will not divorce a couple who is happily married. There has to be some problem in the marriage. Now let’s go straight into the law and find out when, or under what circumstances a Court of law may divorce you in South Africa.

The Divorce Act

According to section 4(1) of the Divorce Act: “A court may grant a decree of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of a marriage if it is satisfied that the marriage relationship between the parties to the marriage has reached such a state of disintegration that there is no reasonable prospect of the restoration of a normal marriage relationship between them.” Section 4(3) of the Divorce Act then states: “If it appears to the court that there is a reasonable possibility that the parties may become reconciled through marriage counsel, treatment or reflection, the court may postpone the proceedings in order that the parties may attempt a reconciliation.” Considering the latter law, it is clear that the marriage should have broken down irretrievably, in other words, it cannot be saved. Furthermore, it should not appear to the court that reconciliation is possible. So moving forward, presuming that the court has jurisdiction and the marriage has irretrievably broken down, we can now deal with the aspect of a quick divorce. That is why you are reading this article? We shall start with what is required in order to institute divorce proceedings.

The summons commencing the divorce action

As would be obvious from the foregoing, only a court of law can dissolve a marriage. Therefore, one needs to follow the legal processes in place in order for a court to deal with your matter. In the case of a divorce, the process starts with the issuing of a summons. Basically, this is a document outlining who all the parties are and what the Plaintiff (the person instituting the divorce proceedings) wants from the court. The summons would be signed by the Court Registrar who would direct the Sherriff of the Court to serve it on the Defendant (the other party to the divorce). It would also have attached to it, a particulars of claim, comprising of certain relevant information in order for the court and the other party to know what the reasons for the relief sought, or divorce is. This we deal with next.

The Particulars of Claim

In the case of a divorce summons, you will state who the parties are, when they got married, details of the minor children involved, and reasons for the breakdown of the marriage. With regard to the reasons for the breakdown of the marriage, you will state that for example, there is no longer any love and affection between the parties, and both parties wish to get divorced.

The latter information is stated in a document, called “particulars of claim”. This document is attached to the summons. The particulars of claim will then also outline the relief sought. For example, it will first state that you wish for a decree of divorce, and further what you wish in relation to care and contact in relation to the minor children, child maintenance, personal maintenance, the division of the joint estate, and who pays the legal fees. It is also wise for the parties to enter into a consent paper or settlement agreement. This we deal with next.

The Consent Paper or Settlement Agreement

You should stipulate in the particulars of claim exactly what you wish the court to grant you. However, what is a good idea, if the divorce is undefended, to enter into a consent paper or settlement agreement. This document basically outlines what the parties agree upon in relation to the divorce. It deals with child custody, maintenance, and the division of the joint estate if it applies. The parties would sign the consent paper or settlement agreement and it would be made an order of court should the court so grant it. Therefore, if you follow this route, the court would basically make an order stating that it grants a decree of divorce, incorporating the terms of the consent paper or settlement agreement.

The consent paper or settlement agreement may be entered into between the parties before divorce proceedings are instituted or after. If it is done before divorce proceedings are instituted, it is usually attached to the summons. Your prayers in your particulars of claim would basically be that you ask for a decree of divorce, incorporating the terms of the consent paper attached thereto.

What happens after the summons has been issued?

Let us presume that the summons, particulars of claim and consent paper have been drafted, and all documents have been signed. It should then be taken to a court to be issued and a case number is allocated to it. The next step would be for the summons with all the relevant documents attached thereto to be served on the defendant. This would be the case even though the divorce is agreed upon. Service of the divorce documents on the defendant would have to be done by the office of the sheriff. In other words, the sheriff would give a copy of the divorce papers to the other party, in this case, the defendant. A sheriff then provides a document called, “return of service”. Basically, it tells the court that he served the documents on the defendant. The defendant would then have a period of ten (10) working days to decide whether or not to defend the divorce. This is stated in the summons. A reason for defending would be that he or she opposes the divorce, or don’t believe the contact arrangements are in the children’s best interests. Once the ten (10) working days have passed, the divorce may be set down for hearing.

How quick can the divorce be finalised

Continuing with the example of a friendly divorce, once the ten (10) days have lapsed, and the defendant did not file a notice of his intention to defend the divorce action, the divorce can proceed on an undefended basis. The Plaintiff or the person who instituted the divorce proceedings may then set the divorce matter down for hearing on an undefended basis. If the divorce was instituted in the Western Cape High Court, it could be set-down within three (3) days. For example, if the ten (10) days have expired, The Plaintiff may file his notice of set-down the Monday before noon with the Registrar, to be heard on Wednesday. This is explained at the end of this article.

Waiving the ten (10) ten days waiting period – The waiver

This is where this article becomes interesting. It is also possible under certain circumstances, for a defendant to file a waiver. Basically, the defendant would file a document stating that he waives his right to ten (10) days to decide whether or not he wants to defend the divorce. If a waiver is filed, and the court has no issue therewith, then the divorce can take place much sooner than ten (10) days. This we explain a bit more next.

Demonstrating a quick divorce

Considering the above and, ensuring that all legal processes are in place, a divorce can be finalised very quickly and in certain circumstances, within a few days. As long as the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter and the marriage has broken down irretrievably, there is no reason why the divorce can’t take a maximum period of four weeks to finalise. If, however, the divorce is urgent and undefended it is possible for the defendant to file a waiver advising the court that he has no issue with a divorce taking place within the ten (10) days given to him. His reason for this could also be that he and the Plaintiff entered into a Consent Paper and wants the divorce as well. In this case, the divorce could take three (3) days. This would apply in the following hypothetical example:

Monday:

Meet with the fast and efficient lawyer (or give us a call to refer you to one);
Draft the summons, particulars, consent paper;
Sign the consent paper and issue the summons;
Serve the summons on the defendant by the sheriff;
The defendant signs a waiver;
File the consent paper at the office of the family advocate for endorsement; and
Ensure the court file is in order and set the matter down before noon.

Tuesday:

Collect the endorsed consent paper from the office of the Family Advocate.
Meet with your lawyer, or one of our recommended lawyers, to prepare you for court the next day.

Wednesday:

Be at Court early.
Get divorced.

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Telelaw

I have to appear in the Cape Town Maintenance Court for a maintenance inquiry. How should I prepare for it?

If you need to claim maintenance from another party, you can do so through the maintenance courts. This applies whether you are claiming maintenance for yourself or for your minor children. The procedure is generally the same in both cases. It is important to be well-prepared when going to court, and this article will guide you through the necessary steps.

Approach the Correct Court

Many people assume they can go to any court to claim maintenance, but that is not correct. You need to approach the maintenance court located in the area where you live or work. The maintenance court is typically housed within the magistrates’ court. We recommend checking with your local police station (SAPS) to find out the location of your nearest magistrates’ court.

Download the Maintenance Application Form

The process begins with filing a maintenance application at the court. You can download the maintenance application form (Form A) from the official website (Department of Justice). Make sure you understand the form and complete it as thoroughly as possible. It’s a good idea to draft your responses on a separate page or spreadsheet before filling out the actual form.

Gather Proof of Your Expenses

Courts require proof to support your claims. When completing the maintenance application form, be sure to collect evidence for the expenses you list. For instance, if you state that you spend R500 on groceries per month, keep the corresponding receipts from the grocery store as documentation. This proof is essential for other expenses like rent, education, and clothing. Maintain and update your proof of expenses until your case is finalized.

Conduct Your Own Investigation and Preparation

When applying for maintenance, the other party might claim they cannot afford support or may not be employed. Therefore, it is important to do your own research and prepare in advance. You may look for information online or check social media to gather relevant evidence regarding the other party’s financial situation. Phoning around may also help.

Request the Court to Appoint a Maintenance Investigator

The maintenance court has the option to appoint a maintenance investigator. We recommend utilizing their services, as they can assist in obtaining bank statements, conducting credit checks, and contacting employers for necessary information.

Stay Active in Your Case

Finally, remain engaged in your case. Pay attention to what the other party claims, and continue your research. Familiarize yourself with the relevant laws, read legal articles, and stay informed. Being well-prepared will help you present your case effectively in court and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Do you own Divorce (DIY) No lawyers needed!

If you want to get divorced from your spouse, I strongly advise that your approach a legal practitioner, or an attorney to attend to it on your behalf. This I would implore even more under the following circumstances:

There will be a dispute over care and visitation rights over the child/children
One of the parties will be applying for forfeiture of patrimonial benefits from a marriage in community of property;
The joint estate is huge or complicated; or
The other party will be making use of legal representation.

If, however, you would like to know the general procedures on how to go about a divorce, they are listed summarily below. There are many rules that regulate divorce processes and the summary below does exclude certain of them. These include exceptions, strikeouts, compelling compliance, service addresses etc. Other matters incidental to divorce proceedings, e.g. interim arrangements, pending the divorce regarding maintenance for you or your children and care and contact regarding children are not dealt with. Therefore, please consult a legal practitioner or the divorce court throughout your divorce process should you decide to do the divorce yourself.

Summons and Particulars of Claim

A summons needs to be drafted which will be issued by the divorce court to commence the divorce process. It should have on it the details of the court you will be issuing divorce, details of the parties, e.g. names, occupation, and address etc. Every High Court in the area where you live has the authority to attend to a divorce. There are however specialized divorce courts that may attend to a divorce as well. You should then draft particulars of claim, outlining relevant matters concerning the marriage, children, reasons for wanting a divorce and what do you want the court to grant you in a divorce order. These particulars of claim you attach to the summons. Here is an example of a summons and particulars of claim for a divorce for a couple married in community of property with no children getting a divorce in the High Court in Cape Town.

Summons

IN THE HIGH COURT OF South Africa CASE NO.: (Western Cape High Court, Cape Town) In the matter between: John Smith (Plaintiff) And Jane Smith (Defendant) To the Sheriff or his/her Deputy INFORM Jane Smith (hereinafter referred to as the defendant an adult female, self-employed as a singer currently residing at 12 Club Road, Waterfront, Western Cape and whose full and further particulars are unknown, That: John Smith (hereafter referred to as the plaintiff), an adult male self-employed painter residing at Garden Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, Hereby institutes an action against her in which action the Plaintiff claims the relief and on the grounds set out in the particulars annexed hereto marked A. INFORM the Defendant further that if she disputes the claim and wishes to defend the action she shall (a) within 10 (TEN) days after the service upon her of this Summons, file with the Registrar of this Court at Kieron Street, Cape Town a notice of her intention to defend, and serve a copy thereof on the Plaintiff, on which notice shall be given an address (not being a post office or poste restante) referred to in Rule 19(3) for the service upon the Defendant of all notices and documents in the action; and (b) thereafter, and within 21 (TWENTY-ONE) court days after the filing and serving such notice of intention to defend as aforesaid, file with the Registrar and serve upon the Plaintiff a Plea, Exception, Notice to strike out, with or without a counterclaim. INFORM the Defendant further that if she fails to file and serve notice as aforesaid, judgment as claimed may be given against her without further notice to her, or if having filed and served such notice, she fails to plead, except, make application to strike out or counterclaim, judgment may be given against her. INFORM the Defendant also that if she does not intend to defend the action, she will inform the Registrar in writing to enable the Registrar to, on request in writing from Plaintiff, immediately set the matter down for hearing. AND IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER serve on the Defendant a copy of this Summons and return same with whatsoever you have done thereupon. DATED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS ____ THE DAY OF _________2018. ……………………………………………………………… REGISTRAR OF THE HIGH COURT ……………………………………………………………… Plaintiff in Person __________________________

Particulars of Claim “A”

(A) Parties Plaintiff is John Smith, an adult male Bus Driver, residing at no. 5 Truck Apartments, Cape Town, Western Cape. The defendant is Jane Smith (born Smit) an adult female, employed as a hairdresser, residing at Hectic House, 2 Main Road, Strand, Western Cape.

(B) Marriage

Plaintiff and Defendant (hereafter referred to together as “the Parties”) married each other on 10 August 2003 at Pretoria, in community of property and the marriage still subsists. Kindly find attached hereto a copy of the marriage certificate marked “MC”. The Parties are domiciled within the area of jurisdiction of this honourable court. There are no children born out of the marriage.

(C) Irretrievable breakdown

The marriage between the Parties has irretrievably broken down and there are no reasonable prospects of the restoration of a normal marital relationship between them in that: Defendant left the common home approximately 2 years ago; There is no love and affection, understanding and communication between the parties; The Parties are incompatible and continue arguing; and Plaintiff has a gambling problem.

(D) Prayer

WHEREFORE Plaintiff prays for Judgement against Defendant in the following terms: A decree of divorce; Each party retain the property in his or her possession as his or her sole property; Cost if this action is opposed; and Further and/ or alternative relief. DATED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS THE ______ DAY OF______ 2018. _____________________________ Per: John Smith (Plaintiff in Person) Service Address Once you have your summons and particulars of claim in order, make three (3) copies of your set of documents and have it issued at court.

Issuing & Service of Summons

Once you are at the court, go to the clerk of the court and have your documents issued. The clerk will sign the summons and provide a case number and write it on the summons. You should then take the original and a copy (both must be signed and stamped by the clerk of the court) and take it to the sheriff which serves documents where your spouse works of lives. You can ask the clerk of the court for that details. The extra—copy of the summons & particulars of claim you keep for your file and records.

Notice of intention to defend

Once the sheriff has served the documents, your spouse has a defined period to inform your whether he or she will be defending the divorce. This information is outlined in the summons as shown above.

Plea to particulars of claim

Once you received notice of your spouse’s intention to defend the divorce, about a months later, your spouse or their attorney will serve and file a plea. The plea will outline which parts of your particulars of claim your spouse agrees (or disagree) with which would give a direction of what to prove in court.

Counter Claim

Your spouse might want to file a counterclaim. In the same way, which you outlined your case as to what you want from the court and the reasons therefore in your particulars of claim, your spouse can file on your as well a counterclaim. A counterclaim might still be filed if your spouse agrees to a divorce, by maybe wants care of the children, but in your particulars of claim, you asked for care. You should then within 10 (ten) days plead to the counterclaim the same manner in which your spouse pleaded to your particulars of claim.

Obtaining a Trial date

Once you received the plea, without a counterclaim, or have pleaded to your spouse’s counterclaim, you should then approach the clerk of the court for a trial date. This you or your spouse may do.

Discovery

While you waiting for a trial date, and way before the trial, you may ask or may be asked to provide, under oath, a schedule of books and documents in your possession and under your control relating to the divorce. This could be policy documents, deeds etc, and which you or your spouse might want to make use of at trial. Once you received this schedule you may inspect and request copies of the documents.

Divorce day / Trial

If your spouse does not defend the divorce within the time period, go back to court and ask for an unopposed divorce date and attend to your divorce on that date. If, however, your divorce is defended, a trial will ensure. During the trial, each party will prove his or her case. Witnesses will be called and at the end, the Magistrate or Judge will deliver the verdict. Best of luck, and please, don’t take my word, contact a legal practitioner should you decide to get divorced.

Sharing is Caring

This and other articles and posts found on this website are written by Adv. Muhammad Abduroaf to assist people with various family law related issues they may have. If you find any of our articles, free resources and posts interesting, or possibly useful to others, please like and share it on Social Media by clicking on the icons below. For more interesting articles and information on Family Law, view our articles and Q&A page. If you have a family law related legal issue and you want someone to answer or reply to it, feel free to post it on our Family Law Blog. Therefore, kindly like and share. Should you require any other legal services and advice, not related to family law, visit Private Legal.