IN THE NEWS
I cannot find my spouse’s original will – what do I need to do to get a copy made valid?
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. On top of the emotional turmoil, discovering that you cannot locate the original will can add an extra layer of stress and confusion. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your loved one’s wishes are honoured, even if you only have a ... Read more
Forgot to update your will after your divorce? Your ex could still inherit.
Divorce, while undoubtedly difficult, is a common experience that many of us go through. Amid ... Read more
Corporate divorce: pre-nups for partnerships
In the same way that prenuptial agreements are considered crucial for many marriages, business partnerships ... Read more
Financial spring cleaning tips you can’t ignore
It’s that time of year again when you’re swapping out your winter wardrobes for summer, ... Read more
I have been served with a summons, now what?
Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and there may come a time when you end up unable to repay money you owe someone. Ignoring the ... Read more
Faults, flaws and voetstoots – what you need to know when selling or buying a property
Many sellers (and buyers) find themselves in murky waters around understanding their rights and obligations in the property market. When it comes to selling your ... Read more
Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers
While the reading of a will might make for great cinematic drama reminiscent of an episode of Yellowstone and the infamous Dutton’s, a will or ... Read more
The company that owes me money has been liquidated, now what?
Useful mechanisms for creditors dealing with insolvent companies Commissions of Enquiry as set out in Sections 415 and 417/418 of the Companies Act serve as ... Read more
Minority shareholders in a business do have rights under South African law
Being a minority shareholder in a business doesn't mean you have no say. In South Africa, if you hold 49% or less of a company's ... Read more
Indemnity Schemnity
Understanding the pitfalls of standard contractual indemnities In many a business agreement, indemnities are often viewed as a safety net, offering a semblance of security ... Read more
Are “Without Prejudice” offers truly without prejudice?
In the world of legal settlements and debt negotiations, the term "without prejudice" has often been used to signify an offer or agreement that cannot ... Read more
Horses for cases: Choosing the right legal professional: your key to success in matters of the court
The legal profession is a multifaceted domain, where no two cases are the same, and each situation demands a distinct level of expertise and experience ... Read more
Choosing the right corporate fit for your new business
So, you've got a brilliant business idea that's ready to take the world by storm - the excitement is palpable, the possibilities endless and the ... Read more
Proactive strategies for businesses facing financial difficulties
In the midst of South Africa's current economic rollercoaster, businesses, both big and small, are facing their fair share of challenges. Think frequent power outages, ... Read more
The Art of Law
by PJ Veldhuizen Sun Tzu’s Art of War, estimated to have been written by the Chinese general between 475 and 221 BCE, is based on ... Read more
Beyond National Wills Week: What happens to your finances when you die?
National Wills Week (September 11 to September 15), reminds all South Africans of the importance of estate planning. While this annual event serves as a ... Read more
I cannot find my spouse’s original will – what do I need to do to get a copy made valid?
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. On top of the emotional turmoil, discovering that you cannot locate the original will can add an extra layer of stress and confusion. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your loved ... Read more
Forgot to update your will after your divorce? Your ex could still inherit.
Divorce, while undoubtedly difficult, is a common experience that many of us go through. Amid the emotional turmoil and the seemingly endless checklist of tasks, there is one crucial undertaking that often gets overlooked: and that is updating your will. This oversight can lead to ... Read more
Corporate divorce: pre-nups for partnerships
In the same way that prenuptial agreements are considered crucial for many marriages, business partnerships require meticulous planning to safeguard against the consequences of potential disputes and ensure a smooth separation if the need arises. By incorporating comprehensive shareholder agreements or Memorandums of Incorporation (MOIs), ... Read more
Financial spring cleaning tips you can’t ignore
It’s that time of year again when you’re swapping out your winter wardrobes for summer, having a long-overdue de-clutter and booking annual check-ups for the family. “While you’re at it,” suggests PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist, commercial law firm, Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc., “take ... Read more
I have been served with a summons, now what?
Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and there may come a time when you end up unable to repay money you owe someone. Ignoring the issue or failing to make arrangements can lead to legal action against you, which often involves receiving a summons. Being ... Read more
Faults, flaws and voetstoots – what you need to know when selling or buying a property
Many sellers (and buyers) find themselves in murky waters around understanding their rights and obligations in the property market. When it comes to selling your property, there are certain disclosures you are obliged to make, even with voetstoots, failing which, you could be accused of ... Read more
Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers
While the reading of a will might make for great cinematic drama reminiscent of an episode of Yellowstone and the infamous Dutton’s, a will or lack thereof can cause endless drama for the family and this is why estate planning stands as a genuine responsibility ... Read more
The company that owes me money has been liquidated, now what?
Useful mechanisms for creditors dealing with insolvent companies Commissions of Enquiry as set out in Sections 415 and 417/418 of the Companies Act serve as a vital tool for unveiling and unravelling possible misconduct or mismanagement within a company, prior to liquidation. Through these enquiries, ... Read more
Minority shareholders in a business do have rights under South African law
Being a minority shareholder in a business doesn't mean you have no say. In South Africa, if you hold 49% or less of a company's voting shares, you might lack some control, but you still have rights and while majority shareholders might call the shots ... Read more
Indemnity Schemnity
Understanding the pitfalls of standard contractual indemnities In many a business agreement, indemnities are often viewed as a safety net, offering a semblance of security against potential losses and damages. However, PJ Veldhuizen, Managing Director at attorney firm Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc. warns of the ... Read more
Are “Without Prejudice” offers truly without prejudice?
In the world of legal settlements and debt negotiations, the term "without prejudice" has often been used to signify an offer or agreement that cannot be admitted or revealed in court proceedings. However, recent insights from legal rulings raise questions about the true nature of ... Read more
Horses for cases: Choosing the right legal professional: your key to success in matters of the court
The legal profession is a multifaceted domain, where no two cases are the same, and each situation demands a distinct level of expertise and experience to achieve the best outcome for the client. In the pursuit of justice, the choice of legal representation can make ... Read more