If you are considering divorce in South Africa, you should know that a divorce will not be free. However, there are certain circumstances which may make it easier to obtain a divorce without incurring excessive legal costs. The Family Advocate or Legal Aid South Africa may be able to assist with no-cost or reduced-cost divorces in certain cases. Additionally, you may be able to obtain a “divorce by agreement” if both parties agree to the terms and are willing to have the divorce finalized without legal assistance.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorced in South Africa?
Marriage certificates are required to get a divorce in South Africa. These must be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs and can cost anywhere between R100 and R300 depending on the province and the type of certificate you require. It’s also important to note that you may need additional copies of your marriage certificate for various forms that need to be filed during the process.
Once you have your marriage certificate, you can begin the process of filing for divorce at your local magistrate court. You will be required to fill out an application form and provide any evidence you have in support of your divorce claim. In addition, there is a fee for applying with the court which is currently set at R750.
The next step is hiring a lawyer or advocate who will represent you during your divorce proceedings. Depending on where you live, a lawyer can cost anywhere between R6,000-R20,000 per case. This will include their legal fees as well as additional expenses such as photocopying costs, travel expenses and other related costs.
Lost Your Marriage Certificate?
As we’ve mentioned before, a marriage certificate is required for a divorce in South Africa, and applying for a marriage certificate directly from the Department of Home Affairs can be quite a hassle. It is a long process, with no guarantee of fast turnaround times. This can be avoided by using a document agent like Doc Assist, which simplifies the process and ensures that the marriage certificate arrives in the shortest possible time.
Doc Assist is experienced in dealing with the Department of Home Affairs, so the process is streamlined and hassle-free. Furthermore, Doc Assist offers competitive pricing, so you can get your marriage certificate quickly and economically. For more information, get in touch with Doc Assist today.