01/08/2021
Professional Divorce Attorneys
Married couples decide to get divorced when the marriage relationship has irretrievably broken down. This means that there are no prospects of reviving the marriage relationship between the couples.
While the divorce process can be exhausting and lengthy, it can also bring emotional and financial harm to all members of the family. There are different types of divorces which both parties may utilise but each type will depend on the cooperation of the parties in resolving their divorce terms and conditions.
The three types of divorces in South Africa are:
- Uncontested Divorce
- Contested Divorce
- Mediated Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
This is by far the least stressful of the three and is highly recommended. It is always cheaper to exit a marriage relationship through Uncontested Divorce. It is not lengthy and both parties are in agreement that the marriage relationship has broken down irretrievably, and that the marriage cannot be salvaged.
Both parties are working together to arrive at mutually beneficial divorce terms. They are in agreement regarding issues of child and spousal maintenance, child custody and the division of their assets.
Each party may appoint an attorney to advise them on the terms and conditions of a divorce. However, we advise that parties appoint a single and impartial attorney to advise them on their interests. The appointed attorney will then proceed to draft an official settlement.
The settlement agreement is then incorporated into a court order. The willingness shown by both parties to work together makes the process shorter and cost effective.
Uncontested Divorce
This is the type of divorce which is not recommended for parties contemplating divorce. The divorce process is usually lengthy, resulting in financial and emotional distress to all members of the family.
Parties often opt for Contested Divorce when they cannot come to an agreement on the terms and conditions of their divorce, or that one of the parties decided to dispute the reason for the divorce. The parties may also be in disagreement regarding the division of their assets, maintenance and custody of the children.
The parties may approach the court to decide how to deal with the issues that are in dispute. It is comprehensible to say that disagreements are to be expected due to the emotional nature of divorces.
Divorce Mediation
We both know that a litigated divorce is expensive and exhausting, and that it may take years to finalise. Therefore, another option is for parties to consider Divorce Mediation. It is an effective process that focuses on problem-solving and developing a positive parenting plan.
This is the type of divorce preferred by parties who are not able to arrive at a mutually beneficial divorce agreement. Parties prefer Mediation especially when they need to co-parent for years to come.
In this instance, the parties will proceed to hire the services of a neutral third party, an attorney or a professional mediator to help with negotiations and to reach an agreement of equal benefit for each spouse.
Some of the issues that may be addressed during mediation include:
- Division of assets
- Child and Spousal Maintenance
- Contact and care of the children
- Visitation schedules, custody and parenting plans.
Divine Mediators are trained professionals in negotiations and they remain impartial in all circumstances. Everything discussed during Mediation is confidential, and can never be brought to court as evidence.
The information above cannot be used as legal advice. For further discussion on the subject of divorce, kindly visit our website at www.mmplaw.co.za to book an appointment.
Alternatively you may contact us on the following:
- 076 9557 286 // [email protected]
- 072 7611 278 // [email protected]