Warrener de Agrela and Associates Inc.

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Warrener de Agrela and Associates Inc. High Court & Magistrate's Court Litigation;
Commercial & Corporate Law;
Property Law;
Labour Law;
Medical Law; and
Private Law.

Did you know your legal claim has an expiry date?In South Africa, most civil claims prescribe after 3 years. That means ...
16/10/2026

Did you know your legal claim has an expiry date?

In South Africa, most civil claims prescribe after 3 years. That means if you do not take legal action within 3 years of becoming aware of a claim, you could lose your right to sue, permanently.

It does not matter how strong your case is. Once prescription runs, it runs.

Common claims people leave too long:

Unpaid invoices and debts
Breach of contract
Damages from an accident or injury

Prescription begins running from the date you knew (or should have known) who to sue and what the claim is based on. Certain circumstances can interrupt or delay it β€” but you should never rely on that.

If something happened and you are unsure whether it is too late, get advice sooner rather than later.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474
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In South African civil litigation, a court can award a costs order against the losing party β€” but this typically only co...
14/10/2026

In South African civil litigation, a court can award a costs order against the losing party β€” but this typically only covers what is known as party-and-party costs. That is a prescribed, often conservative tariff, not your full attorney’s bill.

To recover closer to your actual legal costs, you would need an attorney-and-client costs order β€” and those are only granted in specific circumstances, usually where the other party’s conduct has been unreasonable or dishonest.

What this means for you:

Even if you win, you may still carry a portion of your own legal costs
Settling early can often be more cost-effective than going all the way to judgment
Understanding costs exposure upfront helps you make smarter decisions

Before you litigate, know what winning actually costs.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474
🌐 warrenerdeagrela.law

13/10/2026

Alan, Alexa, Christelle and Daniella bring expertise, dedication and a genuine commitment to every client they serve.

A formidable team that is always in your corner.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474
🌐 warrenerdeagrela.law

That handshake deal might be legally valid β€” but can you prove it?South African common law recognises verbal agreements ...
09/10/2026

That handshake deal might be legally valid β€” but can you prove it?

South African common law recognises verbal agreements as binding. The problem isn't the contract itself, it's enforcement. When there's no written record, disputes become nearly impossible to resolve β€” and one party almost always loses out.

Don't leave your business or your personal agreements to chance. A properly drafted contract protects you before things go wrong.

WDA drafts and reviews commercial and personal agreements across all practice areas.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law

Whether you own the property or rent it, South African law has clear protections in place for both parties.As a landlord...
08/10/2026

Whether you own the property or rent it, South African law has clear protections in place for both parties.

As a landlord, you have the right to receive rental on time, maintain the property's condition, and follow the correct legal process if things go wrong.

As a tenant, you're entitled to a habitable property, a written lease, a regulated deposit β€” and you cannot be evicted without a court order.

The Rental Housing Act and the PIE Act exist to protect everyone involved. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.

WDA assists both landlords and tenants in navigating rental disputes, lease agreements and eviction proceedings.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law

Whether you're a business chasing an outstanding invoice or an individual dealing with a defaulting debtor β€” knowing you...
06/10/2026

Whether you're a business chasing an outstanding invoice or an individual dealing with a defaulting debtor β€” knowing your legal options makes all the difference.

South African law provides a clear process for recovering what you're owed:

Demand Letter β€” A formal written demand giving the debtor a final opportunity to settle before legal proceedings begin.

Summons β€” If ignored, your attorney can issue summons through the Magistrate's or High Court, depending on the amount owed.

Judgment β€” Should the debtor fail to defend the matter, a judgment can be obtained in your favour.

Asset Attachment β€” A judgment empowers the Sheriff to attach and auction the debtor's assets to satisfy the debt.

Don't let outstanding debt affect your business. Let WDA guide you through the process β€” efficiently and professionally.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law

The first thing to understand is that time is already running. Once a summons is served on you, you have 10 business day...
01/10/2026

The first thing to understand is that time is already running. Once a summons is served on you, you have 10 business days to file a notice of intention to defend. Miss that deadline and the plaintiff can apply for default judgment β€” without any further hearing.

Here's what to do immediately:

Do not ignore it. A summons does not go away.
Read it carefully. Note the court, the plaintiff, and the amount or relief claimed.
Contact an attorney without delay. Ten days moves fast.
Do not make any admissions or contact the other side directly.

Default judgment can result in a writ of ex*****on against your assets, a garnishee against your salary, or an emoluments attachment order. These consequences are avoidable β€” but only if you act in time.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law
From Start-Up to Winding-Up β€” Your Business is Our Business.

A heartfelt thank you to one of our very special long-standing clients, who has become so much more than just a client β€”...
30/09/2026

A heartfelt thank you to one of our very special long-standing clients, who has become so much more than just a client β€” you are truly an honorary member of the WDA family. ❀️

Thank you so much James Donaldson and for the absolutely gorgeous flowers you surprised our team with. πŸŒΈπŸ’ Your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity mean more to us than you probably realize.

South Africa's strength has always lived in its people β€” in the languages we speak, the stories we carry, and the cultur...
24/09/2026

South Africa's strength has always lived in its people β€” in the languages we speak, the stories we carry, and the cultures we bring to every room we enter.

Today we pause to honour that richness. From all of us at Warrener de Agrela and Associates, we wish you a meaningful Heritage Day.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law

A principle as true in ancient Rome as it is in a South African courtroom today.Happy Monday from the team at Warrener d...
21/09/2026

A principle as true in ancient Rome as it is in a South African courtroom today.

Happy Monday from the team at Warrener de Agrela and Associates.

πŸ“ž 010 880 2474 | www.warrenerdeagrela.law

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