Family-related legal matters are often deeply personal and emotionally challenging. Whether you are navigating a divorce, seeking custody arrangements, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, our team provides trusted, compassionate, and results-driven legal support tailored to your unique situation.
The well-being of your children is paramount, and we are dedicated to securing custody and support arrangements that protect their best interests while ensuring fairness for all parties involved. Whether you are negotiating primary custody, joint parenting plans, or financial support, we advocate for solutions that provide stability and security for your family.
Adoption is a life-changing decision that allows you to become the legal parent of a child who is not biologically yours. It’s important to fully understand the legal steps and requirements involved before moving forward. If you’re considering adoption, we are here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
If surrogacy is your path to parenthood, it’s crucial to follow the legal process to protect everyone involved. A surrogate carries the child for the intended parents but has no legal parental rights. A High Court-approved agreement is required before conception, and while no financial compensation is allowed, medical and pregnancy-related expenses can be covered.
The safety and well-being of your children is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring they are returned home if wrongfully taken across borders. We understand the emotional and legal challenges of international child abduction.
We handle contested and uncontested divorces, offering strategic legal advice to ensure fair settlements while minimizing stress and unnecessary conflict. Our approach is solution-driven, seeking amicable resolutions wherever possible but prepared to litigate when necessary.
Our team assists in determining fair and reasonable spousal maintenance agreements, ensuring that financial support arrangements are equitable and sustainable. We represent both applicants and respondents, providing strong legal arguments that reflect your rights and financial situation.
Domestic partnerships do not have the same legal protections as marriage in South Africa. This means no automatic rights to maintenance, property division, or inheritance if the relationship ends. A cohabitation agreement can offer some legal security. For guidance on protecting your rights, we’re here to help.
Your safety is our priority. If you are facing domestic abuse or harassment, we provide urgent legal intervention, including obtaining protection orders to ensure your safety and security. Our team acts swiftly and sensitively to offer the legal support you need.
A civil union in South Africa grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as marriage. To enter, both partners must be 18 or older and not already married. A designated marriage officer will solemnize the union, and a marriage certificate will be issued. Civil union partners have equal rights, including inheritance, and can obtain an unabridged certificate if a partner passes away. The Civil Union Act ensures equal rights following a Constitutional Court ruling.
South Africa has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, recognising same-sex marriage, adoption, and gender changes. However, despite these advancements, many in the community still face discrimination, violence, and barriers to essential services. If you or someone you know is struggling with legal challenges related to LGBTQ+ rights, we’re here to offer guidance and support. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Shapiro & Haasbroek Inc., we are committed to providing expert legal guidance with a compassionate approach. Whether you need assistance with divorce, family law, child custody, estate planning, or mediation, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Key Tips for Child Custody Matters – Navigating child custody matters can be emotionally and legally complex. South African law prioritises the best interests of the child, ensuring they have stability, security, and meaningful relationships with both parents where possible.
Best Interests Principle – Courts prioritize the child’s emotional, educational, and physical well-being when determining custody arrangements.
Types of Custody – Custody can be sole or joint, depending on what serves the child’s best interests. Joint custody is encouraged unless there are valid reasons against it.
Parental Responsibilities and Rights – Both parents have the right to be involved in their child’s life, including decision-making on education, healthcare, and upbringing.
Parenting Plans – A well-structured parenting plan helps avoid conflict and ensures clear expectations regarding visitation, communication, and responsibilities.
Mediation First – Courts encourage parents to resolve custody disputes through mediation before resorting to litigation.
Court Orders Must Be Followed – Breaching a custody order can lead to legal consequences, including fines or loss of parental privileges.
Legal Representation is Key – A family law attorney can help protect your parental rights and guide you through the legal process effectively.
Planning for the future is an essential step in any marriage. Our firm drafts legally sound, transparent, and enforceable agreements that protect both parties’ financial interests, ensuring peace of mind and security in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
An Antenuptial contract helps couples approach marriage with confidence and ensures fair treatment for both parties, protecting both their financial and emotional well-being.
Protection of Assets: It helps protect individual assets, ensuring that each partner’s property remains separate in the event of divorce.
Debt Protection: It can protect you from assuming your partner’s debts if the marriage ends.
Clarity on Financial Expectations: It establishes clear financial terms, which can reduce misunderstandings and disputes during the marriage or if it ends.
Prevention of Lengthy and Expensive Divorce Proceedings: It can simplify the divorce process by outlining how assets and debts will be divided.
Control Over Future Decisions: Couples can customize the agreement to reflect their unique financial circumstances and wishes.
Peace of Mind: It offers both partners peace of mind, knowing that there’s a clear plan in place should the marriage end.
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