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Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Divorce Attorneys in Johannesburg – Protecting Your Future, Fast
Ending a marriage is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make — and the legal process should not make it harder. Our divorce attorneys in Johannesburg handle both uncontested and contested divorces across the Gauteng Local and Regional Divisions, from simple settlement drafting to complex litigation involving businesses, pensions and trusts. We move quickly, keep costs transparent, and protect what matters most: your children, your home and your financial future.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need divorce attorneys in Johannesburg
Uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on terms
Contested divorce involving disputes over assets or children
Divorce involving a family business, trust or pension fund
Divorce from a spouse who is overseas or cannot be located
Domestic violence during divorce proceedings
Division of estates married in or out of community of property
Rule 43 applications for interim maintenance and contact
Post-divorce variation of maintenance or custody orders
How we handle your matter
Consultation & strategy
We assess your marriage regime (in community, out of community, accrual), children’s needs and asset pool, then map the fastest viable route — settlement or litigation.
Summons & pleadings
We draft and issue the divorce summons at the correct court, serve it via sheriff, and manage all pleadings, notices and discovery deadlines.
Settlement negotiation
Most divorces settle. We negotiate a watertight settlement agreement and parenting plan covering assets, maintenance, care and contact.
Rule 43 interim relief
Where you need maintenance, contact or a contribution to costs while the divorce runs, we bring an urgent Rule 43 application.
Decree & enforcement
We finalise the decree of divorce, register any pension endorsements, and enforce settlement terms if your ex-spouse defaults.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
An uncontested divorce is typically a fixed fee agreed upfront and can be finalised in 4–8 weeks. Contested matters are billed transparently per stage, and we give you a realistic cost-benefit view before every escalation — litigation should never cost more than what it protects.
Key legislation:
- Divorce Act 70 of 1979
- Children’s Act 38 of 2005
- Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984
Frequently asked questions
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Johannesburg?
Where both parties sign a settlement agreement, an uncontested divorce is usually finalised within 4–8 weeks depending on the court roll of the Johannesburg or Randburg court.
How much does a divorce cost in South Africa?
Uncontested divorces are usually charged as a fixed fee. Contested divorces vary with complexity — disputes over children, businesses or hidden assets increase cost. We quote before we act.
Can I divorce my spouse without their consent?
Yes. South African law requires only an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. If your spouse refuses to cooperate, the divorce proceeds on a contested basis and the court decides the terms.
What happens to the house and pension?
It depends on your marital regime. In community of property assets are split 50/50; with accrual, growth is shared; out of community without accrual, each keeps their own estate. Pension interests can be shared by court order.
Who gets custody of the children?
Courts apply the best-interests-of-the-child standard under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Care and contact are set out in a parenting plan; neither parent has an automatic advantage.
Do I have to go to court in person?
In uncontested divorces only the plaintiff appears briefly. In contested matters your attendance is needed at trial, but most matters settle before that stage.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about divorce attorneys in Johannesburg from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
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