practice areas
Contracts & Commercial Law
Commercial Law demands a unique and holistic approach because businesses often involve complex structures like Companies, Closed Corporations, and Trusts. For your business to thrive and remain secure, the law and your business strategy must work hand in hand.
Litigation (Court Work)
Navigating disputes can be complex. At André de Villiers & Associates, after mediation avenues have been exhausted and if the other party remains unapproachable, we can assist you with your court (litigation) matters.
Property Law & Transfers
From the moment you decide to sell or purchase property, every step must be managed meticulously. We handle conveyancing/transfers, zoning compliance, etc. to ensure a seamless transaction. Property Law goes much wider though – Property Management, Development and Share Title Scheme Registrations also fall within our scope of work. With property, you need an attorney who understands your needs and can see the bigger picture.
Family & Child
Law
Family matters demand both legal expertise and a compassionate touch, and they often overlap with court proceedings. Whether you’re planning for the future, going through a divorce, or struggling to secure time with your children, we’re here to fight for you and your loved ones. At André de Villiers & Associates, we make sure your rights are protected and your interests are put first. This is where the real work begins.
Antenuptial / Prenuptial & Cohabitation Agreements
We can draft and register an antenuptial agreement for you, wherever you are! Antenuptial Agreements should be concluded before the date of marriage and in the Deeds Office before the expiry of three months after the date of signature. If you leave it too late, your marriage dispensation can be amended through an application to the High Court. Let us consult with you on whether the inclusion or the exclusion of the Accrual System is best for you.
Wills & Deceased
Estates
We assist you with drafting your Final Will & Testament, and wind up any Deceased Estate. As an added extra, we help you prepare the necessary documents/files so that everything is in its place when your time comes to leave this earth. In dealing with Deceased Estates, you can rest assured in our attention to detail.
Trust
Law
Trusts are something everyone wishes they were born into – being a so-called ‘trust fund baby’. Why not leave this legacy behind? We can assist you to draft it correctly so that it will pass the scrutiny of SARS and any possible legal attack and guide you how to manage it correctly.
Insolvency: Liquidation & Sequestration
The moment you started reading here, you probably already needed our services. Especially with Voluntary Sequestration (individuals), but also with liquidation (legal entities) the legal process is not only designed to protect you, but also the benefit of your creditors. Getting help in time is crucial and can save you further embarrassment. If you come too late, sequestration is perhaps not even possible anymore, once there is little or no benefit left for creditors. Let us help you look at all possible avenues. Cashflow problems should be well managed.
Mediation &
Arbitration
Given how terribly clogged South Africa’s Court rolls are, Mediation and Arbitration are becoming more and more prevalent as mechanisms for dispute resolution.” Not everyone can effectively mediate or arbitrate – impartiality is crucial. Mediation should be a solution-seeking process and at all times remain voluntary. Courts may order Arbitration proceedings (usually when the contracts stipulate this and the contract was breached) or the parties can agree to arbitrate. The process is invariably quicker and in most instances more cost-effective.
Labour
Law
Navigating the labour landscape is a daunting task. The law behind it is not as complex, yet the execution sometimes is. We have the negotiation skills to remedy labour problems quickly. We act on behalf of employees and employers.
Personal Injury Matters, Road Accident Fund (RAF) & Medical Negligence Claims
When someone gets hurt or disadvantaged due to another’s negligence, there is usually a good basis for a legal claim. Some people are inclined not to institute legal proceedings, but consider that our legal process can provide you with medical experts who can not only determine your current damages sustained, but also predict your future expenses, such as medical costs or loss of income. In terms of our contingency fee agreements (‘no win no fee), you won’t need to fork out any upfront costs, except perhaps for getting copies from the hospital. We only take on matters where serious injury occurred due to the inherent risks and long period of time involved in the litigation. But speak to us in any case, and we will help you in the right direction. Even if we can’t take your case, we’ll still help!
ENVIRONMENTAL,
SOCIO-ECONOMIC &
GOVERNANCE LAW
Environmental Law (including Governance Law) has probably been the fastest developing legal growth area in the South African legal context over the last 20 years, and rightly so. The environment is not on everyone’s mind daily. Yet, if it suffers, our whole rainbow nation suffers, irrespective of your background.
Correspondent Legal Services
If you’re looking for a reliable correspondent attorney, you’ve come to the right place. No need to look further. We work at competitive rates.
Notarial Work
In the event that you need to ‘notarise’ or do ‘notarial authentication’ of documents or affix an apostille to a document, you’re welcome to give us a call. Antenuptial contracts are also Notarised by a Notary, an attorney who passed a special exam to do it. This is typically used on documents required by overseas authorities or employers. The process of affixing an Apostille entails, firstly, a comparison by said attorney between the original and the copy. The copy gets stamped by the Notary, and he/she affix their signature. The Registrar of the High Court puts their signature on the documents, and that’s it. Please allow enough time for this process.
Criminal Law & Bail
Bail Applications are necessary for a person arrested by the Police. There are different forms of bail. We do attend to after-hours bail. A deposit will be required upfront for any bail application. We also conduct criminal trials.
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Structuring
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is a requirement for businesses wanting to scale. We can assist you with this service.