DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION  

1. Why it is important to know how you are married and what are the consequences thereof? (matrimonial property regime);

• Short discussion on marriages in community of property as the default matrimonial property regime;
• Short explanation on marriage out of community of property;
• Short discussion on marriage out of community of property subject to the accrual system.

2. Different types of marriages found in South Africa
3. What are the legal grounds for divorce in South Africa?
4. Most common reasons for a divorce
5. Things to think about before considering divorce
6. Which court does a person go to get a divorce in South Africa?

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 2: CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE & DIVORCE PROCESS

1. Is cheating a ground for divorce in SA?
2. Consequences of Divorce (short discussion on each consequences and how it would affect you)
3. The 5 steps in the divorce procedure as a general overview
4. The divorce process in South Africa
6. Contested vs uncontested divorce
7. Fast and cost-effective divorce: unopposed divorces
8. The costs of a divorce in South Africa
9. How to prepare a divorce summons yourself (practical tips)
10. Divorce summons – how to start your divorce process and what documents are needed

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 3: EXPLAINING HOW CONTESTED DIVORCES WORK

• Detailed explanation of the contested (opposed) divorce process in South Africa
• What documents are needed and filed in court
• What are the steps that the lawyer will follow in a contested divorce?
• Completing the Financial Disclosure Form

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 4: SERVED WITH A DIVORCE SUMMONS, NOW WHAT?

1. Who gets the ring in a divorce?
2. The role of a family advocate when it comes to minor children
3. Five tips for preparing for a divorce
4. Short discussion on three common questions about divorce:
4.1 How long will my divorce take?
4.2 How expensive will my divorce be?
4.3 Will the divorce destroy my family?
5. Five don’t’s to consider during a divorce
6. Dating during your divorce? What are the legal implications?

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 5: DIVORCE MEDIATION – HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Why choose family mediation for divorce in South Africa. How does it work?
2. A typical mediation session for divorces explained
3. Tips on divorce mediation – how to prepare yourself
4. The steps the attorney will take after divorce mediation
5. What happens after the divorce mediation?
6. Divorce & parenting mediators in South Africa in general

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 6: SHOULD YOU FILE FOR DIVORCE FIRST? PROS AND CONS

1. Benefits of filing for divorce first
2. Disadvantages of filing for divorce first
3. Commonly asked filing questions answered
4. My divorce is taking forever. Lengthy divorces? – application for interim maintenance orders discussed – Rule 43/58 (what can be claimed and how does it work)
5. Want to get a divorce but your marriage is not formally registered?

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 7: PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

1. Denied equal share of assets?
2. How to protect your assets in a divorce
3. Discussion of hiding assets during divorce: is it legal & the penalties
4. A recent case involving tax and pension funds
5. What happens to your pension when you divorce?
6. Dirty divorce tricks that spouses use to hide assets – general explanation and practical tips to uncover
7. Divorce and trusts
8. How divorce affects your will & estate

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 8: LETS TALK DIVORCE SETTLEMENT

1. Divorce settlement negotiation tips: how to navigate the process with dignity
2. What is the aim of divorce settlements and how does it affect the marital regime?
3. Going to court for your divorce
4. The influence of social media on divorce proceedings

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 9: GENERAL DIVORCE TIPS

1. Married overseas or to a foreigner? You can divorce in South Africa
2. I want to divorce my missing spouse – can it be done and how is it done?
3. Divorcing a narcissist – tips on how to deal with an ex who is a narcissist
4. Avoid being abused by your ex after divorce (focus on the effects of psychological, emotional and economic abuse)

DIVORCE WEEK SESSION 10: GENERAL DIVORCE TIPS

1. Spousal maintenance after divorce explained – what am I entitled to?
2. Child maintenance after divorce discussed
3. What happens if I ignore a divorce summons that was served on me?
4. Unfair divorce tactics & strategies
5. What makes a divorce fair and how are we entitled to a fair divorce?
6. Mediation and parenting plans to make the divorce fair (only when there are children involved)