Family Law

Overview

At MP & Associates Attorneys & Mediators, we understand that family matters are deeply personal and often emotionally overwhelming. Our Family Law service is designed to provide clear legal guidance, practical solutions, and strong representation during some of the most sensitive moments in life.

We balance empathy with legal precision, ensuring that every client receives fair, child-focused, and legally sound outcomes. Whether you are going through a divorce, seeking maintenance, applying for a protection order, or resolving disputes involving children, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Who This Service Is For

• Parents seeking clarity on custody, care, and contact arrangements

• Individuals facing divorce (contested or uncontested)

• Families dealing with maintenance or child support issues

• Victims of domestic violence needing urgent protection

• Parents wishing to relocate with children (local or international)

• Spouses or partners needing interim financial assistance

• Anyone requiring legal or mediation support in family disputes

Core Family Law Services (Detailed)

1. Divorce (Regional & High Court)

We handle both contested and uncontested divorces with professionalism and care.

Uncontested Divorce

• Fast, cost-effective process

• Parties agree on children, assets, and maintenance

• Drafting of settlement agreement

• Finalisation without lengthy court battles

Contested Divorce

Where disputes exist, we provide litigation and negotiation support involving:

• Division of assets

• Spousal maintenance

• Care and contact of children

• Pension fund claims

• Protection of rights in complex marriages, including community/exclusion regimes

We aim to achieve fair, sustainable, and child-focused outcomes while reducing emotional and financial stress.

2. Child Maintenance

We assist with both applying for maintenance and enforcing or varying existing orders.

We cover:

• New child maintenance applications

• Increasing or decreasing maintenance (variation applications)

• Enforcement of unpaid support

• Maintenance for minor children, dependent children, or special needs dependants

• Gathering financial disclosures to determine fair contributions

3. Rule 43 Applications (Interim Relief)

Rule 43 provides urgent interim assistance during divorce proceedings.

We help clients apply for or oppose orders relating to:

• Interim maintenance

• Care and contact arrangements

• Contribution towards legal fees

• Temporary living or financial arrangements

This helps stabilise the situation while the main divorce proceeds.

4. Relocation Applications

We assist parents seeking to relocate with children within South Africa or abroad.

We handle:

• Applications for relocation

• Opposing relocation applications

• Guardianship consent issues

• Best-interest assessments

• Parenting plans and long-distance contact schedules

Our approach is guided by the Children’s Act and the constitutional principles prioritising the child’s best interests.

5. Domestic Violence Applications

We provide swift and confidential assistance to clients seeking protection from abusive partners or family members.

Services include:

• Urgent Protection Order applications

• Opposing protection orders (where allegations are unfounded)

• Safety planning and emergency legal advice

• Assistance with police and court procedures

• Support with harassment, stalking, physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse cases

Your safety and dignity are our priority.

Additional Family Law Support

Care & Contact (Custody) Matters

• Parenting plans

• Parental rights and responsibilities

• Guardianship applications

• Enforcement or variation of care and contact orders

Mediation for Family Disputes

Our accredited mediator assists with:

• Co-parenting agreements

• Custody disputes

• Communication breakdowns

• Parenting conflicts

• Settlement discussions during divorce

Family Agreements

We draft and review:

• Divorce settlement agreements

• Parenting plans

• Care and contact schedules

• Maintenance settlement agreements