Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys

Call Directions Website Contact the practice

Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys A premium law firm in Cape Town, South Africa. We specialise in Commercial Litigation , Evictions, Family Law, Labour, Cryptocurrency Law, Trusts & Estates.

21/10/2026

🎮 “My child is 12 now. They get to choose which parent they want to live with!”

Is that how it works? Not quite. ⚖️

In South Africa, there is no automatic age at which a child gets to decide which parent they will live with.

A child’s views and wishes must be considered in a way that takes their age and maturity into account. As children grow older, their opinions may carry significant weight, but the final decision must prioritise their best interests.

That means the decision isn’t simply about which parent has the better house, fewer rules or the latest PlayStation! 🎮

❤️ Parenting disputes are about more than what a child wants in the moment. Their needs, safety, stability and well-being matter.

Are you navigating a parenting dispute or need guidance on care, contact and access arrangements?

Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys for legal guidance.

📲 WhatsApp: 062 678 4931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

19/10/2026

🎂 “You’re 18 now. Happy birthday! I’m finally done paying maintenance!”

Not so fast! 👀

In South Africa, turning 18 does not automatically end a parent’s duty to support their child.

If your child is still financially dependent on you, the obligation to provide maintenance may continue until they become self-supporting. This can include reasonable university and education expenses, depending on the circumstances.

🎓 Your child turning 18 doesn’t necessarily mean your financial responsibility ends.

Whether you are paying maintenance or need support for an adult child, it’s important to understand your legal obligations and options.

⚖️ Have questions about child maintenance? Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys for legal guidance.

📲 WhatsApp: 062 678 4931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

16/10/2026

🏡 “We’ve been living together for 10 years. We’re practically married!”

But are you legally protected?

In South Africa, living together for 10 or even 20 years does not automatically make you legally married or give you the same rights as a married spouse.

Without the appropriate legal arrangements, you may not automatically have rights to your partner’s property or spousal maintenance if the relationship ends.

And that raises an important question… who gets the couch? 🛋️

A cohabitation agreement can help you and your partner clarify ownership of assets, financial responsibilities and what should happen if you separate.

❤️ Love is important. So is protecting both of your interests.

Thinking about moving in together, or already sharing a home? Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys for legal guidance on your options.

📲 WhatsApp: 062 678 4931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

14/10/2026

⚖️ “He hasn’t paid maintenance, so he’s not seeing the children!”

It’s a frustrating situation, but withholding contact because maintenance hasn’t been paid can make an already difficult family dispute even more complicated.

In South Africa, maintenance and care, contact and access are separate legal matters. One parent should not use contact as leverage to demand payment, and the other should not withhold maintenance because contact is being denied.

So, what should you do?

✅ Address unpaid maintenance through the Maintenance Court.
✅ Seek appropriate legal guidance if contact arrangements are being breached.
✅ Keep the children’s best interests at the centre of every decision.

The dispute is between the parents. The children should not have to bear the consequences.

Need guidance on a parenting plan, maintenance or care, contact and access arrangements? Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys to make an appointment.

📲 WhatsApp: 062 678 4931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

12/10/2026

💍 Venue. DJ. Cake. The dress. The guest list. But what about your antenuptial contract?

You’ve planned the wedding. Have you planned for your financial future, too?

In South Africa, if you marry without an antenuptial contract, you will generally be married in community of property. This means you and your spouse share a joint estate that includes assets and debts.

Yes, that could mean your partner’s debt affects your shared financial position, too. 💳

An antenuptial contract isn’t about expecting your marriage to fail. It’s about understanding your options and making an informed decision before you say, “I do.”

⚖️ Before you walk down the aisle, understand your matrimonial property options.

📲 Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys for legal guidance.

📞 062 678 4931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

09/10/2026

Going through a divorce and unsure where you stand?

Whether you're considering divorce, already in the process, or need advice about assets, maintenance, parenting plans or care, contact and access, getting the right legal guidance can help you understand your options.

Thursday Legal Clarity Consultation: R1,950 instead of the normal R2,500.
💬 WhatsApp us today to make your booking: 062 678 4931
📍 9 Riverstone Road, Wynberg Upper, Cape Town

Families often panic after an arrest and don't know who to call or what information to gather. Start by establishing whe...
03/10/2026

Families often panic after an arrest and don't know who to call or what information to gather. Start by establishing where the person is being held, the alleged offence, whether charges have been laid and whether there is a court appearance or bail process pending.

South African law provides important procedural protections after arrest. (Justice) Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys so that the circumstances can be assessed and the appropriate legal assistance can be discussed. 📞 062 678 4931 · 📧 [email protected] · 🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com ·

Digital communications can become relevant to legal proceedings depending on the facts, relevance and applicable evident...
02/10/2026

Digital communications can become relevant to legal proceedings depending on the facts, relevance and applicable evidentiary rules.

Don't delete conversations simply because you are worried about them, and don't assume a screenshot tells the whole story. Preserve the original information and seek professional advice.

Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys to discuss your matter. 📞 062 678 4931 · 🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com ·

A false accusation can have serious personal and professional consequences. Resist the urge to retaliate publicly. Prese...
01/10/2026

A false accusation can have serious personal and professional consequences. Resist the urge to retaliate publicly.

Preserve messages, documents and other relevant evidence, and obtain legal advice on the appropriate response. The legal options depend heavily on the facts and the stage of the criminal process.

Contact Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys for guidance. 📞 062 678 4931 · 🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com ·

A criminal charge and a criminal conviction are not the same thing, and employment consequences depend on the facts, the...
30/09/2026

A criminal charge and a criminal conviction are not the same thing, and employment consequences depend on the facts, the nature of the position and applicable labour law.

If your employment is being affected because of a criminal allegation, don't assume you have no rights. Seek legal advice based on the specific circumstances. 📞 062 678 4931 · 🌐 www.dirksattorneys.com ·

Address

Greenford Office Estate
Claremont
7708

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00
Thursday 08:00 - 18:00
Friday 08:00 - 18:00
Saturday 08:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+27626784931

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Dirks Ernstzen Attorneys:

Shortcuts

Share

Category