At our firm, we specialise in resolving divorce and parental disputes with compassion and expertise.
We understand the emotional and financial toll these conflicts take, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to achieve fair outcomes that prioritise your well-being and, when children are involved, promote effective co-parenting and their best interests.
Key focus areas:
Divorce and termination of civil unions
We leverage our expertise in family, property and commercial law to follow an integrative approach to dispute resolution involving the division of marital property, care and contact of children and maintenance, to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. We shall guide and support you through the process and safeguard your financial interests and relationship with your children.
Although striving to procure the best possible result for our clients, we believe in providing honest, grounded advice about our clients’ risks and realistic chances of success.
Our approach prioritises swift, cost-effective dispute resolution with least impact on family relationships, using negotiation and mediation whenever possible. However, we are fully equipped and ready to litigate to protect your rights if necessary.
We have a special interest in divorce matters involving complex commercial interests and business structures, and we also handle cases with international elements.
Care and contact disputes involving minor children
It is our mission to resolve parental disputes with a child-centred approach that also acknowledges the importance of maintaining healthy family bonds.
We have the expertise and sensitivity needed for handling emotionally charged parental disputes and also work in collaboration with other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and mediators or parenting coordinators where needed. We regularly represent clients in parental negotiations and in the Children’s Court and High Court.
Antenuptial Agreements
When planning your wedding, it is crucial to seek legal advice to avoid potential pitfalls. Without an antenuptial agreement, you will be married in community of property, sharing all assets and liabilities equally. This means that everything you owned before the wedding and all inheritances and gifts received afterwards, will be split 50/50 upon divorce or death, and you will be jointly liable for each other’s debts.
To protect your interests, consult us about the available marital regimes. With over two decades of notary experience, we can guide you on the best options and draft and register your antenuptial agreement to ensure your present and future assets are safeguarded. Remember, the agreement must be signed before the wedding.
Maintenance
Parents are legally obligated to maintain their children according to their means, including fathers of children born out of wedlock. In some limited cases, grandparents may also be required to pay maintenance. The duty to pay maintenance is not dependent on involvement in the child’s life.
For divorcing married parents, maintenance is usually agreed upon in a settlement, or determined by the court. For unmarried parents, it can be agreed upon or decided by the maintenance court. A material change in circumstances may cause that the maintenance amount becomes insufficient to maintain the child, or can no longer be afforded by the parent paying the maintenance. In such cases the affected parent may apply to the maintenance court to amend the maintenance order.
Arrears can be enforced through a variety of legal procedures. We invite you to contact us for expert advice and guidance on maintenance issues.
Protection orders
We assist clients facing abuse, whether physical, emotional, economic or any other form of abuse, to obtain protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act, which covers a broad range of domestic relationships. These orders prohibit further abuse and may include specific restrictions, such as preventing the abuser from entering the complainant’s
residence or workplace or removal of weapons in his possession.
We also help victims of harassment, both within and outside domestic relationships, to obtain protection orders under the Protection from Harassment Act, addressing behaviours such as following or communicating with the complainant.
Our Process
Get in Touch:
Ready to explore how we can assist you with your legal needs? Schedule a free 15-minute telephone call with Henk to discuss your situation or learn more about our services. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll reach out to you promptly.
Free 15-Minute Telephone Call:
Curious about our services or the legal process? Take advantage of our complimentary telephone consultation with an attorney.
First Consultation:
In your initial consultation, our attorney will delve into your legal needs, explain relevant laws, discuss potential remedies, outline the process, and address any cost considerations. Depending on the complexity of your case, additional consultations or calls may be necessary.
Your Trusted Legal Partner:
Ready to move forward? After your initial consultation, we’ll provide you with an engagement letter to formalise our attorney-client relationship. Let us be your trusted legal partner every step of the way.
Henk Claassen
Our director Henk Claassen is a seasoned attorney with more than 20 years experience. Holding a LLB degree from Stellenbsoch University, he has also studied further in the fields of family law (divorce and child law) and corporate law to expand his knowledge in these practice areas.
He is a longstanding property conveyancer and notary public and has the right of appearance in the High Court. He acts as a Commissioner in the Small Claims Court
Testimonials
“I would like to highly recommend the incredible services that I have received from Claassen Attorneys. Henk has exhibited exceptional professionalism, understanding & knowledge of the law and also compassion as a human being.
I’m extremely grateful for the guidance & expertise that I have received through a very trying time. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
~ Claire
“Claassen Attorneys have assisted me throughout my legal journey. Henk took the time to understand my situation and offered exceptional legal advice and guidance.
His approach was always to try to what is best for the family and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him if you are in need of a family law expert.”
~ Paul
“Baie dankie vir jou spoedige en kwaliteit hulp. Ons waardeer alles opreg. Nou kan ons aangaan met ons lewens en ons nuwe huisie geniet.”
~ Marcél
“I found Claassen Attorneys Inc to be a very professional and organised firm. Henk Claassen was very responsive and empathetic while he remained focused on achieving the the most favourable outcome for me. A very knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, I highly recommend their services.”
~ Ellena
“My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal representation provided by Henk Claassen. From our first email it was clear that Henk possesses a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to his clients. His attention to detail and strategic approach were evident throughout our case.
We were properly stuck, but he fought on our behalf and won. I commend his ability to listen and address our concerns because it made a significant difference in our overall experience. What I have to highlight is Henk’s dedication and attentive work ethic. We were tired, scared and stressed, but his confidence was a pillar of strength we could hold on to. He knows what he’s doing.
We highly recommend Henk Claassen to anyone in need of legal assistance. His client-centered approach makes him in my opinion an exceptional attorney. Thank you, Henk. We are incredibly thankful for your efforts. We can now enjoy our dream home because of you.”
~ Marcél
“We received a 5 star service from Claassen’s. Very helpful and great communicators, responding quickly to email requests. Henk Claassen managed our property purchase, going above and beyond with the service he provided and continued to keep us updated on our return to the UK. Could not have asked for more. Would highly recommend this company and the team.”
~ Sue
Book a free 15 min consultation
If you need help with a divorce or a parental dispute, or any business or property related matter, feel free to make contact with us by completing the below form.
All enquiries will be dealt with in confidence and be responded to within 1 business day.