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Hammond Pole Blog

Hammond Pole Attorneys > Hammond Pole Blog (Page 2)
20 February
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Understanding The Different Types Of Wills – Which Will, Will Work The Best For You?

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Drafting a will is a vital step in planning for the future, serving as a legal roadmap for your loved ones to follow when you are no longer here. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, provides financial security for your family, and helps avoid unnecessary disputes during a difficult and emotional time. However, there are various types of wills each designed to suit different situations, needs, and preferences. While all wills must comply with the validity and legal requirements outlined in the Wills Act of South Africa, understanding their differences and purposes can help you select the...

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05 February
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Navigating The Debt Counselling Process – And How To Spot ‘Dodgy’ Debt Counsellors

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Managing your finances can be challenging, especially when debt begins to pile up. For many, the weight of financial pressure can leave them uncertain about where to turn for help. While debt counselling is a valuable resource designed to guide individuals through these tough times, providing expert advice and actionable strategies to help them manage and reduce debt, it is necessary to fully understand the process and work closely with reliable professionals to ensure effective guidance and compliance with the National Credit Act.   What is debt counselling? Debt Counselling is a formal legal process that allows an individual to be officially declared...

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20 January
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Building Dreams Or Buying Trouble?
A Guide To Purchasing Off-Plan Properties In South Africa

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Buying property off-plan offers an opportunity to secure a brand-new home, built to modern standards, before construction is complete. This type of purchase means investing in a property that exists only on blueprints and architectural plans, with decisions guided by the developer’s vision and artist impressions rather than a finished structure.   While the idea of moving into a home no one else has ever lived in is exciting, buying off-plan has both advantages and inherent risks. Benefits include the possibility of customising finishes to personal taste and securing a property at today’s prices, often resulting in capital growth by completion. However,...

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11 December
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‘Tis The Season To Understand Company Shutdown Periods

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, a much-needed break. It's a period of relaxation, family gatherings, and festive cheer. However, for many employees, the holiday season can also bring uncertainty, especially when their company decides to shut down operations for a period.   A company shutdown can disrupt work routines, affect leave entitlements, and raise questions about pay and benefits. Understanding your rights and the reasons behind a company shutdown is vital to making it through this period smoothly. So, what happens when your company decides to shut down for the holidays?   Understanding company shutdowns A company shutdown...

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04 December
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The Homeowner’s Guide To Short-Term Rentals

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Short-term rentals have taken the real estate world by storm, offering South African homeowners a unique opportunity to generate additional income. Platforms like Airbnb and LekkeSlaap have made it easier than ever to list your property and welcome guests from around the globe. However, as tempting as it may be to dive straight into offering up your home for short-term rentals, it's important to understand the potential benefits and challenges associated with this venture.   The allure of short-term rentals One key benefit of short-term rentals is the potential for higher income. By renting your property on a nightly or weekly basis, you...

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25 November
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Life Rights vs. Homeownership – Choosing The Right Retirement Option

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Retirement is a significant life stage that many South Africans approach with a sense of anticipation and careful planning. For those seeking a secure and community-oriented lifestyle without the burdens of traditional homeownership, life rights in a retirement village is an appealing solution. This popular option offers a blend of security, affordability, and the chance to enjoy one’s golden years in a supportive environment, making it a compelling choice for many.   Life rights differ from conventional property ownership in several ways, where traditional homeownership involves acquiring full title to a property, life rights give individuals the right to live in a...

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13 November
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The Legal And Emotional Journey Of Contesting A Will

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When a loved one passes, the distribution of their estate should ideally reflect their final wishes, providing comfort to those left behind. Unfortunately, when questions arise regarding the validity of a will, a legal contest may be necessary to ensure that the deceased's true intentions are honoured. Contesting a will is a serious legal endeavour that demands clear grounds, substantial evidence, and often court involvement.   Establishing the burden of proof A will is presumed valid unless proven otherwise, and the burden rests on the party contesting the will to establish invalidity, as supported in Kunz v Swart and Others 1924 AD 618....

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23 October
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My House Is Being Foreclosed On – What Can I Do?

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House foreclosure can leave you confused and at odds about what decisions to make to avoid unnecessary losses, but there are ways you can find relief. Below we outline what it is and what you can do to manage it more effectively.   What is foreclosure? Foreclosure occurs when a lender, usually a bank or other lending institution, repossesses a home due to missed bond payments after several attempts to initiate repayments with the borrower.   Foreclosure usually begins after a borrower has missed three payments. These missed payments can result from various personal challenges, including job loss, reduced income, divorce, illness, or significant debt....

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09 October
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Mind Matters – Paying Attention to Mental Health in the Workplace

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South Africa's workplaces face a silent epidemic: a growing number of employees struggling with mental health issues. Recent studies reveal a staggering prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, with one in three South Africans likely to experience such challenges in their lifetime. This crisis is exacerbated by the stigma surrounding mental health, limited access to care, and the ongoing impact of socio-economic factors. As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it is essential to shed light on this pressing issue and advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and support in the workplace for individuals dealing with...

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25 September
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The Homeowner’s Guide to Heritage Homes

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Living in a home steeped in history holds a unique charm. But before you get swept away by the nostalgia and palpable sense of connection to the past, it’s important to understand the flip side of owning a heritage property - the legalities and implications. Whether you’re dreaming about buying one, or you’ve just come into an unexpected inheritance, there are a number of forces that will govern how you can manage, renovate, or even sell the property.   What is a heritage property? A heritage property is a structure or site considered significant due to its cultural value. This value can be...

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