James C

Wasted time at court from poor / incomplete advice & process given

<div>From a professional level - to say that I am "disappointed" by the legal aid provided, would be an understatement. I have just come back from the Regional Court. My application was rejected for containing insufficient documentation. There are 4 elements missing and/or inconsistencies from the steps / guidance S&D provided in their "step-by-step" guide: This guide outlines 1 document, a "summons" needed, with 3 copies total... and a verbal note (not contained in the guide) that a marriage certificate copy and physical ID are needed. The issues I was reprimanded on at court: (1) 4 copies (not 3, as specified) of the summons are needed (2) An original (not certified, and not a copy) of the marriage certificate is needed (3) The ANC was required, it could not be skipped (We were told an ANC may be skipped.) (4) A certified copy of ID was needed as well I took a leave to be able to work through this at the court. To streamline it, I paid for a professional service to be rendered. I expected, when paying R5.7k (incl. VAT)... to at the very least be helped in this process. To have 4 critical pieces of information missing is absolutely unacceptable. I now have 4 additional appointments needed before continuing. Not only have I wasted my time, wasted a half-day leave to do this unsuccessfully, paid an excessive amount to be "reassured" by "professional" guidance... but I have also had passive aggressive comments through the email exchange, "the DIY Divorce guide as it sets out all the steps." - missing information, and "This is also why I suggested during our consultation that we prepare a quote (for us to do this for you)", in spite of giving no quote. Finally - when asking for accountability to be taken from SD, I get told (3 days later) that there are "differences in different courts". No apology. No accountability. Awful experience.</div>