Find comprehensive answers to some of the most popular questions regarding notarial services in South Africa and how the legal framework is set up locally.

Notary Public, Apostille, Hague Convention, DIRCO … What does it all mean? This article will guide you in the right direction.

Apostille certificates are a result of the Hague Convention that allows documents issued in one country to be accepted as official documents in another country. The authentication of public officials' signatures on documents are made in order to be used outside South Africa.

Finding a trustworthy and reliable legal practice to handle all of your legal needs in Gauteng should not be a hassle. At Benaters, we aim to make all your legal requirements easy to understand and help you every step of the way.

If you are planning to travel abroad for work or study purposes, or are getting married you may have come across a few legal terms that you might have you bamboozled. After reading this article, we hope that you will have a better understanding of what a Notary Public (or just a Notary) is, what functions a Notary is responsible for, and what it means to have a document notarised for legal use abroad.

Everyone has a cousin in Australia! Something we have said in jest before. But the truth is, immigration is a topic of conversation which has become commonplace nowadays - “when are you planning on leaving the country?” asked by every parent, aunt, uncle and well-meaning friend of a friend.  It is safe to say that we have all had this type of conversation at one point or another over the years.

The starting point for a discussion about digital signatures in the context of South African law is the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act) which was passed in 2002. The ECT Act started with the basic premise that digital communications are no less valid than paper based communications.

Here’s a short guide to help ensure that your documents for use outside South Africa are legally valid.

An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. This article explains when you need an Apostille.

In the case of a life partner who is a foreign citizen, you can apply for a spousal visa when you’re in a permanent relationship or married to a South African Citizen or a foreigner that has a permanent residency permit in South Africa. This is where a Spousal Affidavit will be necessary to process your application.