What Documents do I Need to File for Divorce?
To apply for an online divorce, you do not need to submit any documents. Only after your application has been submitted, you will receive a letter (via email) requesting the following documents.
1. The FICA Documents
All accountable institutions (including law firms) are obliged to comply with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2002 (“FICA”). Law firms must keep proper records of all dealings with clients and take the appropriate steps to verify the identity of its clients. Before any work is done on the case, the following documents will be requested by the law firm:
- Copy of Your ID Document and/or Passport,
- Proof of Your Income Tax Number (Salary Slips / Tax Return) and
- Proof of Your Residential Address.
2. The Marriage Documents
The following documents which relate to your marriage will also be requested by your divorce attorney:
- Copy of Your Antenuptial Contract (if any) and
- Your Marriage Certificate*.
*For an online, uncontested/unopposed divorce, you need to bring your original marriage certificate with you for the court hearing only.
3. Financial & Other Documents
Depending on the contents of your divorce application, further documents may also be requested, for example: updated valuations of immovable property, list of assets and liabilities, list of income & expenses, pension-/provident fund benefit statements, etc.
Need more information?
Download the free e-book about divorce in which 56 frequently asked questions about divorce and the divorce process are answered in plain language.
Ready to start the online divorce process?
Click here to complete your online divorce application.
Nazli Williams (BCom LLB), director of Patton Williams Attorneys is an admitted divorce attorney of the High Court of South Africa, specializing in Divorce and Family Law matters. Her fields of expertise and interest include Divorce Law, Family Law, Domestic Violence Law and International Divorce Law. Her vision is to demystify Family Law processes, helping good people in plain language and with great technology, to achieve remarkable results.
