Our Services

At Machobane Kriel, we deliver tailored legal solutions that are practical, clear, and focused on your desired outcome. Our client-first philosophy ensures personal service combined with expert legal guidance, building trust and lasting relationships.

Civil litigation

We assist expertly with disputes, protecting your rights with strategic advice and expert representation in all courts and tribunals. We pride ourselves on staying abreast with alldevelopments in the legal landscape, whether amendments to court rules and directives, as well

as statutory amendments. Whether you are settling matters amicably or pursuing litigation, we work tirelessly to achieve enforceable, meaningful outcomes.

We assist with:

• Contractual disputes
• Property and boundary disputes
• Lease and rental agreements and disputes
• Recission of judgments
• SIU and POCA matters
• Sequestrations, rehabilitations, liquidations and compromises

Personal Injury Law

Suffering harm due to someone else’s negligence can be life-altering. We are here to support our clients through this difficult time with compassion, clarity, and expert advice. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve. We will take care of the legal process while you focus on recovery.

We attend to personal injury matters with care, commitment, and empathy. We can advise and assist with a range of options to fund costly litigation.

We will walk with you every step of the way, from initial assessments of your claim to finalisation.

We assist with:

• Road Accident Fund (RAF) matters
• Medical negligence and hospital-related injuries
• Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) matters
• Slip and fall injuries
• Defending medical practitioners in medical negligence claims
• Public liability claims
• Wrongful arrest and detention

 

Commercial Law

We provide innovative solutions to ensure that your business’s goals are achieved. We believe in creating long-term relationships with our corporate clients to not only step in when legal assistance is required, but also to ensure proper governance and strategic planning.

We assist with:

• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing commercial contracts
• Restructuring and business rescue
• Applications for liquidation
• Insolvency law and creditor protection strategies
• Corporate governance and risk advisory
• Opposing liquidation applications

Estate Planning, Deceased Estates, Wills and Trusts

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy. We assist clients in navigating this process with clarity,compassion, and practical advice.

Whether you are planning ahead or managing the affairs of a deceased loved one, our team provides guidance to help avoid unnecessary delays and hardship for those left behind.

We assist with:

• Drafting and safekeeping of legally compliant wills
• Comprehensive estate planning tailored to your assets and wishes
• Administration of deceased estates, from reporting to finalisation
• Creation and structuring of mortis causa and inter vivos trusts
• Advice on spousal maintenance claims against deceased estates
• Establishment and management of family and business trusts
• Guidance on estate duty, transfer duty, and tax implications
• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing commercial contracts

Conveyancing And Notarial Services

Whether you are purchasing property, concluding a commercial transaction, or preparing documents for use abroad, we ensure the process is smooth, uncomplicated, and legally compliant.

We assist individuals, families, and businesses with conveyancing and notarial matters, guiding clients through each step with care and years of experience

We assist with:

• Drafting and reviewing sale agreements
• Property transfers (including residential, commercial, and sectional title)
• Applications for lost or duplicate title deeds
• Notarial certification of documents and contracts
• Obtaining apostille certificates for use in foreign jurisdictions
• Registration of servitudes
• Eviction applications

Family Law

Family law matters touch the most personal parts of our lives and require both legal expertise and understanding. Whether navigation divorce, custody of a minor child, long-term planning, or appointment of a curator for a loved one unable to manage his or her own affairs, adoption or surrogacy, we approach each matter with empathy, discretion, and legal know-how.

Whenever possible, we prioritise amicable settlements and mediation to reduce emotional strain, legal costs, and prolonged conflict, always keeping the best interests of the client, especially children and vulnerable individuals, at the heart of the process.

We assist with:

• Drafting and registration of ante-nuptial contracts
• Drafting and registration of post-nuptial contracts
• Amendments to matrimonial property regimes
• Unopposed divorces, including joint settlement facilitation
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
• Opposed divorces
• Drafting parenting plans
• Maintenance disputes
• Domestic violence and harassment protection orders
• Drafting and advising on surrogacy agreements
• Securing parental rights and responsibilities for non-biological parents
• Adoption

Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. We provide strategic legal guidance and steadfast support to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and secure the best possible outcome.

Whether you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation, our team acts swiftly and decisively to protect your interests at every stage of the process.

Every person is entitled to a fair trial. We’re here to help you protect your rights with clarity and
care.

We assist with:

• Bail applications
• Crimes against property (e.g., theft, burglary, malicious damage)
• Crimes against the person, dignity, or reputation (e.g., assault, defamation)
• Crimes against the state
• Statutory offences including:
       o Drug-related charges and drug trafficking
       o Firearms offences
       o Driving under the influence (DUI)

Municipal Disputes

Disputes with local government can be complex, technical, and deeply disruptive to daily life or business operations. We assist individuals, businesses, and communities in resolving issues with municipalities quickly and effectively, with a focus on practical outcomes.

We draw on our experience in administrative, constitutional, and property law to hold municipalities accountable to protect the rights of all our clients.

Whether you have billing disputes or unfair municipal decisions, we will assist you to have the dispute or matter properly ventilated by making use of the correct procedures to secure a decision.

We assist with:

• Disputes over municipal rates, taxes, and service charges
• Incorrect billing or unlawful disconnection of electricity or water supply
• Tender irregularities and challenges under administrative law
• Property-related disputes involving municipal by-laws or zoning
• Legal challenges where the municipality violates your rights under the law
• Reconnection of disrupted water and/or electricity supply

Homeowners’ Associations

Living in a community governed by a Homeowners’ Association brings both benefits and responsibilities. When disputes arise, professional guidance can make all the difference.

We assist HOAs, trustees, and residents with practical and collaborative approach while focusing on long-term community relationships.

We assist with:

• Dispute resolution between trustees and residents or between members
• Levy recovery and legal action for non-payment
• Amendment and enforcement of rules and conduct regulations
• Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
• Interpretation of governing documents, including MOIs and management rules and regulations
• Referring matters to CSOS
• Representing homeowners’ associations in CSOS matters

Debt Collection

Unpaid debts can place a serious strain on cash flow, whether you’re an individual, business owner, or service provider. We assist clients in recovering what they are legally owed through a structured, legally compliant process that prioritises efficiency and fairness.

From initial demand to formal litigation, we guide clients through every step of the recovery process, helping them make informed decisions at each stage.

We assist with:

• Drafting and issuing Section 129 letters
• Negotiating repayment and settlement arrangements
• Litigation in court
• Enforcement of judgments
• Advising creditors on their rights, risks, and recovery options
• Drafting acknowledgement of debt agreements

Immigration Law

Immigration matters can be complex, stressful, and deeply personal. Whether you are building a future in South Africa, seeking refuge, or helping family members navigate the system, we provide compassionate, strategic legal support at every step.

We assist individuals, families, and employers with a range of immigration-related applications and appeals, ensuring compliance with South African immigration law, while keeping the human side of the process front of mind.

We assist with:

• Temporary and permanent residence applications
• Citizenship applications and related processes
• Work, study, and other visas
• Assistance for asylum seekers and refugees
• Applications to enforce the issuing of documentation such as birth certificates, visas,
  passports and identity documents which are not delivered within a reasonable time.

Trade Mark services

While your matter will always receive direct attorney oversight, it is important to note that our dedicated trade mark support team brings extensive, hands-on experience in all aspects of trade mark administration and portfolio management.

Our staff have substantial practical expertise in:

• Comprehensive trade mark portfolio management
• Availability and registrability searches
• Filing of new trade mark applications (national and international)
• Prosecution of trade mark applications
• Responding to office actions and objections
• Managing oppositions and enforcement support
• Domain name reservations and renewals
• Trade mark renewals and maintenance
• Recordals of assignments, licence agreements and amendments

• Monitoring and deadline management

Our team works closely with clients to ensure that trade mark assets are properly protected, maintained, and strategically managed throughout their lifecycle. We combine legal oversight with efficient administrative systems to provide a seamless, reliable, and commercially focused trade mark service.

Whether you are building a new brand portfolio or maintaining an established one, we offer practical guidance, proactive monitoring and meticulous management to safeguard your intellectual property rights.