The cheapest time to call an attorney is before you sign
Most contract disputes are born the day the contract is signed, in a clause nobody read or a term nobody put in writing. A properly drafted agreement costs a fraction of the litigation it prevents.
VDW Attorneys drafts and reviews agreements for businesses and individuals in the greater Vereeniging area. The practice is led by Kobus van der Westhuizen, who holds a Certificate in Corporate Law from UNISA alongside 24 years in practice.
How we can help
- Commercial contracts. Drafting and reviewing the agreements your business runs on: sales, services, supply and more.
- Contract review. A careful read and plain-language explanation of a contract before you sign it.
- Company law. Advice on company law matters for owners and directors of small and medium businesses.
- Business agreements. Agreements between co-owners and business partners, put in writing before they are needed.
- Antenuptial agreements. Advice on and preparation of antenuptial agreements before marriage.
- Lease agreements. Commercial and residential lease agreements that protect both the relationship and your position.
What to expect
- Tell us what the deal is. We start with what you and the other party actually intend, in commercial terms, and identify the risks that need covering.
- We put it in writing properly. The agreement is drafted or reviewed in clear language, and we walk you through what each material clause means before you sign.
- Keep it current. Businesses and relationships change. We amend and update agreements as your circumstances do.
Frequently asked questions
Why should an attorney draft my contract instead of using a template?
A template does not know your deal. It often misses the terms that matter in your specific transaction and may contain clauses that work against you. An attorney drafts for your actual risks, and when a dispute comes, the quality of the drafting is what decides it.
What makes a contract legally binding in South Africa?
In essence: an offer, acceptance, an intention to be bound, and lawful, possible terms, by parties with capacity to contract. Many contracts do not even have to be in writing to be binding, which is exactly why putting the real terms in writing protects you: it proves what was agreed.
What is an antenuptial agreement and when must it be signed?
It is the agreement that determines your matrimonial property regime, letting you marry out of community of property, with or without accrual. It must be signed before the marriage. Without one, you are married in community of property by default, sharing one estate and its debts.
Can you review a contract I have already been given?
Yes. Bring it to a consultation and we go through it clause by clause, flag what is risky or unusual, and propose amendments where needed. An hour of review before signing is the cheapest insurance a contract can get.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every matter is different. Speak to an attorney about your specific circumstances.