Question 1

How does ClauseWise charge for its services?

Accepted Answer

Once-off services are fixed-price — you receive a clear quote before work begins, with no hourly billing surprises. Consumer dispute letters start from R750; standard demand letters from R950. For ongoing support, the Personal Legal Advisory Membership is R499/month for individuals. Business Membership pricing is determined according to the scope of support required — contact us for a tailored proposal. Membership services are governed by the applicable monthly scope and Membership Terms.

Question 2

What is court-annexed mediation?

Accepted Answer

Court-annexed mediation is a formal dispute resolution process facilitated by an accredited mediator, recognised by South African courts. It is a cost-effective alternative to litigation that can resolve disputes faster and with less expense than going to court.

Question 3

Can ClauseWise help with SARS tax submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ClauseWise provides tax compliance support including individual and business tax return preparation, SARS correspondence, and VAT compliance. Prices start from R750 for individual returns and R1,500 for business returns.

Question 4

What is included in a membership plan?

Accepted Answer

ClauseWise offers two distinct membership products. The Personal Legal Advisory Membership (R499/month) gives individuals a first point of contact for personal legal-risk guidance, contract support, dispute assistance and other-party engagement. The Business Protection Membership provides SMEs and commercial operators with ongoing contract management, compliance monitoring and commercial correspondence — pricing is determined according to the scope of support required. The two products have separate scopes and are not interchangeable.

Question 5

Does ClauseWise serve clients outside Westwood?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While our office is based at Unit 208, Westwood Office Park, we serve clients across South Africa. Most services are delivered remotely via email, WhatsApp, and video call, making location no barrier.

Question 6

What does ClauseWise do?

Accepted Answer

ClauseWise provides fixed-price legal support and commercial advisory services to individuals and businesses across South Africa — contract review and drafting, pre-litigation documentation, dispute correspondence, compliance support, employment documentation, and commercial correspondence. Where formal legal representation is required, ClauseWise may facilitate an appropriate referral to an independent suitably qualified legal practitioner, subject to applicable requirements.

Question 7

How can a small business protect itself legally in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

The most effective protection is prevention: having properly drafted contracts, clear employment documentation, a compliance calendar, and professional correspondence management. ClauseWise's Business Essential Membership gives SMEs an outsourced commercial protection function — contract management, compliance monitoring, and advisory — at a predictable monthly cost, without the expense of in-house legal staff. Pricing is determined according to the scope of support required.

Question 8

What is pre-litigation advisory in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Pre-litigation advisory is the professional support, documentation, and strategic guidance provided to a party before formal legal proceedings are issued. It covers matter assessment, evidence review, drafting and sending letters of demand, responding to demands received, structured negotiation, and preparation of documentation for potential formal proceedings. Most disputes in South Africa resolve during the pre-litigation phase without ever reaching court. ClauseWise provides pre-litigation advisory as part of the Personal Legal Advisory Membership (R499/month) and as a once-off service.

Question 9

How do I respond to a letter of demand in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

When you receive a letter of demand in South Africa, you should: (1) read it carefully to identify what is claimed and the deadline; (2) gather all relevant documents; (3) assess the claim honestly; (4) decide whether to pay, dispute, admit in part, or request more time; (5) draft a written response with supporting documentation; and (6) send it in a way that creates a record of delivery. Never ignore a letter of demand — failure to respond can result in formal proceedings, default judgment, and credit listing. ClauseWise can review the demand and draft a professional response as part of the Personal Legal Advisory Membership or as a once-off service.

Question 10

How does the Consumer Protection Act dispute process work in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) dispute process in South Africa follows these steps: (1) raise the complaint directly with the supplier; (2) send a formal letter of demand citing your CPA rights; (3) escalate to the relevant industry ombud if applicable (e.g. MIOSA for motor vehicles, Ombudsman for Banking Services for banking); (4) lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at complaints@thencc.gov.za; (5) NCC referral to the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) if mediation fails; (6) Small Claims Court for amounts up to R20,000. Key rights include the right to return defective goods within six months of delivery for repair, replacement, or refund. ClauseWise assists with CPA dispute documentation as part of the Personal Legal Advisory Membership (R499/month).

Prevention is better
than litigation.

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