DIANE SMART ATTORNEYS
Family Law Specialists
At Diane Smart Attorneys, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, each client is treated as an individual with their own unique needs, outlook on life, and ways of dealing with issues in their lives and relationships. I endeavour to assist clients in making sense of issues that can feel confusing and daunting, particularly during a time of relationship breakdown or emotional crisis, and to guide them to a fair and reasonable resolution.
Where possible I endeavour to assist clients to reach a settlement agreement with the other party as I believe that this is a less destructive way of resolving matters. Particularly where there are children involved, an acrimonious legal process can have a devastating aftermath. I view litigation in family law matters as a last resort. I have a broad client base of both females and males from all walks of life.
ABOUT DIANE
Attorney & Conveyancer
After completing my LLB at the University of Cape Town in 1990, and working as an attorney for 15 years, I started my own family law practice in 2005.
Having practiced as an attorney for more than 30 years, and specialised in family law for 27 years, I have built up substantial experience in this field.
OUR SERVICES
- – Divorce
- – Parenting plans
- – Maintenance
- – Applications for parental rights and responsibilities for unmarried fathers, grandparents and other family members
- – Divorce variation applications
- – Domestic violence protection orders
- – Ante-nuptial contracts
- – Co-habitation agreements
- – Anti-dissipation interdicts
- – Changes in care and contact arrangements
- – Relocation applications
- – Mediation
- – Related family law matters
WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
At one of the worst moments of my life, Diane, with a very quick grasp of my unexpected situation, cleared her dairy to prioritise and work tirelessly on my case, for which I will be forever grateful. She displayed the utmost care, superior attention to detail and with a level of commitment that blew me away (even running in heels to get the documents in before closing time!!), she assisted me without hesitation and allowed me to get my life back on track, when it had looked to me like an impossible situation at the outset. With compassion and a heartfelt level of concern, Diane was my lifeline in a storm, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her most highly. Thank you Diane for your care and concern and help.
Tammy – Accountant
Diane Smart was my lifesaver! I was at my wits end and was getting different information from different lawyers about my plight. When I walked into Diane’s office, I felt calm. She sat and listened to my whole story and not once did I feel judged. She calmly gave me all the options possible to solve my situation and at no time did I feel like anything was being forced upon me. Diane, you are a lawyer I would recommend to anyone! Thank you so much for all your help! Even though I was not in the country most of the time you were always available and I appreciate that. If it was not for you and your sound advice, I would not have my son with me today! You are one in a million!
Melanie – Teacher
After fifteen years of entrusting my own clients and personal friends to Diane for specialist family law advice and effective legal representation, there was no-one else I considered turning to when I later found myself in need of such assistance. Diane’s sincerity, calming pragmatism and many years of experience; coupled with her sensitive understanding of the complexity of human relationships and her ability not only to look out for and protect her client’s best interests but also to take a holistic and forward-looking approach combine to make Diane a genuinely outstanding family lawyer and one I continue to recommend most highly from both personal and professional experience.
Hayley – Attorney