Family law is more than just a set of legal rules. It’s about helping people through some of the most emotional and life-changing challenges they’ll ever face.
Whether it’s guiding parents through custody arrangements, supporting families during divorce, or assisting with adoption, a family lawyer plays a vital role in ensuring justice with empathy.
But how do you become a family lawyer in South Africa?
The journey begins with the right academic foundation. A degree like the Bachelor of Commerce in Law from REGENT Business School is an excellent first step.
Not only does it provide the legal grounding needed to pursue further studies, but it also equips you with business and communication skills that are essential in handling the complex financial and interpersonal aspects of family disputes.
If you’re passionate about law and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of South African families, here’s everything you need to know about becoming a family lawyer.
What is family law?
Family law is a branch of law that deals with legal issues affecting families and relationships. It covers matters such as:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody and maintenance
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Adoption and guardianship
- Inheritance and succession disputes
Unlike other areas of law that focus primarily on contracts, business, or criminal matters, family law places people at the centre.
A compassionate family lawyer listens, mediates, and strives to resolve conflict in a way that protects the well-being of all parties involved, especially children.
How to become a family lawyer in South Africa
To practice family law in South Africa, you need to qualify as an attorney and then specialise. Here are the key steps you need to take for a family law career path in SA:
1. Earn a relevant degree
You’ll first need an undergraduate qualification with a strong legal foundation. A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom in Law) from REGENT Business School, for example, is a great option because it combines core legal studies with business and management skills.
This not only prepares you for further legal training but also equips you with broader knowledge to manage the financial aspects often tied to family disputes.
2. Complete an LLB degree
After your undergraduate studies, you’ll need to complete an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree. Some students study it as a standalone program, while others use their BCom in Law as a stepping stone into postgraduate legal studies in South Africa and beyond.
3. Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Once you’ve completed your LLB, you must undergo either:
- Two years of articles of clerkship with a law firm, or
- One year of articles plus a six-month practical legal training course offered by institutions such as LEAD (Legal Education and Development).
4. Pass the Attorneys’ Admission exams
You’ll need to pass four board exams covering practice and procedure, wills and estates, contracts, and legal bookkeeping.
5. Specialise in family law
After admission, you can focus your practice on family law matters, either by joining a specialist family law firm or building expertise through postgraduate training, workshops, and hands-on work experience.
How long does it take to become a family lawyer in South Africa?
The journey requires patience and commitment. On average, it takes about 6 to 7 years:
- 3 years for a BCom in Law (or another undergraduate qualification)
- 2 years for the LLB (if done as a postgraduate programme)
- 1–2 years of articles and practical legal training
By the time you qualify, you’ll not only have strong technical expertise but also the maturity and emotional intelligence needed to guide families with care.
FAQ
Can I study family law at REGENT Business School?
REGENT Business School does not offer family law as a standalone specialisation. However, you can study a Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom in Law) with REGENT, which gives you a strong legal and commercial foundation.
From there, you can pursue an LLB degree at a university or law school to qualify as an attorney and later specialise in family law.
In other words, REGENT provides the first step on the pathway to becoming a family lawyer while also equipping you with valuable business and management knowledge.
What is the difference between BCom Law and LLB?
- BCom in Law: This is a commerce degree with a law focus. It provides you with knowledge of business, economics, and management alongside introductory and intermediate legal subjects. It prepares you for further study in law or for careers in business where legal knowledge is an advantage.
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws): This is the professional law degree required to become an attorney or advocate in South Africa. It focuses entirely on legal subjects like constitutional law, criminal law, family law, and legal practice.
Think of the BCom in Law as your launchpad into the legal profession, it gives you flexibility and opens more career options, while the LLB is your specialised pathway to becoming a practicing lawyer.
Do family lawyers deal only with divorce cases?
No, while divorce is one of the most common areas of family law, it’s only part of what family lawyers do. They handle a wide range of family-related legal matters, including:
- Child custody and maintenance disputes
- Adoption and guardianship
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Division of assets and inheritance issues
- Mediation between family members
A compassionate family lawyer focuses on helping clients navigate these sensitive issues in ways that protect both legal rights and emotional well-being.
Study law in South Africa with REGENT
Becoming a compassionate family lawyer in South Africa is about combining legal knowledge with empathy.
Starting with a qualification like REGENT Business School’s BCom in Law gives you the foundation you need to pursue law while also building essential business and communication skills.
From there, you can go on to complete your LLB, gain practical experience, and eventually specialise in family law, making a real difference in the lives of South African families.
If you’re unsure if this is the right degree for you, you can have a look at some of the main benefits of studying BCom Law here.
