GRAY BURMEISTER INC
Attorneys in East London

Our integrated legal package, Legalsuite, incorporating an electronic file noting and diary system enables us to track progress and manage our files efficiently as well as to report to clients at the touch of a button. The founder of Catherine Gray Attorneys (the sole proprietorship now operating as Gray Burmeister Inc) obtained her B. Proc degree in 1997 at the Rand Afrikaans Universiteit and qualified as an attorney in 1999 and later as conveyancer, arbitrator and divorce mediator. Catherine has received many awards since opening the firm in 2000; such as the 2004 Business Women of the year’s Regional Achievers Award. The Divorce Act makes provision for two grounds of divorce, namely irretrievable break-down and mental illness or unconsciousness. One cannot refuse to get divorced, only the terms of the divorce can be contested. The matrimonial property regime and other legislation determine what each party is entitled to in terms of the divorce. Parents already divorced or single parents can also enter into a parenting plan. Due to the high costs of litigation we seldom recommend that clients appoint an attorney to respresent them in the maintenance court.To minimise the legal costs we prefer to guide clients in completing the forms correctly and explaining their rights and or obligations and the process to be followed to enforce their rights. There are three matrimonial property regimes in South Africa, namely Marriage in community of property which automatically applies to all marriages where the parties have not entered into an antenuptial contract. Soon to be married couples often want to avoid consulting an attorney to draw up an ANC as they feel they are already planning for a divorce, and who will get what if they divorce. This is not the sole purpose of the ANC, as it, inter alias, protects the spouses assets from the creditors of the other spouse. The Matrimonial Property Act make provision for clients to to alter the matrimonial property regime applicable to their marriage during the subsistence of the marriage. At Gray Burmeister Inc we provide or assist clients with drafting of various commercial contracts, including: Residential and commercial leases. With the high cost and inherent risk of litigation, Gray Burmeister Inc first evaluates whether litigation can be avoided through negotiations and amicable solutions. However, where litigation cannot be avoided or is urgent to protect the client’s rights, Gray Burmeister Inc moves swiftly and efficiently. The quantum and nature of the claim or the agreement wil determine whether the Magistrate or High Court is approached for relief. Catherine has also completed the advanced course in Arbitration and is an admitted Fellow of the Association of Arbitrators of South Africa has been appointed to the Sectional Title ADR Panel. Catherine and Zelda are both admitted Conveyancers. Immovable property is one of the most valuable investments, and thus it is imperative that when clients buy, sell or develop immovable property, they have professional and experienced legal representation to ensure that the process is dealt with efficiently and effectively. This is exactly what we offer at GB Inc. Zelda and Roxanne are both adnitted Notaries and assist client with our Notarial services. Our services include: Deeds of sale (residential and commercial) Drafting and registration of servitudes, certificates of registered title, certificates of consolidated titles, general plans etc. These services include the drafting of Notarial Deeds of Servitude and Exclusive Use Areas. Legal debt collection has become a very specialised field with the invent of new legislation such as the National Credit Act and Consumer Protection Act. Our Legalsuite software package ensures that we are able to provide clients with a variety of reports and information instantly.