THE Regional Court in Paarl is one of nine regional courts in the Western Cape to be accepted into civil jurisdiction this week.
This entails that divorce and civil cases can now be settled in regional courts, instead of in the high court.
This jurisdiction has been returned to regional courts after being removed 47 years ago.
Regional Court Magistrates’ secretary Patrick Ross has welcomed this announcement.
“This not only offers the public a substantial decrease in legal fees, but it also brings the courts closer to them.
“For the first time in many years, Regional Courts now have the same powers as High Courts to grant a divorce.”
According to Ross, the first session in Paarl will take place in April. Civil cases suing for amounts up to R300 000 can be heard locally.
