This page answers the most common questions law firms ask about Cape Town Legal Logistics (CTLL). It is designed as a quick self-help resource. If you cannot find what you need, you can still contact us directly or request a call back.
What does CTLL actually do for my firm?
CTLL is a dedicated legal messenger and court runner service. We lodge, file, uplift and deliver legal documents at the Master’s Office, Deeds Office, High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Sheriff and selected municipal offices within our coverage area.
Who manages CTLL?
CTLL is managed by an admitted attorney who understands court, Master’s Office and Deeds Office procedures. This helps ensure that runs are handled in a practical and legally informed way.
Do you only work with large law firms?
No. CTLL is built primarily for small to medium law firms that do not have their own in-house messenger. We can, however, also support high-volume firms through custom packages.
Is CTLL a once-off courier or an ongoing service?
We offer both. Firms can use us on a pay-as-you-go basis for individual runs, or sign up for the Associate Plan or a custom package for more predictable, ongoing support.
Where can I see a full list of services?
You can view our services overview on the Services page, which explains each type of run we offer.
What if my question is not answered here?
You can visit the Contact page to send us a message, request a quote or arrange a call to discuss your firm’s needs.
What counts as a “run” for billing purposes?
A run is one instruction to complete a specific court or office errand, for example lodging at the Master’s Office, filing at the High Court, or uplifting a court file. Multiple tasks that can be completed in a single visit to the same office for the same matter may be captured as one run, but separate matters or offices are billed as separate runs.
Which courts and offices do you visit?
Within our coverage area we regularly attend the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town, Wynberg, Athlone, Goodwood and Simon's Town Magistrates Courts, the Deeds Office, the Master’s Office and relevant Sheriff and municipal offices. You can find more detail on the Coverage Area page.
What documents can CTLL handle?
We handle court filings, Master’s Office documents, Deeds Office lodgments, municipal clearance applications, Sheriff instructions and inter-firm deliveries. We do not provide legal advice or draft documents – we only execute your firm’s instructions.
Are there documents you will not carry?
We do not carry cash, original identity documents without appropriate safeguards, or any items prohibited by law. If a document is unusually sensitive or bulky, we may discuss the request with you first before accepting the instruction.
What are your cut-off times for same-day service?
Same-day express runs are subject to availability and cut-off times, which may vary by court or office. As a guideline, urgent same-day requests should reach us as by 9am. If you are unsure, contact us before sending the instruction so that we can confirm feasibility.
How do I send an instruction to CTLL?
Clients on our plans typically log instructions via the CTLL Portal, which is the fastest way. New or occasional clients can also get in touch via the Contact page to arrange a once-off run.
How does the Associate Plan retainer work?
The Associate Plan is a monthly retainer that includes a set number of standard runs for a fixed fee. It is designed to give smaller firms predictable monthly costs for their regular court and office errands.
What happens if we exceed the included monthly runs?
If you use more than the included number of runs in a month, additional standard runs are billed at a fixed per-run rate, as set out on the Pricing & Plans page. You will always know the rate upfront.
Do unused runs roll over to the next month?
Unused included runs generally do not roll over, because the plan is priced on the assumption that usage may be slightly higher or lower each month. If you expect very uneven volumes, we can discuss a custom package.
How are urgent / same-day express runs charged?
Urgent same-day express runs attract an additional flat surcharge on top of the standard run fee. The surcharge and any conditions are detailed under Urgent / Same-Day Express Fees.
Can we cancel or change our plan?
Yes. The contract sets out the initial term and notice period for cancellation or downgrading. You can also move between the Associate Plan, pay-as-you-go and custom packages as your firm’s needs change. See Billing Start and Plan Changes for more.
Do you offer discounts for high-volume firms?
High-volume firms can request a tailored package with negotiated rates. Visit the Custom Packages section to see how this works and to request a quotation.
What is the CTLL Portal?
The CTLL Portal is your firm’s private online dashboard (powered by a secure, white-labelled monday.com workspace) where you can log instructions quickly and track each run in real time.
How do we get access to the Portal?
Once your contract is signed and onboarding is complete, we create your firm’s Portal board and send access invitations to the nominated users. You can read more under Who Can Access the Portal?.
Can we add multiple team members?
Yes. Your firm can nominate the attorneys, candidate attorneys or support staff who should have access. We then add them as users so they can log instructions and monitor progress.
How do password resets and access issues work?
If a user cannot log in, they can use the standard password reset function, and if needed you can contact CTLL for assistance. For common troubleshooting steps, see Support and Troubleshooting.
Is our matter information secure?
We take confidentiality seriously. The Portal uses secure, reputable infrastructure, and access is restricted to your firm’s authorised users and CTLL staff who need to process your instructions. Further details are set out in our Privacy Policy.
Do we have to use the Portal?
For regular clients the Portal is strongly recommended because it keeps instructions organised and provides live updates and document uploads. However, we can still assist with once-off matters initiated via email or phone where appropriate.
Which geographic areas do you cover?
Our primary focus is the Cape Town Southern Suburbs corridor between Tokai and the CBD. This includes the main courts and offices typically used by firms in this region.
Do you serve the Northern Suburbs?
We are planning to extend coverage to selected Northern Suburbs in future. The latest information on expansion plans will always be available on the Coverage Area page.
Can you assist with out-of-area or special requests?
Occasionally we may be able to quote for special or once-off out-of-area runs, depending on distance, timing and capacity. These are priced individually. Please contact us to discuss the specifics.
How does coverage affect pricing?
Our standard pricing assumes matters fall within the normal Tokai-to-CBD corridor. Work outside of this zone may attract a custom quote to cover additional time and travel. See How Coverage Affects Pricing for more detail.
What if we are not sure whether our matter falls in your area?
If you are uncertain, you can check the neighbourhood list on the Coverage Area page or contact us directly so we can confirm before you instruct us.
How do we sign the CTLL service contract?
You can download and review the contract from the Contract & Onboarding page. Once you are ready, you can sign and return it electronically as directed.
Is there a minimum contract term?
Yes, the contract specifies an initial minimum term for the chosen plan, after which it typically continues on a rolling basis with a defined notice period. The exact terms are clearly set out in the agreement.
How long does onboarding take?
Onboarding is usually completed within a few business days after we receive your signed contract and required firm information. We then set up your CTLL Portal and confirm when you can start sending instructions.
What information do you need from our firm?
We usually require firm details, key contact persons, billing information and the names of users who should have access to the Portal. The full list is described under Information We Need From Your Firm.
Can we change plans after onboarding?
Yes. You can upgrade, downgrade or move to a custom package in line with the terms in your contract. Plan changes and their timing are explained under Billing Start and Plan Changes.
Who can we speak to about contract wording?
If you have questions about any clause, you can use the contact details under Questions About the Contract? to reach us for clarification before signing.
How can we pay for CTLL services?
You can pay online via card through our Sign Up & Pay page, or you can receive an invoice after signing the contract, depending on what suits your firm best.
When are invoices issued?
For retainer plans, invoices are generally issued monthly in advance. For pay-as-you-go or special runs, invoices are usually issued after the service is completed, as specified in your agreement.
Can we get itemised billing?
Yes. Invoices can reflect each run or service line item so that you can reconcile charges against your matters. Our aim is to avoid month-end surprises and provide transparent, easy-to-read billing.
Do you charge VAT?
Any applicable taxes or VAT will be specified on the Pricing & Plans page and in your contract. If you have questions about tax treatment, please discuss them with your firm’s accountant.
Can different branches or departments be billed separately?
Where appropriate, we can agree on how billing should be structured for your firm (for example, separate reference numbers or cost centres). This can be discussed during onboarding.
Who do we contact about an invoice query?
If you have a question about an invoice or payment, you can reach us via the Helpful Links section on the Contact page or by using the main enquiry form.
If your question is not covered by the FAQs above, we are happy to help you directly.
You can use our contact form, call or WhatsApp us to discuss your firm’s needs, or request a short walkthrough of how CTLL and the CTLL Portal work in practice.
Existing clients can also log a support-related note in the CTLL Portal if their query relates to a specific matter or run.