Bertus Preller – FAMAC‑Accredited Mediator
Renowned mediator Bertus Preller brings a wealth of experience and a multi‑faceted skill set to the field of Family and Divorce Law Mediation. As the founder of FamilyLaws, South Africa’s leading blog on family and divorce law, Bertus keeps his finger on the pulse of the latest legal developments. He is also the author of the seminal book “Everyone’s Guide to Divorce and Separation,” published by Random House, making him a trusted authority in the field.
Educated at the University of the Free State and the University of Johannesburg, Bertus was admitted as an attorney in 1989 and has built an illustrious career spanning over three decades. He has acted in matters before the Constitutional Court, High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts nationwide, and has litigated extensively across South Africa.
In 1996, he broadened his professional scope to include mediation and arbitration, serving with distinction as a part‑time Commissioner at the CCMA and as an Appeals Authority for the South African Police Service.
His work has been honoured with prestigious awards: Family Lawyer of the Year (ACQ5 Finance magazine, 2015) and Best Divorce Lawyer in South Africa (Business Day, 2023). He currently practises as a consultant at Maurice Phillips Wisenberg in Cape Town.
A frequent media contributor, Bertus has been quoted in the Sunday Times and Business Times, and has appeared on SABC’s 3 Talk and Morning Live. His clientele ranges from artists and celebrities to athletes and high‑net‑worth individuals.
In 2006, Bertus launched iDivorce, South Africa’s first online DIY divorce platform. He is also an accomplished photographer who has covered international rugby tests and the HSBC Sevens Series. This creative flair informs his mediation style—employing out‑of‑the‑box, client‑ and child‑centred strategies.
Bertus firmly believes that the divorce process should not be a painful or adversarial experience but rather a constructive one, enabling all parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Areas of Expertise
- Divorce and Family Law
- Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Law
- Parenting Plans and Child Custody (Care and Contact)
- Parental Responsibilities and Rights
- Same-Sex Marriages and Unmarried Fathers’ Rights
- Family Violence Interdicts and Harassment Cases
- International Child Abduction (Hague Convention)
- International Divorce Law and Opinions
- Maintenance, Rule 43, and Rule 58 Applications
- Cohabitation Law and Universal Partnerships
- Adoption and Surrogacy
