Resolve Your Divorce with Confidence, Dignity, and Legal Certainty
We provide structured and cost-effective divorce mediation services in South Africa. Whether you are just beginning the divorce process or are already engaged in litigation, mediation offers a faster, more affordable, and less hostile alternative to a contested divorce.
We work with clients throughout South Africa, offering in-person mediation in Roodepoort and Ballito, as well as online divorce mediation sessions via secure video conferencing.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a confidential process where both parties appoint a neutral, trained mediator to help them resolve the financial and parental aspects of their separation. Unlike litigation, mediation is collaborative, voluntary, and focused on sustainable solutions that meet both parties’ needs.
Mediation can begin:
- At the start of the divorce process, before any court documents are filed
- During litigation, if parties wish to resolve matters without proceeding to trial
- On referral by attorneys or the Court in terms of Rule 41A of the High Court Rules
Our Approach to Divorce Mediation
At Vermeulen Attorneys, our mediators are also practicing family law attorneys, accredited by NABFAM and registered with the Legal Practice Council. This ensures your mediation process is both legally compliant and professionally managed.
We welcome the involvement of legal representatives. If you already have an attorney, we are happy to collaborate with the parties’ attorneys in an ethical manner to ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the process, while still prioritising a mediated settlement.
What Can Be Resolved in Divorce Mediation?
- Division of the joint estate
- Accrual claims
- Trusts and jointly owned assets
- Parental responsibilities and rights
- Care / Primary residence and contact (custody and access)
- Guardianship matters
- Child maintenance
- Spousal maintenance
- Pension interest allocations
Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?
- Mandatory Consideration Under Court Rules
In terms of Rule 41A, all High Court litigants must consider mediation before proceeding to trial. If a party refuses to mediate, they must explain their refusal to the Court. - Save Time and Money
Contested divorces often take years and cost tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of rands. Mediation is faster, lower-cost, and the cost is typically shared between the parties. - Control and Privacy
You remain in control of the outcome and avoid the public nature of court proceedings. - Focus on Solutions, Not Blame
Mediation emphasises problem-solving and compromise, rather than legal blame and escalation.
The Divorce Mediation Process
The mediation process is flexible, and tailored to the needs of the parties. A typical mediation process may look as follows:
- Agreement to Mediate
The parties jointly sign a written agreement appointing one of the attorney-mediators at Vermeulen Attorneys as mediator. - Intake and Preparation
Both parties complete a confidential intake form and attend individual pre-mediation sessions. - Joint Mediation Session
The mediator facilitates structured discussions on the key issues, working toward consensus. - Settlement Agreement
If agreement is reached, we draft a Memorandum of Understanding, or a comprehensive divorce settlement agreement that can be made an order of court. - If No Agreement Is Reached
A certificate is issued confirming that mediation was attempted but unsuccessful, allowing the parties to proceed with litigation if necessary.
Divorce Mediation Services Available In:
- Roodepoort – Conveniently located near Clearwater Mall and the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court
- Ballito – Based at Workshop17, Ballito Junction, avoiding the need to travel to Durban, Umhlanga or KwaDukuza
- Nationwide Online Divorce Mediation – Available to clients across South Africa (and abroad) via secure video conferencing
Book a Divorce Mediation Consultation
Whether you are exploring mediation as a first step or wish to de-escalate a contested divorce, our experienced family mediators are ready to assist. Contact Vermeulen Attorneys today to schedule your divorce mediation consultation.
