Bertus Preller

Expert Family and Divorce Law Attorney
Cape Town, South Africa

Introduction

Bertus Preller, a pre-eminent Family and Divorce Law Attorney based in Cape Town, South Africa, is renowned for his extensive expertise and substantial contributions in the field. An accomplished author and legal luminary, Bertus provides expert opinion services to international legal professionals, encompassing jurisdictions like the UK, Turkey, Romania, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and more.

Expert Opinion Services Overview

Our services transcend South African boundaries, offering expert insights into intricate cases involving South African divorce and family law. These services are indispensable for legal professionals globally, who require nuanced and precise interpretations of South African legal principles and precedents.

Bertus Preller's Credentials

Education: Received legal education from the University of the Free State and the University of Johannesburg; admitted in 1989.

Career Milestones: Over three decades of legal practice; involvement in cases across all levels of the South African court system; adept in Mediation and Arbitration.

Accolades: Awarded Family Lawyer of the Year (2015, ACQ5 Finance magazine), and Best Lawyers (2023, Business Day).

Publications and Media: Author of influential books and creator of the FamilyLaws blog, featuring new case law and Family and Divorce Law news; featured in numerous media outlets for expert views on family law.

Significant Cases and Contributions

Bertus's legal acumen is highlighted in several landmark cases, showcasing his comprehensive expertise in various facets of family and divorce law. Key cases include:

AA v LA [2013] ZAWCHC 168 B v B [2018] ZAWCHC 171 J v L [2019] ZAFSHC 225 H M v L M [2020] ZAWCHC 24 SACCAWU and Others v Irvin & Johnson Limited [2000] E.W v V.H [2023] ZAWCHC 58 Blue Dot Properties 391 (Pty) Ltd v H.G and Others [2023] J.P.R.D v L.S.D [2023] ZAWCHC 296 DR v NM and Another [2024] ZAWCHC 69 DR v NM and Another [2024] ZAWCHC 165 S.K v R.K [2024] ZAWCHC 162 R.A v I.K (8953/2020) [2025] ZAWCHC 123 S.E.T and Others v Department of Justice [2025] ZAWCHC 282

Bertus Preller's expertise in South African divorce and family law positions him as an essential resource for international legal practitioners. His blend of experience, innovation, and recognized authority offers a comprehensive resource for those requiring expert opinions in this specialised field.

International Opinion Services Offered

Comparative Legal Analysis

Description: Providing detailed comparisons between South African family law and the legal frameworks of other jurisdictions. This service is particularly valuable for cases that involve cross-border elements, such as international divorces or child custody disputes.

Example Cases: Advising on the differences in divorce proceedings between South Africa and countries like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, etc., especially in terms of marital property division and spousal support.

Expert Testimony in Foreign Courts

Description: Bertus Preller serves as an expert witness in foreign courts, offering authoritative testimony on aspects of South African family and divorce law.

Example Scenarios: Testifying in a UK court regarding the South African legal perspective on cases involving South African nationals or expatriates.

Legal Opinions

Description: Drafting legal opinions for use in international legal matters, providing detailed analyses of specific aspects of South African family law.

Example Applications: Preparing an opinion for a solicitor in England regarding the validity of a marriage concluded by UK citizens in South Africa.

Advisory Services for Cross-Jurisdictional Cases

Description: Offering strategic advice and insights for cases that span multiple jurisdictions, such as international divorces or Hague Convention cases on child abduction.

Example Situations: Advising a New Zealand-based attorney on handling a divorce case where one spouse is domiciled in South Africa and the other in New Zealand.

Mediation and Arbitration in International Disputes

Description: Facilitating mediation and arbitration for international family law disputes, leveraging extensive experience as a mediator and arbitrator.

Example Contexts: Mediating a parenting plan dispute for a couple where one partner lives in South Africa and the other in Australia.

Consultation on Hague Convention Matters

Description: Providing expert consultation on cases related to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Example Cases: Consulting on a case for a USA-based legal team regarding the wrongful removal of a child to South Africa and the applicability of the Hague Convention.

Guidance on Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Description: Offering advice on the recognition and enforcement of foreign family law judgments in South Africa.

Example Instances: Assisting an attorney in Turkey with the process of enforcing a Turkish child custody decision in South Africa.

Customized Legal Research and Reports

Description: Conducting in-depth research on specific South African family law topics and compiling comprehensive reports tailored to international clients' needs.

Example Applications: Preparing a detailed report for a Romanian law firm on the implications of South African antenuptial contracts in cross-border asset division cases.

Training and Workshops for International Lawyers

Description: Delivering virtual or in-person workshops to educate foreign legal professionals on key aspects of South African family and divorce law.

Example Contexts: Hosting a webinar for Australian solicitors on navigating South African child relocation laws in international custody disputes.

Pre-Litigation Strategy Consulting

Description: Providing proactive advice to help international clients develop strategies before formal proceedings begin, minimizing risks in family law matters.

Example Situations: Guiding an Irish attorney on pre-divorce planning for a client with South African property holdings to ensure equitable outcomes.

Risk Assessment in International Marriages

Description: Evaluating potential legal risks in marriages involving South African elements, such as jurisdiction conflicts or inheritance laws.

Example Cases: Assessing risks for a couple from the USA planning to marry in South Africa, focusing on community of property regimes and their global implications.

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