Bertus Preller

Bertus Preller may navigate the tumultuous seas of matrimonial law with the deftness of a seasoned captain, but it is the serene world of photography where his soul finds its reprieve. As the author of "Everyone's Guide to Divorce and Separation," his literary voyage set sail with Zebra Press, an imprint of Random House Penguin, back in 2013. With the keen eye of a photographer, he captures the nuances of family law, framing each case with precision and care, much like the perfect shot. His skill has not gone unnoticed; he was heralded as one of the Best Divorce Lawyers in South Africa by Business Day in 2023.

Currently anchoring his practice at Maurice Phillips Wisenberg in Cape Town, Bertus's career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. From the landscapes of Somerset West to the hallowed halls of Grey College in the Free State, and further, to the University of the Free State and the University of Johannesburg, his education laid a rock-solid foundation for his legal journey. Admitted as an attorney in 1989, he has since sailed the legal waters for over three decades, developing a navigational chart that is both intricate and extensive. His legal compass has pointed him towards every conceivable courtroom from the Magistrates Court to the High Court, and the Constitutional Court. Yet, it is within the realm of Family and Divorce Law that Bertus truly charts his course, representing a constellation of clients across South Africa's diverse landscape.

A trusted authority in family law, Bertus's commentary shines through various media outlets, including the Sunday Times, News24 and Business Times. He has illuminated television screens on SABC's 3 Talk and Morning Live, and filled the airwaves on 702, CapeTalk and 5FM. His roster of clients, a mosaic of artists, athletes, and individuals from the upper echelons of society, stands as a testament to his ability to tailor bespoke legal strategies. In a parallel universe, Bertus Preller might be found beneath the azure skies of the Seychelles, imparting his knowledge as a diving instructor. In this second life of his imagination, the ebb and flow of the ocean's currents echo the fluctuating tides of the legal cases he so adeptly handles. This affinity for the depths of the sea pairs harmoniously with his passion for photography, a skill that he practices with professional zeal.

Bertus's introduction of iDivorce in 2006 — South Africa's first online DIY Divorce platform — was a game-changer, much like discovering an uncharted reef rich with marine life. His areas of legal expertise are as varied and colourful as a coral bed, encompassing everything from parenting plans and custody issues to international divorce law. His dedication to the legal profession is unwavering, and his thirst for knowledge unquenchable. Through his blog, FamilyLaws, Bertus continues to shed light on the ever-evolving face of Family and Divorce Law in South Africa, always aiming to keep his readers as informed and prepared as any diver exploring new depths.