Divorce & maintenance
Clear, calm representation through divorce and the financial decisions that follow.
- Divorces
- Settlement agreements
- Maintenance
Family Law · Mediation · Estates
Steady guidance when family matters most.
I am Johanna du Preez, a family law attorney in Brooklyn, Pretoria. For more than thirty years I have guided families through divorce, children's matters, maintenance applications and the winding up of estates with care and a steady hand.
1993Admitted as an attorney
High CourtRight of appearance
BProc & LLBUniversity of Pretoria
Johanna du Preez
Attorney · Brooklyn, Pretoria
“My work is to take the legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on your family.”
Legal Practice Council
Member, Pretoria Attorneys Association
Family mediation trained, NABFAM accreditation in progress
Practising countrywide
How I can help
Family law, handled with clarity
Every matter is different and every family is too. These are the areas I work in every day, explained in plain language so you always know where you stand.
Children & parenting
Putting children first in every arrangement, with their wellbeing at the centre.
- All children-related matters
- Parenting plans
- Adoptions
Protection & safety
Urgent, confidential help when you or your children feel unsafe.
- Domestic violence
- Harassment
Family mediation
A calmer path through separation, working towards agreement instead of conflict.
- Family mediation
- Preparation for mediation
Estates, trusts & contracts
Careful planning and drafting that protects what you have built.
- Winding up of estates
- Wills and living wills
- Trusts
- Drafting of contracts
Not sure where to start?
Tell me what you are facing and I will point you in the right direction. The first step is a conversation.
Book a consultation →
About Johanna
More than thirty years beside families
Clear advice, honest expectations and a steady hand, through every kind of family matter.
Johanna du Preez
Attorney · Admitted 1993
I am Johanna du Preez. I have practised law since 1993, when I was admitted as an attorney after completing my BProc and LLB at the University of Pretoria.
For more than three decades I have walked beside families through divorce, children's matters, maintenance and the winding up of estates. I hold the right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa. I prefer to resolve matters through mediation rather than a long costly court battle.
I work in English and Afrikaans. I am based in Pretoria, consult from Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, telephonically or virtually and assist clients countrywide. Whatever you are facing, my aim is the same. To give you clear advice, honest expectations and a steady hand.
- BProc & LLB, University of Pretoria
- Admitted as an attorney, 1993
- Right of appearance, High Court of SA
- Member, Legal Practice Council
- Member, Pretoria Attorneys Association
- Extended Family Mediation Course completed
- NABFAM accreditation in progress
- English and Afrikaans
Firm registration no. 8747. Accountable Institution in terms of FICA. Information officer: Johanna du Preez.
Family mediation
Resolution first, wherever it is possible
A court battle is not the only way through separation. It is rarely the kindest. Where both sides are willing, I help families reach their own agreement through mediation.
It keeps decisions in your hands rather than a court's. It also protects the relationships that have to continue long after the matter is closed.
Ask about mediationCalmer than court
A guided conversation instead of an adversarial fight, with everyone treated with respect.
Better for children
Parents who reach their own agreement model the cooperation their children need.
Often faster and more affordable
Resolving matters by agreement can spare you the time and cost of a drawn-out trial.
Insights
Notes on family law
Plain-language notes on family law and the recent judgments that affect families, written so you can see what they mean for you.
When maintenance goes unpaid, the court can act
A parent who can afford maintenance but refuses to pay can be held in contempt of court. A 2025 High Court judgment shows the real consequences, from a suspended prison sentence to credit blacklisting.
Read the article →
Customary marriage, civil marriage and your property system
Moving from a customary marriage to a civil marriage does not automatically change how you own property. The Constitutional Court confirmed in 2026 that changing your property system still needs a court order.
Read the article →
A divorce does not automatically revoke your Will
Divorce only cancels a gift to your former spouse if you die within three months of the divorce. After that, an out-of-date Will can leave your estate to someone you never intended.
Read the article →New notes are added as judgments worth knowing about come up. Read all insights →
In their words
Trusted through difficult times
A few words from clients I have helped through difficult times.
“
She guided me through my divorce with professionalism and compassion. It was settled within four months. She was well prepared, responsive and determined to protect my interests.
“
My father reduced my maintenance as soon as I turned 18 and wanted to stop it after Grade 12. She fought for me and reached a settlement where he pays a large portion of my study fees. She goes above and beyond, making sure every matter is handled thoroughly and fairly.
“
She treats every matter with the importance it deserves and takes the time to understand the people behind the case, so they feel heard, respected and supported. Her ability to combine professionalism with compassion is remarkable.
Pretoria
Palace of Justice, Church Square, Pretoria
Rooted in Pretoria, beside families countrywide
I practise from Brooklyn and assist clients across South Africa, with more than thirty years of family law behind every matter.
Get in touch
Let's talk about your matter
Send me a message and I will come back to you. If your matter is urgent, please call me during working hours.
Phone
WhatsApp
Consultations
By appointment at Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, 3rd Floor Steven House, 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181. Also available telephonically or virtually.
Availability
By appointment, weekdays 08:00 to 16:30. Afterhours by arrangement.