Family Law, Divorce & Conveyancing Specialists in South Africa

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Trusted Experts in Family, Divorce and Conveyancing Legal
  • 30+ Years Experience
  • IAFL Membership
  • High Net Worth + International Expertise
  • Offices Nationwide
Trusted Divorce Family Lawyers

Trusted Divorce, Family Law Firm &
Conveyancing Attorneys

With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in all areas of family and matrimonial law, includingdivorce law, child custody, maintenance, and domestic violence and conveyancing matters. Our team is committed to providing strategic, compassionate, and effective legal support tailored to your unique circumstances. Benita has built the firm on a clear vision of a legal service in which you receive the individual and personal attention that you require.

We provide the necessary advice and options to resolve matters in a way that suits your needs, supported by our in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the legal system. Our skills include negotiation, mediation and, when necessary, time-tested litigation.

Benita received the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women 2022 Women of Influence award and was named winner of the Woman Extraordinaire sector. She is also a distinguished member of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a global association recognising the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries.

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Honours and Awards

Trusted Experts Recognised
by the Press and Industry

Our specialist family, divorce law and conveyancing services have been recognised in leading South African and international publications, showcasing our expertise and trusted legal authority.

Experts in financial high
net-worth cases

Secure your financial future with guidance from our expert lawyers, specialising in high net worth divorces and complex financial settlements. We provide strategic, results-driven advice to protect your assets and achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Experienced Attorneys

Meet Our Specialist Family
and Divorce Lawyers

Our team combines decades of specialist experience in family law, divorce, and conveyancing. Each attorney brings strategic insight, compassion, and a client-focused approach to every case, ensuring you receive personalised guidance and expert legal support tailored to your unique circumstances.

Benita Ardenbaum

Director and Founder
Durban, Cape Town & Johannesburg

benita ardenbaum

Benita Ardenbaum is an award-winning South African divorce and family lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Family Law, Divorce Law, and personal law. She is admitted to appear in the High Court of South Africa and began her legal career as a prosecutor, developing strong litigation skills. She is recognised for her expertise in high-conflict and high net worth divorces, international family law, cross-border child relocation and abduction, and enforcement of maintenance orders.Her practice includes complex asset division, trust structures, and children’s matters. A member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, she leads respected firms in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, combining legal strategy with emotional intelligence.

Kate Bailey - hill

Attorney and Solicitor
Durban & Johannesburg

Kate Bailey - Hill

Kate is a highly professional and experienced Attorney and Solicitor of England and Wales.She is a strong advocate for mediation and is a member of the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM).

Kate’s passion for family and children is a pinnacle strength which drives her to deliver appropriate legal solutions for her client’s.Kate’s expertise ranges from matters of divorce, maintenance, parental rights and responsibilities, domestic violence and care and contact. Having two children of her own, Kate’s caring and compassionate nature ensures that her focus is always on the best interests of the child.

Jessica Botha

Attorney and Conveyancer
Durban & Johannesburg

Jessica Botha

Jessica Gooding graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of KwaZulu – Natal in June 2014, and was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court on 23 September 2016.

Jessica has a passion for family law and deals with all matters pertaining to: divorce, care and contact, parental rights and responsibilities, children’s rights and maintenance enquiries.

She is compassionate, driven and a persistent litigator who is sensitive to her client’s needs while dedicated to fervently advocating for their interests and providing practical legal solutions.

Thandokazi Bangani

Attorney
Durban

Thandokazi Bangani

Thandokazi, a dedicated attorney from East London, holds a Bachelor of Law and completed her articles in general litigation in Pietermaritzburg. Discovering her passion for family law, she joined our team in 2023.Her greatest motivation is the opportunity to help clients improve their lives, working alongside a team of ambitious women. Thandokazi prides herself on rising to every challenge and always prioritizing her clients' best interests.

Vishali Mariemuthu

Senior Paralegal
Durban

Vishali Mariemuthu

With over 20 years in the legal and marketing sectors, I have evolved both professionally and personally, thanks to excellent teams and mentors. My career began with Senior Counsel, shaping my foundation in legal and business arenas.I believe experience is defined by building lasting relationships in an environment that fosters growth and shared knowledge. I am excited to join the BA team, whose commitment to professional excellence and sincere approach resonates with me.

Zeenat Abdool Kalik

Front House Executive

Zeenat Kalik

I believe that service excellence defines and includes appreciation for opportunities and growth, and I strongly believe that one’s words can express who they are in their own way.

I therefore always practice a happy and welcoming disposition to all clients. With more than 10 years of experience as a front office executive I understand the importance of being the “first contact” to clients and together with my love for working with people, I practice this both personally and professionally.

Saihil Bechan

Attorney
Durban

Saihil Bechan

Saihil is a dedicated attorney specializing in family and commercial law, where he navigates high emotions and complex legal issues with a sensitive, strategic approach. Committed to personalized, professional service, he always prioritizes his clients' best interests. Saihil earned his LLB from the University of the Free State in 2018 and practised in Pietermaritzburg before joining our team in May 2024.

He lives by the quote, "Every problem contains within itself the seeds of its own solution," which inspires his critical thinking and resilience.

Simone Adler

Attorney
Cape Town

Simone Adler

Simone Adler is an admitted Attorney specialising in Family Law, with extensive experience in child-related matters and complex family law litigation across the Western Cape. She regularly appears in the Regional and Family Courts and holds right of appearance in the High Court. Simone is also an accredited FAMAC Mediator, bringing a balanced and solutions-driven approach to her matters. She joined Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys in August 2025 and is known for her thorough, compassionate, and client-focused approach when navigating emotionally sensitive family law disputes.

Jocelyn Finnie

Candidate Legal Practitioner
Durban

Jocelyn Finnie

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Jocelyn completed both her degrees at Stellenbosch University, namely a BA Law with a triple major in law, psychology, and philosophy and a Post-Graduate LLB. She was a mentee in the mentorship programme of the South African Chapter of International Women Judges Association and a consultant at the Stellenbosch University Law Clinic.

It was here where she started to grow a passion in family law. Her biggest motivator in joining the legal fraternity is to leave the world a better place by the time she is done with it and to speak up for those who are not able to do so themselves. She always strives to give of her best and ensures all she does is completed with integrity, skill, and compassion. “

Elaine Dhanukdhari

Senior Bookkeeper
Durban

Elaine Dhanukdhari

Elaine is the Senior Bookkeeper at Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, with over 15 years of experience as a bookkeeper. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for finance, particularly within the legal sphere. Throughout her career, Elaine has developed a strong dedication to financial excellence and is inspired by the meaningful work and pursuit of justice carried out by the firm.
She is well-versed in the management of attorney trust and investment accounts, ensuring that both the firm’s and clients’ finances are handled with the highest levels of care, accuracy, and integrity. Elaine lives by the quote, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Benita Is A Member Of The Prestigious International Academy Of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

The Law Firm Has Expertise
In The Following Areas
Of International Law:

  • Family law disputes in international jurisdictions
  • Divorce, nullity and dissolution of same-sex partnerships
  • Separation
  • Finances
  • Marital and child support
  • Marital and cohabitation agreements
  • Issues in relation to children including custody and residence, visitation, relocation, abduction, surrogacy, adoption and public law
  • Dispute resolution including, mediation and collaborative law 
Reclaim Your Future

steps to success

We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

We work closely with our clients, providing clear communication and personalised legal support. Our specialist team addresses your unique needs with care, strategy, and dedication, ensuring the best possible outcomes in family, divorce, and conveyancing matters.

What People Say About Us

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The team at BA Family Law could not be more professional and efficient. Not only do they provide a top tier service, they do it with empathy and sincerity. Never forgetting that there are real people with real feelings behind every case they deal with.
Taryn T
I started off the proceedings of divorce only with the support, confidence, enthusiasm and encouragement of Benita and her exceptionally professional team. I was lost, hurt, desperate and after having a husband who walked out after a quarter of a century of marriage, I did not even know where to start. The first step I took in the journey to regain myself was made by reaching out to this awesome fabulous team of dynamic ladies. What transpired many months later was a journey I would not have made on my own. I owe these brilliant ladies my deepest gratitude for empowering me as much as they have. To Benita, Jess and the phenomenal team, the biggest heartfelt thank you.
Judith
I currently am represented by Benita and found that her many years of experience plays a major part in being successful in what you as a client sets out for. In a world where a fathers voice is turned down, she amplifies it and assures he is heard. Benita in my opinion is a meticulous, thorough individual who doesn’t stop until every stone is turned for her client. As a father who was in a constant battle for visitation rights to my minor child had approached Benita and she assisted to which I was successful. It is in my opinion that at times an individual could tick all boxes to be legally successful, however, if that individual does not have the right representation all will be in vain. Benita assures perfect execution all the time.
Ibrahim Vanker
I am exceedingly grateful to Benita and her team for really and truly pulling a rabbit out of the hat for my wife, stepdaughter and I. We were faced with a totally impossible cross border custody debacle that we estimated would take half a year to sort out. Benita came very highly recommended so we sought her help. And Voila! 4 weeks later, problem solved! In record time and with flawless professionalism. I cannot put in words the level of gratitude and respect I have for Benita's integrity, sincerity and expertise. This is a blue-chip team that is truly in a class of their own. Thank You Benita.
Kassie Sumesh
Benita Ardenbaum, I would like to personally thank you for achieving such great results in a short period of time. I was in such a terrible motion of court battles and issues. I’m truly grateful I met you, you are so good at what you do and there is many people out there that will be eternally grateful for meeting you. You are worth every cent. Best family attorney I have ever met. Super star. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made a huge difference in my life.
Codie Jacobs
In the often-intimidating world of law, Benita Ardenbaum stands out as a rare and radiant force, an inspiring blend of strength, wisdom, and deep compassion. As an attorney, Benita brings not only sharp legal acumen but also a powerful background in psychology that makes her approach truly transformative. She doesn’t just fight cases; she walks alongside her clients with a nurturing heart, genuine care, and an unwavering sense of justice.
Criselda Naidoo

Extensive Experience in Family and Divorce Law

Insights from Our Family,
Divorce & Conveyancing Expert

Read Our Expert Insights
Legal Realities of Relocating with Children

Moving Away vs. Moving On: The Legal Realities of Relocating with Children

Benita Ardenbaum 29/04/2026

Moving abroad with children involves more than just packing; it requires navigating the Children’s Act and potential Hague Convention implications. At Benita Attorneys, we manage high-stakes relocation litigation, ensuring your case is built on solid legal and forensic foundations.

Surrogacy Parental Leave Laws in South Africa

The Intacracies of Surrogacy And Parental Leave In South Africa

Benita Ardenbaum 27/03/2026

Navigating surrogacy in South Africa involves balancing the Children’s Act with the BCEA. While commissioning parents share a 4-month parental leave pool for bonding, surrogates are entitled to maternity leave for physical recovery. Discover how to plan your leave and UIF claims effectively.

Benita Ardenbaum

director and co-founder

Benita Ardenbaum is the director and founder of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys. Benita is passionate about family law and has worked in this field for 27 years.Benita provides an integrative and client centered approach as opposed to a one dimensional approach to family law.

She is a qualified mediator and has extensive experience in litigation. Benita has an established international practise. Benita is a member of the international Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

Benita expertise ranges from divorce, maintenance, domestic violence and children’s rights. Having two adult children of her own, Benita has a deep understanding of the best interests of a child growing all the way into adulthood.