Family Law, Divorce & Conveyancing Specialists in South Africa

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Benita Ardenbaum Founder

NO ORDINARY FAMILY LAWYER

Benita Ardenbaum is a top divorce and family lawyer in South Africa with over 30 years of experience in Family Law, Divorce Law, and personal law. Admitted to appear in the High Court of South Africa, she began her legal career as a prosecutor, honing her strategic litigation skills. She is widely recognised for her expertise in high-conflict and high net worth divorces, both domestic and international, as well as international family law, cross-border child relocation and abduction, and the enforcement of maintenance orders. Her practice also covers complex asset division, trust structures, and children’s matters. Known for her strong mediation and negotiation skills, Benita has successfully resolved some of South Africa’s most acrimonious family law disputes.

A member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), she is also a passionate advocate for children’s rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals, including the elderly. Benita has appeared in numerous high-profile media cases and is frequently sought after for her legal insight. Her accolades include KZN Businesswoman Extraordinaire (2022/2023), Top KZN Business Leader (2024), and a finalist in the Standard Bank Top Business Awards (2025). She leads a nationally respected family law firm with offices in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Guided by the ethos “emotional intelligence drives strategy,” she delivers legal solutions that are technically sound, commercially astute, and grounded in human understanding.

"You Are One Decision Away From A Totally Different
Life Filled With Equality And Victory."

Legal services

“Divorce is emotional let us guide you to a rational
settlement without irrational hostility!”

01

Empower

At Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, our goal is to empower our clients financially, legally, and otherwise through cooperation, support, and the sharing of knowledge.

Empowerment is always on the horizon for those who seek it. Ultimately, participating in meaningful, truthful exchanges and pursuing passions can give you the fuel and community you need to live your fully empowered self.

02

Protect

Our Attorneys show both strength and empathy as we protect the future for our clients and their loved ones. Our priority is to safeguard our client’s interests by protecting what matters most to them.

True emotional freedom requires people to grow and evolve through the pain. Once they do, they can step more confidently into the next chapter of their life.

03

Justice

Coming to terms with divorce isn’t easy. It requires a lot of soul-searching and hard work. 

It means turning inward and doing the tough work of processing your emotions—really feeling it all—the anger, the grief, the hurt, the depression, — and then letting go of those emotions. It means accepting that your marriage ended in whatever manner it did and finding meaning from the experience. 

Who we are

A SPECIALIST FAMILY LAW FIRM

Central to the firm’s values and culture is to understand what is important to you, the client, and to create a tailor-made strategy to help you achieve an outcome that is favourable to you.

We understand that the legal process can often be stressful, daunting, confusing and over-whelming. In order to alleviate the stress of divorce or a family dispute, we work closely with our clients and approach each case with care, discretion, commitment and dedication. The core belief within our firm is that open communication with our clients is paramount, and we seek to address each individual’s unique financial, emotional and legal needs by guiding and supporting them throughout the process.

No two clients are the same and there are those who prefer to avoid the stress and expense of litigation in court. We strive to assist our clients to reach favourable outcomes to conflict situations by means of alternative dispute-resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation and principles based on Collaborative Law. Where cases cannot be resolved amicably the firm is equipped to litigate in court to protect a client’s legal rights by means of the adoption of strategic and effective planning, preparation and execution.

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 and founder of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys. With over 30 years’ experience, she is admitted to appear in the High Court of South Africa. She specialises in high-conflict and high-net-worth divorces, international family law, cross-border child matters, and maintenance enforcement. Her work spans complex asset division, trust structures, and children’s matters, with a focus on simplifying disputes and delivering practical, strategic solutions. Benita takes a client-centred approach and is also a qualified mediator. She is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

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 Gooding

Attorney and Conveyancer
Durban & Johannesburg

Jessica Gooding

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 prioritising her clients’ best interests.

Vishali Mariemuthu

Senior Paralegal
Durban

Vishali Mariemuthu

With over 20 years of experience in the legal and marketing sectors, Vishali has evolved both professionally and personally, thanks to the guidance of excellent teams and mentors. Her career began with Senior Counsel, which shaped her foundation in both the legal and business arenas.She believes that experience is defined by building lasting relationships in an environment that fosters growth and shared knowledge. She is excited to join the BA team, whose commitment to professional excellence and sincere approach resonates with her.

Zeenat Kalik

Front House Executive
Durban

Zeenat Kalik

Zeenat believes that service excellence is defined by an appreciation for opportunities and growth, and that one’s words can express who they are in their own unique way.She therefore always maintains a happy and welcoming disposition towards all clients. With more than 10 years of experience as a front office executive, she understands the importance of being the “first point of contact” for clients and, together with her love for working with people, applies this both personally and professionally.

Saihil Bechan

Attorney
Durban

Saihil Bechan

Saihil is a dedicated attorney specialising in family and commercial law, where he navigates high emotions and complex legal issues with a sensitive, strategic approach. Committed to personalised, professional service, he always prioritises 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.

Taysha Reddy

Business Manager
Durban

Taysha Reddy

Taysha is the Finance and Operations Manager at Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys. She holds a BCom in Financial Management (2017) and has over nine years of experience in the legal finance sector. She specialises in managing trust and investment accounts, with a strong reputation for integrity, transparency, and precision. Her analytical skills and industry knowledge support the firm’s financial and operational efficiency, ensuring compliance and enabling the legal team to focus on delivering exceptional family law services. Taysha is particularly passionate about children’s wellbeing, aligning closely with the firm’s commitment to prioritising children’s rights in every case.

Jade Woods

Candidate Attorney
Cape Town

Jade Woods

Jade Woods completed her LLB at Nelson Mandela University, where she consistently achieved academic distinction and was placed on the Dean’s List. While studying, she volunteered at the university Law Clinic, gaining early experience in family law and developing a strong interest in supporting clients through sensitive personal matters. She also acted as a disciplinary council student representative, where she assisted students in hearings and gained practical exposure to advocacy and litigation processes. In addition, Jade is a qualified mediator, strengthening her ability to resolve disputes constructively. She is now beginning her journey as a Candidate Attorney at Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys.

Benita Ardenbaum

Director and Founder
Durban, Cape Town & Johannesburg

Benita Ardenbaum

Benita Ardenbaum is an award-winning South African divorce and family lawyer and founder of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys. With over 30 years’ experience, she is admitted to appear in the High Court of South Africa. She specialises in high-conflict and high-net-worth divorces, international family law, cross-border child matters, and maintenance enforcement. Her work spans complex asset division, trust structures, and children’s matters, with a focus on simplifying disputes and delivering practical, strategic solutions. Benita takes a client-centred approach and is also a qualified mediator. She is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

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 Gooding

Attorney and Conveyancer
Durban & Johannesburg

Jessica Gooding

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 prioritising her clients’ best interests.

Vishali Mariemuthu

Senior Paralegal
Durban

Vishali Mariemuthu

With over 20 years of experience in the legal and marketing sectors, Vishali has evolved both professionally and personally, thanks to the guidance of excellent teams and mentors. Her career began with Senior Counsel, which shaped her foundation in both the legal and business arenas.She believes that experience is defined by building lasting relationships in an environment that fosters growth and shared knowledge. She is excited to join the BA team, whose commitment to professional excellence and sincere approach resonates with her.

Zeenat Kalik

Front House Executive
Durban

Zeenat Kalik

Zeenat believes that service excellence is defined by an appreciation for opportunities and growth, and that one’s words can express who they are in their own unique way.She therefore always maintains a happy and welcoming disposition towards all clients. With more than 10 years of experience as a front office executive, she understands the importance of being the “first point of contact” for clients and, together with her love for working with people, applies this both personally and professionally.

Saihil Bechan

Attorney
Durban

Saihil Bechan

Saihil is a dedicated attorney specialising in family and commercial law, where he navigates high emotions and complex legal issues with a sensitive, strategic approach. Committed to personalised, professional service, he always prioritises 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.

Taysha Reddy

Business Manager
Durban

Taysha Reddy

Taysha is the Finance and Operations Manager at Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys. She holds a BCom in Financial Management (2017) and has over nine years of experience in the legal finance sector. She specialises in managing trust and investment accounts, with a strong reputation for integrity, transparency, and precision. Her analytical skills and industry knowledge support the firm’s financial and operational efficiency, ensuring compliance and enabling the legal team to focus on delivering exceptional family law services. Taysha is particularly passionate about children’s wellbeing, aligning closely with the firm’s commitment to prioritising children’s rights in every case.

Jade Woods

Candidate Attorney
Cape Town

Jade Woods

Jade Woods completed her LLB at Nelson Mandela University, where she consistently achieved academic distinction and was placed on the Dean’s List. While studying, she volunteered at the university Law Clinic, gaining early experience in family law and developing a strong interest in supporting clients through sensitive personal matters. She also acted as a disciplinary council student representative, where she assisted students in hearings and gained practical exposure to advocacy and litigation processes. In addition, Jade is a qualified mediator, strengthening her ability to resolve disputes constructively. She is now beginning her journey as a Candidate Attorney at Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys.

Communication is key

Client based service

Benita Ardenbaum Attorney are passionate about meeting their client’s needs and nurturing a genuine and transparent relationship with their client’s. Personal care of each one of our client’s is of paramount importance to us. The building
and nurturing of our client relationships is long-lasting, even after the client’s mandate has ended. 

Our team understands that our client’s want honest, sound and practical legal advice, based on our extensive knowledge of family law. We strive to ensure that we deliver an exceptional experience which will not only attract new clients, but whenever necessary, assist previous loyal client’s. In delivering professional services to our client’s they are entrusting us with their future which is the foundation of our success.

Client satisfaction
98%
Success Rate
99%
Execution
100%

get to know each other

Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys prides itself on the specialist team of family law attorneys who are there to help families and individuals through hard times. With Benita Ardenbaum at the helm of the firm, she has a wealth of experience in family law both locally and internationally.

Each member of our team is committed to providing our client’s with exceptional advice aimed at achieving successful results. Our team has a combined background of impressive achievements and qualifications as well as a commitment to professional excellence and client services.

Understanding your rights

It is important to obtain the correct legal advice when divorcing so that you have a comprehensive understanding of your rights. Understanding your rights is far-reaching as a divorce incorporates numerous facets which include the division of assets according to your marriage regime, maintenance for the minor children and the spouse, and the incorporation of a parenting plan. In some cases, where there has been domestic violence or abuse, whether it be by a spouse or third party, we can assist in the process to obtain a protection order.

Understanding your rights does not only include knowing your rights in a divorce action it transcends to unmarried fathers rights and their pursuit of parental rights, laws pertaining to international divorces, and the rights of parents of abduction children.

Determining your goals

When we are faced with a difficult and emotional situation, it is easy to get discouraged and lose hope. Hope is needed to find happiness and peace during times that might otherwise lead us to become disheartened.

Our Attorneys are directly invested in determining our client’s goals. By having clear goals, it enables us to know precisely what our client’s want to achieve. Our aim is to then plan for what our client’s ideal outcome would be and to identify the essential elements required to fulfil our client’s desired end result.

“Divorce is emotional let us guide you to a rational
settlement without irrational hostility!”

Divorce Law