Family & Divorce Mediation
Resolving disputes with dignity, clarity, and constructive communication.
MEDIATOR
More About Byron Werbeloff
Through his work as a counsellor, Byron witnessed how devastating the divorce process can be when handled through prolonged litigation. Many clients described the process as emotionally exhausting, financially draining, and deeply distressing for themselves and their children.
With his background in relationship dynamics, conflict resolution, and communication, Byron recognised the need for a more humane and constructive pathway.
This led him to qualify as an accredited Family and Divorce Mediator in 2026, enabling him to help couples resolve disputes with dignity, clarity, and less emotional harm.
Byron’s mediation approach combines professional neutrality with deep insight into relationship conflict, allowing clients to feel heard and supported throughout the process.
Qualifications
- BA Human Movement Sciences and Sport Psychology (Psychology major)
- Honours in Counselling Psychology – University of South Africa (Cum Laude)
- Diploma in Business Management (Cum Laude)
“I am deeply committed to supporting every couple I work with through the divorce mediation process. This is not merely a job to me — I bring sincere care, dedication, and my very best efforts to every session. My goal is to guide both parties toward a respectful, balanced, and mutually acceptable agreement that allows them to move forward with clarity and dignity.”
- Byron Werbeloff
A Guided Path to Resolution
Mediation is a guided process where two people choose a neutral third party to help them resolve disagreements in a calm, respectful, and constructive way. Unlike a court hearing, mediation is not about one person “winning” or “losing,” and the mediator does not act as a judge or make decisions for either party. It is also different from counselling or therapy, as the purpose is to help both parties reach fair and workable agreements.
Situations Best Suited for Mediation
Mediation is often the most effective option when parties need to resolve disputes respectfully, efficiently, and with minimal emotional and financial strain. It is particularly beneficial where:
- An ongoing relationship must be preserved, especially where children or shared responsibilities are involved
- Children’s care, contact, or wellbeing is a central concern
- Communication between the parties has become difficult or unproductive
- Important life, parenting, or financial decisions need to be made promptly
- Both parties want greater control over the outcome rather than having a decision imposed by a court
- A private, confidential, and less adversarial process is preferred
Areas Covered by Mediation
Mediation is available for disputes arising from a variety of personal, family, and relationship contexts. It provides a neutral and confidential space for parties to work toward fair and respectful resolutions.
Marriages & Unions
Civil, religious, or customary marriages and cohabitation agreements.
Divorce & Separation
Structured support for couples navigating the end of a relationship.
Parenting Plans
Addressing care, contact, and the best interests of the children.
Financial Support
Maintenance and financial responsibilities for children and spouses.
Asset Division
Fair distribution of property and shared assets during separation.
Settlement Agreements
Formally recording negotiated terms for legal finalization.
The Mediation Process
The mediation process is designed to be structured, supportive, and tailored to the unique needs of each family or couple.
Mediation typically takes place over three or more sessions, each lasting approximately 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the progress made during discussions. Additional sessions may be arranged where necessary to ensure that all matters are thoroughly explored and resolved.
During each session, both parties are guided through a respectful, neutral, and confidential process aimed at resolving disputes, improving communication, and reaching practical, mutually acceptable agreements.
At the Conclusion of Mediation
At the end of the mediation process, both parties will be provided with a Settlement Agreement. This document records all points of agreement reached during the mediation sessions and may be used as part of the legal divorce or separation process where applicable.
Matters Suitable for Mediation
The mediation process includes disputes arising from personal and family relationships, including matters relating to:
- Marriage (civil and/or religious)
- Customary unions
- Cohabiting partners
- Partnership agreements governing a personal relationship
- Separation and divorce mediation
- Parenting and child-related arrangements
- Financial and property disputes between partners
Parenting Plans
Where minor children are involved, a Parenting Plan will be drafted to address matters such as care, contact, parental responsibilities, and the best interests of the children.
- In divorce matters, the Parenting Plan is prepared as an annexure to the Settlement Agreement
- Where the parties were not married, the Parenting Plan may be drafted as a stand-alone document
Voice of the Child
Where a Parenting Plan is being prepared, it may be necessary for a Voice of the Child interview to be conducted by an appropriately qualified specialist, such as a psychologist, social worker, or other child-care professional, depending on the circumstances of the matter.
The purpose of this process is to ensure that the child’s views, needs, and best interests are properly considered when determining care, contact, and parental responsibility arrangements.
In terms of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, any Parenting Plan must comply with the best interests of the child standard as set out in section 7, and the child’s participation must be considered in accordance with section 10, where the child is of such an age, maturity, and stage of development as to be able to express a view.
Matters Covered
- Asset and property division
- Maintenance and financial support
- Parenting arrangements and Plans
- Care, contact, and co-parenting
- Child-focused decision-making
- Post-divorce disputes
Services & Downloads
Hover or click on the cards below to read more and download the relevant documents.
Settlement Agreements
Settlement Agreements are a practical and effective way to resolve disputes between parties without the need for litigation or court adjudication. They record the terms agreed upon during mediation, providing clarity, certainty, and a clear way forward while avoiding the cost, delay, and stress of court proceedings.
Parenting Plans
A Parenting Plan is a clear and structured roadmap that sets out how children will be cared for and raised following a separation or divorce. It outlines arrangements relating to care, contact, parental responsibilities, and decision-making, with the child’s best interests remaining the central focus.
Agreements Relating to the Dispute
Any agreements necessary to resolve the dispute can be discussed, negotiated, and formally recorded. Disputes often arise when parties disagree on the terms of an existing agreement. For an agreement to be valid, both parties must fully understand its terms and willingly accept them.
Family Advocate Forms
Preparation and sign-off of Family Advocate Forms 8 and 10 for the registration of Parenting Plans and court compliance in terms of the Children’s Act. These forms confirm the Parenting Plan details and that the plan was prepared through a recognised mediation process.
Mediation FAQs
75-90 minutes per session
Mediation is a structured, guided conversation where both parties work through the practical aspects of separation or divorce in a neutral environment. We discuss issues such as the division of assets, maintenance, parenting arrangements, and any other matters that need to be resolved. My role is to facilitate productive discussion and help both parties reach workable agreements.
It is helpful to bring any documents relevant to your marriage and finances, such as your marriage certificate or antenuptial contract, details of assets and debts, proof of income, bank statements, and any documents relating to your children’s expenses or schedules. If you are unsure, I can guide you beforehand on what would be most useful. The more financial information the better.
Yes
1332 Naivasha Rd, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Yes, absolutely. Mediation can be conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. This is often a more convenient option for parties who are in different locations or prefer the flexibility of online sessions. Online mediation is just as structured and effective as in-person sessions.
If you have minor children, a parenting plan is an essential part of the divorce process. It sets out arrangements relating to care, contact, holidays, schooling, decision-making, and communication to ensure clarity and stability for the children.
English
The costs are usually shared between both parties, but this is entirely up to the parties involved. Some couples choose to split the fees equally, while others agree on a different arrangement which is also highly dependent on each of their specific financial situations.
Yes I am ADR accredited and certified Family and Divorce Mediator which is nationally and internally recognised as well as court-annexed.
Mediation is often the right choice if both parties are willing to engage in respectful discussion and want to resolve matters in a more cost-effective, private, and less adversarial way than litigation. It is particularly helpful where ongoing co-parenting will be required.
You may have both, but it is not always necessary. A mediator helps facilitate agreement between the parties, while an attorney provides individual legal advice. Often Mediation is all that is required. I will take you through the entire process from start to finish saving you time and money.
Yes. Once agreements are reached in mediation, I assist with drafting the settlement agreement and, where applicable, the parenting plan for the divorce process.
Some matters are more complex than others, but complexity does not automatically rule out mediation. Issues involving significant assets, business interests, or parenting disputes can still often be successfully mediated, provided both parties are willing to participate openly and honestly.
That is actually one of the most common reasons people seek mediation. You do not need to get along perfectly for mediation to work. My role is to guide the discussion, keep it focused, and create a structured environment where practical decisions can still be made.
Yes. Mediation is a private and confidential process. Discussions held during mediation are not public and are generally protected from being used later in court, which allows both parties to speak openly and work toward resolution.
Typically, both parties participate, together with the mediator. In some cases, attorneys or other relevant professionals may also be involved if needed, but this is discussed in advance.
Yes — once the agreement is reduced to writing and signed, it can be made legally binding by being incorporated into the divorce order granted by the court.
Mediations are scheduled by appointment at a time that suits both parties as far as possible. Sessions can be arranged during working hours, and Zoom sessions offer additional flexibility for scheduling.