"We had such a wonderful experience with VDM Law while purchasing a retirement property for my mom. The entire process was handled so professionally and efficiently, and they made what could have been a stressful experience feel completely seamless and stress-free. Their team was always available to explain every step clearly, answer questions patiently, and…"
Attorneys · Notaries · Conveyancers · Johannesburg
The results you want. The experience you need.
Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated is a full-service law firm of attorneys, notaries and conveyancers. We deliver clear, results-driven legal advice across litigation, property, commercial and family law.
- Property & Conveyancing
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Family, Estates & Personal Law
- Community Schemes & Compliance
- Commercial & Business Law
4.9Average Google rating
176Google reviews
12Practice areas
Service Categories
Legal services grouped around the way clients need help.
Explore VDM's core service categories, from property and disputes to commercial, family and estate matters.
For property matters Property & Conveyancing Transfers, property law, sectional title, notarial work and practical guidance from offer to registration. For disputes Litigation & Dispute Resolution Civil litigation, debt collection, public liability, mediation and alternative dispute resolution support. For families Family, Estates & Personal Law Divorce, matrimonial property, deceased estates, trusts, wills and personal legal planning. FOR SCHEMES Community Schemes & Compliance Sectional Title Schemes, Homeowners Association, Share Blocks, Property Practitioner Compliance, FFCs For business Commercial & Business Law Commercial agreements, employment matters, insolvency, liquidation and business-facing legal support.
Why VDM
Trusted legal partners for every stage.
Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated is a Johannesburg-based law firm offering a full range of legal services. From litigation and conveyancing to commercial, family and estate matters, our attorneys, notaries and conveyancers deliver practical advice and dedicated representation.
What guides us
- Integrity Honest, transparent advice and clear ownership of every matter we take on.
- Client-First Service We build lasting relationships and put your interests at the centre of everything we do.
- Expertise Across Disciplines A full-service team of attorneys, notaries and conveyancers with deep specialist knowledge.
- Results That Matter Practical, outcome-driven representation focused on achieving the best result for you.
Legal Services
Comprehensive legal services under one roof.
From alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation to conveyancing, commercial law, family law and notarial services, our team covers the full spectrum of legal needs.
01
Conveyancing & Property Transfers
Whether you're buying, selling or transferring property, VDM Attorneys provides a seamless conveyancing experience backed by clear communication, legal expertise and proactive project management. We work closely with buyers, sellers, estate agents, banks and bond originators to ensure every property transfer is completed efficiently and with confidence.
View service 02
Notary Public and Notarial Services
A Notary Public is a specialist attorney authorised to prepare, certify, and authenticate certain legal documents for official use.
View service 03
Power of Attorney Services
Whether you're buying or selling property, travelling overseas, managing business affairs, or need someone to act on your behalf, VDM Attorneys prepares legally compliant General and Special Powers of Attorney for use in South Africa and internationally, including notarisation and apostille services where required.
View service 04
Community Schemes
Expert legal advice for sectional title, homeowners' associations, share block companies and voluntary associations. Whether your matter falls under CSOS or requires court litigation, our specialist team will guide you to the most effective solution.
View service 05
Wills & Estate Planning
Protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out with a professionally drafted Will. Whether you need a Last Will and Testament, a Living Will, or broader estate planning advice, VDM Attorneys provides clear legal guidance to help you plan for the future with confidence.
View service 06
Deceased Estate Administration
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of administering a deceased estate. VDM Attorneys assists families and executors with every stage of the estate administration process, from reporting the estate to the Master of the High Court through to the final distribution of assets. Whether you need guidance, professional administration, or wish to replace an executor, our experienced team is here to help.
View service 07
Marriage & Antenuptial Contracts
Choosing the right matrimonial property regime is one of the most important legal decisions you'll make before marriage. VDM Attorneys advises on antenuptial contracts (ANCs), matrimonial property regimes, accrual, and postnuptial contract applications, helping couples protect their assets and plan for the future with confidence.
View service 08
Divorce Attorneys
Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, VDM Attorneys provides compassionate legal guidance, practical advice and strong representation to help you move forward with confidence. We assist with every aspect of divorce, including parenting arrangements, maintenance, asset division and settlement agreements.
View service 09
Civil Litigation Attorneys
Disputes don't always end in court, but when they do, you need experienced litigation attorneys who understand the legal process and your commercial objectives. VDM Attorneys represents individuals, businesses, landlords, and property professionals in civil litigation matters across South Africa, providing practical advice from the first letter of demand through to trial and judgment.
View service 10
Business Debt Collection
Outstanding invoices, unpaid professional fees, arrear levies, and commercial rental debt all impact your cash flow. VDM Attorneys provides ongoing debt collection services for businesses, professional practices, body corporates, and homeowners' associations, managing everything from letters of demand through to litigation and enforcement where necessary.
View service 11
Eviction Attorneys
Whether you're dealing with non-payment of rent, an expired lease, or unlawful occupation, VDM Attorneys provides lawful, PIE Act-compliant eviction services across South Africa. Our experienced litigation team manages the entire eviction process, helping landlords, property owners, body corporates, and managing agents obtain enforceable court orders while avoiding costly procedural mistakes.
View service 12
Mediation & Arbitration
Not every legal dispute needs to be decided in court. VDM Attorneys offers accredited mediation and arbitration services to help individuals, businesses, community schemes, and families resolve disputes efficiently, confidentially, and cost-effectively through alternative dispute resolution.
View service 13
Commercial Law
Commercial law, also known as business law, mercantile law or trade law, governs the legal rights, responsibilities, and relationships involved in commerce and trade. It covers everything from contracts and transactions to company structures, regulatory compliance, and commercial dispute resolution.
View service 14
Insolvency and Liquidation
Insolvency is a financial state in which a business can no longer meet its debt obligations, while liquidation is the formal legal process of closing that business, selling its assets, and distributing proceeds to creditors.
View service 15
Property Practitioner Compliance
Stay compliant with the PPRA and focus on growing your business. Our team assists estate agencies and property practitioners with Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFCs), trust account compliance, regulatory submissions, and ongoing compliance support, backed by professionals with firsthand PPRA experience.
View serviceOur Offices
Two Johannesburg offices, one trusted team.
Visit us at our Morningside, Sandton head office or our Greenstone office. Wherever you are, you will work with the same dedicated VDM team.
Google Reviews
Let our clients speak for themselves.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 176 Google reviews by clients we have guided through property transfers, litigation, estates and more.
"VDM attorneys has been excellent and extremely professional in handling the transfer of my property. A special thanks to Monique who sent out weekly updates on the progress of the transfer process. Colleen has also been…"
"I engaged Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx remotely while abroad, managing a complex legal dispute across multiple forums. From the first contact, the team responded with remarkable speed and precision — within hours, not…"
Video Library
Legal guidance you can watch.
Short, practical videos from Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated on property, wills, litigation and the decisions that matter.
Legal Resources
Legal insights and recent articles.
Stay informed with the latest legal articles, press releases and updates from the VDM team.
The Connectivity Cartel: Why South Africa's Telecom Giants Need Starlink to Fail
Why is South Africa still without Starlink while 26 other African countries have access? This opinion piece explores the role of regulation, competition, rural connectivity, and whether delays are protecting empowerment goals or entrenched market interests.
The New Cold-Calling Rules: What Every Estate Agency Principal Needs to Know
If you run an estate agency in South Africa, the way you reach potential buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants changed on 15 April 2026 - and the change is bigger than most principals realise. The Consumer Protection Act has been amended to introduce a national "Do Not Contact" register, and the new regime applies imm
You Can Move Your Property Into a Company (Tax-free!) - But There’s a Catch
Most people don't realise you can transfer a property you personally own into a company without paying a single rand in transfer duty. It sounds too good to be true. It mostly isn't. But there is one condition that catches people off guard, and if you get it wrong, it could cost you far more than the duty you saved.
Common questions
Legal-service FAQ
Straight answers about how Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated supports property, business, family and estate matters.
What legal services does Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated provide?
Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated provides legal support across conveyancing, property law, civil litigation, debt collection, commercial law, family law, estates, wills and notarial services.
Where is Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated based?
Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated is based in Morningside, Sandton, with a Greenstone presence and the ability to support clients across South Africa depending on the matter.
Can Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated help before I sign legal documents?
Yes. Getting advice before signing an offer, contract, settlement agreement or estate-planning document can help prevent uncertainty and avoidable disputes.
Get Started
Speak to an attorney who puts your needs first.
Contact Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Incorporated to discuss your matter. Our attorneys, notaries and conveyancers are ready to help you get the results you need.