About Nicki Macartney – Attorney and Mediator
Helping Families Navigate Divorce With Dignity
I am Nicki Macartney, a family law attorney and divorce mediator based in Randburg, Johannesburg. I obtained my BProc degree from Rand Afrikaans University and was admitted as an attorney in 2002. I am also an accredited mediator with SAAM which is a requirement for Rule 41A mediations.
In 2015, I completed my mediation training and began practising as a mediator. Since then, I have combined my legal background with mediation to help individuals and families navigate separation and divorce in a constructive and practical way.
My commitment to this work is shaped by my professional experience and my own personal journey.
Why I Became a Divorce Mediator
My understanding of divorce began long before I entered legal practice.
Growing up, I witnessed the effects of a deeply acrimonious divorce involving my father and his second wife. The dispute became the subject of the reported judgment V v V 1998 (4) SA 169 (C).
Seeing the impact of prolonged family conflict left a lasting impression on me. It gave me a personal appreciation of how deeply divorce can affect not only the couple, but also their children and wider family.
I have also experienced divorce in my own life. I understand that, beyond the legal paperwork, the end of a marriage can bring emotional uncertainty, difficult decisions and significant changes to one’s future.
These experiences have strengthened my empathy for people going through divorce and influenced my belief that, wherever possible, there should be a more constructive way for families to resolve their differences.
My Approach to Family Law and Mediation
I believe that divorce does not always have to become a battle.
Where appropriate, mediation offers couples an opportunity to address disagreements constructively, make informed decisions and work towards practical solutions. Where children are involved, I believe it is particularly important to minimise unnecessary conflict and keep their best interests at the centre of decisions.
Mediation is not suitable for every situation, and sometimes litigation is necessary. My role is to help clients understand their options and navigate the legal process with clarity, professionalism and care.
I recognise that every family is different. My approach is personal, practical and grounded in respect for the people involved and the challenges they face.
How I Can Help
Through Van Rooyen Attorneys & Mediators, I assist clients with divorce, mediation and a wide range of family law matters.
- Divorce Mediation and Uncontested Divorce
- Where appropriate, I help couples resolve disputes through mediation and work towards practical agreements. I also assist with uncontested and unopposed divorces, settlement agreements and parenting plans.
- Divorce Litigation and Family Law
- Not every divorce can be resolved amicably. When disputes cannot be settled, I provide legal assistance in contested and acrimonious divorce proceedings, protecting my clients’ rights and interests.
- My family law practice includes:
- Contested and acrimonious divorce litigation
- Interim maintenance applications under Rule 43 of the High Court Rules and Rule 58 of the Magistrates’ Courts Rules
- Contempt of court proceedings where a court order has not been complied with
- Applications for sole guardianship
- Protection orders in appropriate circumstances
- Relocation applications involving minor children
- Children’s Court proceedings concerning children’s care, protection and welfare
- Every family law matter is different. My approach is to assess the circumstances, explain the available legal options and help clients determine the most appropriate way forward.
Whether your situation calls for mediation, negotiation or litigation, I offer practical guidance informed by my experience in family law and mediation.
You can learn more about my divorce mediation services or book a consultation online.
Divorce may end a marriage, but it does not have to define the rest of your life.
Nicki Macartney
Family Law Attorney and Divorce Mediator
Van Rooyen Attorneys & Mediators
Randburg, Johannesburg
Mediate, don’t litigate.
