Legal Services for Johannesburg Clients
Benaters is a Johannesburg law firm based in Waverley, serving clients across the city we call home. From property transfers in Parkhurst to estate planning in Glenhazel, ante-nuptial contracts in Houghton to apostille services for Johannesburg-based international professionals, we handle a full range of personal and commercial legal matters with direct, partner-led attention.
Our husband-and-wife partnership — Shaun and Roxanne Benater — means continuity. The person you speak to at your first consultation is the same person managing your matter through to completion. No handoffs, no junior associates getting up to speed at your expense.
Our Services for Johannesburg Clients
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Property + Conveyancing
Johannesburg's property market spans everything from inner-city refurbishments to freehold homes in the northern suburbs and townhouse complexes across the city. We handle residential and commercial transfers, bond registrations, sectional title work, and property disputes, working closely with the Johannesburg Deeds Office on every matter.
Whether you're buying your first home in Linden, selling a family property in Greenside, or registering a commercial transfer in Rosebank, we manage the full conveyancing process from offer to lodgement to registration.
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Deceased Estates + Wills
Johannesburg families have often built wealth across generations — businesses, properties, investments — and that wealth needs careful protection both during life and after. We draft clear, tax-efficient wills, set up trusts where appropriate, and administer deceased estates with a focus on minimising estate duty and resolving matters efficiently for the family.
If you've recently lost a loved one and need help administering their estate, or if you're planning ahead and want a properly drafted will, we'll guide you through the process clearly.
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Ante Nuptial Contracts
Before marriage, every couple needs to decide on a matrimonial regime — in community of property, out of community with accrual, or out of community without accrual. We sit down with you, explain the implications in plain language, and draft and register your ANC properly. Johannesburg couples often have property and business interests that make this decision particularly important.
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Notarial + Apostille Services
As a notary public, Shaun handles notarisation of documents, certified copies, and apostille services for documents intended for use abroad. Johannesburg has a large international community — professionals, students, families relocating, dual citizens — and we process apostille requests accurately and as quickly as DIRCO turnaround times allow.
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Corporate + Commercial
Whether you're starting a business in Johannesburg, drafting shareholder agreements, structuring a sale or acquisition, or reviewing contracts, we provide commercial advisory work for small to medium businesses across the city.
Visit Our Johannesburg Office
Our office is at 21 Scott Street, Waverley, Johannesburg, 2090. Waverley is centrally located between Johannesburg's northern suburbs and the inner city, with easy access from the M1 and N3 highways. Parking is available on site, and we welcome face-to-face consultations by appointment.
If you'd prefer a virtual consultation, we conduct meetings via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp video — whichever works best for you.
Why Johannesburg Clients Choose Benaters
Local knowledge. We've practised in Johannesburg for years and know the city's banks, transferring attorneys, and Deeds Office processes inside out.
Partner-led work. Your matter is handled by Shaun or Roxanne directly — not assigned to a junior associate or paralegal.
Boutique fees. Lower overheads than multi-partner firms, reflected in clear, competitive pricing with cost estimates upfront.
Responsive communication. You can reach us by phone, email, or WhatsApp during business hours, and we commit to proactive updates rather than waiting for you to chase us.
International qualification. Shaun is admitted in South Africa, a non-practising solicitor of England & Wales, and a registered European lawyer in Spain — useful for Johannesburg's many internationally-connected clients.
★★★★
4.9 stars by 3000 customers
"Quote about specific service experience.”
— Client first name, suburb, service type.“Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.”
— Former Customer“Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.”
— Former CustomerFrequently Asked Questions
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A standard residential transfer through the Johannesburg Deeds Office takes around 6–8 weeks from signature of the offer to purchase, assuming bond approval, rates clearance certificates, and SARS transfer duty receipts move smoothly. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the start of your matter and update you if anything changes.
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Yes — every adult with assets, dependents, or specific wishes for their estate should have a valid will. Dying intestate (without a will) means your estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your wishes and can cause significant family stress. A properly drafted will is one of the most important legal documents you'll sign.
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Yes, but earlier is better. The ANC must be signed before your marriage in front of a notary. We recommend allowing at least two to three weeks for consultation, drafting, signing, and registration with the Deeds Office. Leaving it too late causes unnecessary stress in the run-up to the wedding.
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The apostille process in South Africa runs through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). As a notary public, Shaun handles the full process: notarising or authenticating the document, lodging with DIRCO, and returning the apostilled document to you. Turnaround depends on DIRCO's current processing times — we'll give you a realistic estimate when you instruct us.
Speak to Benaters!
If you're planning a property transfer, drafting a will, registering an ante-nuptial contract, or need a notary or apostille, get in touch. Initial enquiries are answered personally.
📞 Call: +27 72 059 7640
📍 Office: 21 Scott Street, Waverley, Johannesburg, 2090
💬 WhatsApp: +27 72 059 7640
✉ Email: info@benaters.com