Avoid by all means.

I regret ever trusting VZLR Inc and Michelle van der Merwe with my divorce proceedings.

In 2024, I appointed her as my attorney. I provided all my financial documents, yet my Financial Disclosure Form was completed with serious errors — including incorrect asset values and misrepresentations. These mistakes placed me at a major disadvantage in court. When my son pointed out the errors, instead of correcting them, she dismissed our concerns as “bona fide mistakes,” offering no apology or accountability.

Throughout the process, I found her conduct unprofessional and disrespectful. She ignored my specific instructions, failed to communicate settlement offers through proper channels, and billed me for unnecessary in-person meetings that could have been handled in minutes over the phone. Despite paying nearly R400,000 in fees, I was left in a far worse legal position because of her mishandling of my case.

To make matters worse, after I raised concerns and just after making a large payment, she abruptly withdrew as my attorney without explanation, leaving me stranded before court proceedings. When I sought answers from VZLR’s leadership, I received none. Instead, they issued additional invoices and refused to release my legal file unless I paid more — effectively blocking me from moving forward with new representation.

In my experience, the service I received was negligent, costly, and deeply damaging. I cannot recommend this attorney or firm. Proceed with extreme caution.

If you have experienced something similar and wish to add your voice to my case with the Legal Practice Council, you are welcome to contact me at accounts@drdavid.co.za

I will gladly also assist anyone with testimonies regarding Michelle van der Merwe and VZLR.