Lizelle Stoltz

What does your company do?

The Story of how The Divorce Negotiator was born... For nearly two decades, I stood in courtrooms as a legal professional, fighting for families with precision, passion and purpose. But my true calling revealed itself on 11 July 2013, the day my daughter, Ilanè was born. That was the day mediation found me. In her tiny hands, I discovered my greatest purpose: to change the way families and especially children experience divorce. In 2018, I hung up my black court robe, literally! I placed it on display in my office as a symbol of where I have been as foundation for the future dreams I have for my amazing little business. I stepped away from litigation to help families reach peaceful resolutions. My heart had found its true home in divorce negotiation. Six years ago, my highest qualification in Divorce Law was bestowed upon me in the form of a decree of divorce which by the way is framed and hangs against my office wall. Life humbled me in the most personal way when I became part of the divorce statistics in South Africa. My daughter was only six years old. I found myself at ground zero, drowning in debt, facing quiet heartbreak and navigating the emotional and financial chaos that comes when a marriage ends. Ground Zero. I was no longer the professional at the table, I was the client. What a gamechanger! That experience broke me open and rebuilt me stronger. It deepened my empathy, sharpened my insight and awakened a new purpose: to serve from a place of lived experience. I went on to become a certified Life Coach and so, The Divorce Negotiator was born; a unique blend of Legal Knowledge, Life Coaching and Personal Healing designed to guide others through this terrible storm. I don’t just help clients achieve fair settlements, I help them reclaim their power, rewrite their stories and rise stronger on the other side. In 2020, I published a children’s book on divorce, “Pikkie se ouers skei”, because I believe children deserve clarity, compassion and comfort during family transitions. I’m a creative soul and a writer at heart, which allows me to think outside the box, offer fresh perspectives and craft solutions that truly serve families. With my innovative strategy, emotional support and a deep understanding of family law and emotional roalercoaster that is divorce, I guide my clients through the chaos with clarity and grace—because divorce isn’t just an ending, it’s a beautiful new beginning and someone has got to help other navigate it!

What is your biggest success?

My greatest successes looks like beautifully woven carpet, like the ones from turkey, made up from both personal triumphs & heartfelt purpose.Passing the bar exam & being admitted as Advocate of the Pretoria Society of Advocates was a defining achievement. Thereafter, becoming a mother to my daughter, Ilanè, remains the most life-changing blessing. Her presence gave my career deeper meaning. After joining the Divorcee Club, I became a certified life coach, equipping myself to guide others not just legally but emotionally through the storms of divorce. Each time I assist clients to reach fair and peaceful settlements, I experience success, gratitude and fullfilment that’s deeply human which are measured not in accolades, but in restored HOPE. In 2021, I took on the role of part-time DA ward councillor,stepping into community leadership with passion&integrity. And perhaps most tenderly, I was given a second chance at love 4 years ago—embraced by a blended family that brought healing&joy.These moments define my journey: rooted in purpose, love and the power to uplift humanity!

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of my biggest hurdles has been the ache of wanting to do more with limited time, resources and reach. I long to educate the world on the power and beauty of divorce mediation, to show families that peace is possible—NOT nearly enough people truly understand this concept yet. As a single mother and sole provider to my incredible 12-year-old daughter, every day is a balancing act between nurturing her, building a business from the ground up and showing up wholeheartedly for my clients. It’s fulfilling, but it’s also exhausting. Add to that the uphill climb of being a self-published author, trying to get my children’s book, “Pikkie se ouers skei,” into the hands of little penguins navigating the cold waves of divorce. As entrepreneur it’s easy to feel overwhelmed but even in the struggle, I remain committed because the reward is undescribable. I believe every challenge carries the seed of purpose and every hurdle is a bridge waiting to be built.