The Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 (“the Act”) was enacted to provide for the solemnisation of civil unions by way of either a marriage or civil partnership. The Act defines a “civil union” as the— “voluntary union of two persons who are both 18 years of age or older, which is solemnised and registered by way of either a marriage or …
Marriage laws in South Africa are being renewed
Post-1994, the lawmakers in South Africa have attempted to be inclusive of religion and gender, by passing the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998, allowing for the registration of marriages under African customary law as well as the Civil Union Act, 2006, for the solemnisation of a civil partnership between two people regardless of gender. Albeit, there are currently …
How to apply for spousal maintenance?
Maintenance is the obligation to provide another person, for example a minor, with housing, food, clothing, education and medical care, or with the means that are necessary for providing the person with these essentials. This legal duty to maintain is called ‘the duty to maintain’ or ‘the duty to support’. The duty to maintain is based on blood relationship, adoption, …
Do I need an antenuptial contract before marriage?
An antenuptial contract is an important document that, under South African law, determines whether your marriage will exist in community of property or out of community of property, with or without the accrual system. An antenuptial contract offers a number of benefits: Preventing your intended marriage from automatically being in community of property Offering transparency in your relationship by recording …
Unopposed and opposed divorce: What’s the difference?
My spouse said that he/she won’t ‘give me a divorce’. What can I do? Your spouse can oppose the divorce, but it is the Court that grants a divorce, not your spouse. If you convince the court that the marital relationship has irretrievably broken down, the court can grant a decree of divorce even if your spouse does not want …