Legal Rights of Life Partners in South Africa

Introduction Life partnerships, often referred to as permanent or long-term relationships between unmarried partners, are increasingly common in South Africa. Many couples choose to live together without marrying, believing that the duration or seriousness of their...

Cohabitation Agreements Explained in South Africa

Introduction Cohabitation, commonly referred to as living together or being in a life partnership, has become increasingly common in South Africa. Many couples choose not to marry for personal, cultural, or financial reasons, often believing that long-term...

Can Unmarried Parents Share Custody in South Africa?

Introduction A common question posed by unmarried parents is whether it is legally possible to share custody of a child. Many assume that shared custody is reserved only for married or divorced parents. This assumption is incorrect. South African family law recognises...