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Domestic violence remains a critical social and legal issue in South Africa. The law recognises that abuse is not confined to married couples and extends protection to a broad spectrum of domestic relationships. Among these, the rights of unmarried partners—including...

Protection orders are among the most powerful legal mechanisms available in South African law to prevent domestic violence and safeguard vulnerable persons. Given their serious legal consequences, a common and often complex question arises: Can a protection order be...

Domestic violence and child custody disputes are inextricably linked in South African family law. Where allegations of domestic violence arise, courts are required to undertake a careful, child-centred enquiry that balances parental rights with the overriding need to...

A protection order is not merely a civil directive; it is a court order carrying direct criminal consequences. Breaching a protection order constitutes a serious offence under South African law and is treated by courts with a high degree of severity. The legal...

Emergency protection orders occupy a critical space within South Africa’s domestic violence jurisprudence. They are designed to provide immediate, short-term judicial intervention in situations where delay would expose a complainant to imminent harm. While often...

A protection order is one of the most critical legal remedies available to individuals subjected to domestic violence. It is designed to provide immediate, enforceable protection against abusive conduct while preserving the constitutional rights of all parties...

Domestic violence remains one of the most complex and misunderstood areas of family law. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence is not limited to physical assault. South African law adopts a broad, rights-based definition that recognises the many ways in which...

Introduction Life partnerships, defined as long-term committed relationships between unmarried partners, are increasingly common in South Africa. Despite the emotional and financial commitment involved, life partners do not enjoy the same automatic legal protections...

Introduction Inheritance law can be a complex and sensitive issue for unmarried partners in South Africa. Unlike married spouses, unmarried partners do not automatically have rights to inherit from each other’s estates under the Intestate Succession Act or other...

Introduction Property disputes between unmarried couples are increasingly common in South Africa as more couples choose to live together without marrying. Unlike married spouses, unmarried partners do not benefit from the automatic property and matrimonial rights that...

Introduction Life partnerships-long-term, unmarried relationships where partners share a domestic life-have become increasingly common in South Africa. Unlike married spouses, life partners do not benefit from the automatic legal protections marriage affords. As such,...

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...

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...

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...

There is no fixed formula for calculating child maintenance in South Africa. Maintenance is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering: The reasonable needs of the child; Each parent’s income and earning capacity; Each parent’s financial obligations; The standard...

Introduction Child maintenance is one of the most common and contentious issues arising between unmarried parents. A persistent misconception is that a parent’s obligation to maintain a child depends on marriage or contact rights. In South African law, this is...

Introduction In South Africa, a significant number of children are born to parents who are not married to one another. Unmarried mothers often assume primary caregiving responsibilities and may be uncertain about their legal rights and obligations, particularly when...

Introduction In South Africa, family structures are increasingly diverse, and many children are born to parents who are not married to one another. A common misconception is that unmarried fathers have no legal rights in respect of their children. This is incorrect....