South Africa: Family Law

South African law permits parents to register immovable property in their minor child's name, but this decision carries significant legal implications that extend far beyond the initial purchase. While the transaction offers certain estate planning and asset protection benefits, it fundamentally transfers ownership to the child and severely restricts parental control over future dealings with the property. Any subsequent sale requires court oversight, Master approval, and proceeds are typically held in trus

Many South Africans are surprised to discover that, despite being divorced for years, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) still reflects their marital status as married.

When a minor child is believed to be in need of care and protection, the law provides a clear framework to ensure the child's immediate safety and long-term wellbeing.

When a marriage unravels, the business notices first. Bank signatories go under the microscope, staff pick up whispers, a supplier asks whether your head is still in the game. Investors aren't judging your private life; they're weighing continuity risk.

South African couples married out of community of property with accrual retain separate estates during the marriage but share in the net growth of both estates on divorce.

Section 9 of the Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984 empowers a court to order forfeiture of the accrual share where one party would unduly benefit from the application of the accrual system.

Many people confuse parenting plans and parental responsibilities and rights agreements. The key distinction between these two legal concepts lies in who enters into these agreements...

In South Africa, married individuals are considered to be in a domestic relationship under the Domestic Violence Act.

Many couples are uncertain about the process of getting married outside of a traditional ceremony. This question has become even more common in recent years, with many opting for a more straightforward.