Divorce is divorce – no matter the type of union
Civil union – In 2006, South Africa became the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriages. The Civil Union Act of 2006 determined that two people of the same or opposite sex who are older than 18, could marry or enter into a civil partnership.
Although some countries restrict same-sex unions to civil partnerships and forbid marriage, in South Africa couples can choose either option. Simply put, the Civil Union Act allowed people (irrespective of gender) to formalise their relationship and ensure that it had legal recognition even if they did not want to marry.
Unfortunately, only 27 countries around the world recognise same-sex marriages at this stage.
Landmark decision – equal rights for civil union same-sex marriages
In a landmark decision in 2005, in the case of the Minister of Home Affairs and Another v Fourie and Another (CCT 60/04), the Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex marriages should be entitled to the same rights, responsibilities and legal consequences as any other marriage or union entered into under the Marriage Act of 1961. Their decision was guided by Section 9 of the Constitution and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000 which states that you cannot discriminate against same-sex individuals and couples.
Customary marriages too gained full legal recognition, but Muslim (Nikah) and Hindu marriages sadly did not. The underlying message is that religious marriages are somehow inferior and less deserving of legal protection. This infringes people’s rights to dignity, freedom of religion and equality of spouses in religious marriages and children born from those marriages.
However, last year, the Women’s Legal Centre Trust applied to the Western Cape High Court asking it to compel government to recognise Muslim marriages and provide Muslim women and their children with legal protection in the event of divorce. On 31 August 2018 the Court ruled in favour of the applicants and ordered the State to introduce legislation to recognise Muslim marriages as valid, and to regulate the consequences of these unions within 24 months. (Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others).
Common law marriages where two people (regardless of whether they are of the same or opposite sex) live together but are not married under the Civil Union Act are not regulated by law at all. This leaves the legal status of common law partners uncertain until such time as legislation is promulgated.
Civil unions have the same rights, same responsibilities and same legal consequences
We’ve mentioned that same-sex marriages and civil unions are recognised as partnerships under the law and bear the same rights, responsibilities and legal consequences as marriages under the Marriage Act. The same goes for same-sex and civil union divorces. Same-sex couples seeking a divorce are subject to the same legal processes and have the same right to a share in the assets.
Although the divorce process in South Africa is relatively straightforward, the financial burden can be quite steep, as all marriages, civil partnerships or unions can only be dissolved by the Court.
Consider an antenuptial contract before entering into a civil union
Settlement will be determined by whether you are married in community of property, with or without accrual, or have an antenuptial contract (ANC). If you are in a civil union and do not draw up an antenuptial contract, your marriage is automatically regarded as being in community of property and the provisions of the Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984 will apply.
It’s generally a good idea to draw up an ANC that sets out how you will divide your assets if you ever get divorced. Granted this is not an easy or comfortable topic to discuss when you’re planning on living happily ever after, but it does make it easier if you ever need it. Read more about ANCs here.
There is no doubt that divorce is one of the most stressful events that we can experience. Whether it is a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage or civil union, the breakdown of a life partnership is hard and painful.
Civil union divorce – We can help
If you need legal advice about a civil union divorce, SD Law & Associates are divorce and family law experts. We can help you reach the best possible settlement in terms of property, family structure and emotional stability. Contact us or call 086 099 5146 or WhatsApp: 076 116 0623.
Divorce Attorney Cape Town
http://divorceattorneycapetown.co.za/The information on this website is provided to assist the reader with a general understanding of the law. While we believe the information to be factually accurate, and have taken care in our preparation of these pages, these articles cannot and do not take individual circumstances into account and are not a substitute for personal legal advice. If you have a legal matter that concerns you, please consult a qualified attorney. Simon Dippenaar & Associates takes no responsibility for any action you may take as a result of reading the information contained herein (or the consequences thereof), in the absence of professional legal advice.