SA’s legal system currently doesn’t provide the same rights and protections to cohabiting partners

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GUEST – Angie Poole, Manager Estates, Business Restructuring at BDO South Africa

Oh, how times have changed. Many couples today choose to live together rather than get married, embracing cohabitation as a legitimate form of partnership. This shift reflects evolving societal values and a preference for flexibility over formal commitment. But, while many South Africans believe that by living together for a period of time, you become common law husband and wife, the law doesn’t currently recognise cohabitation as a formal legal relationship. This means that cohabiting partners do not enjoy the same rights and protections as married couples, often leading to complex legal and financial complications.
3 Jul 2024 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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