Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100%
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MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
Question 1
(a) Common-law requirements for the duty of support
between spouses (3 marks)
At common law, the duty of support between spouses:
1. Reciprocal – Both spouses owe the duty to each other,
regardless of gender.
2. Based on need and ability – It arises when one spouse is
in need, and the other has the means to provide support.
3. Arises from a valid marriage – It is a consequence of the
marital relationship and lasts while the marriage subsists.
Authority: Van Vuuren v Sam 1972 (2) SA 633 (A); Hahlo
(South African Law of Husband and Wife).
(b) Claim for spousal maintenance if Mr Z intentionally
impoverishes himself (3 marks)
Yes — Ms X may succeed if she can prove deliberate self-
impoverishment to evade the duty of support.