Summary

,# 2016 University of South Africa
All rights reserved

Printed and published by the
University of South Africa
Muckleneuk, Pretoria

PVL2601/1/2017–2020

70515700

3B2




The study guide reflects the law as at 1 March 2016.




LML LAW Style

,CONTENTS


Study unit PAGE
Overview of content of module and module map v
Bibliography viii
Key to study guide ix

SECTION 1
Marriage law 1
1 The legal requirements for a civil marriage 2
2 Void, voidable and putative civil marriages 11
3 The invariable consequences of a civil marriage 18

SECTION 2
Matrimonial property law 27
4 The variable consequences of a civil marriage – marriage in
community of property 28
5 The variable consequences of a civil marriage – marriage out of
community of property 41
6 Alteration of the matrimonial property system 54

SECTION 3
Dissolution of a civil marriage 59
7 Dissolution of a civil marriage – general, and dissolution by
death 60
8 The grounds for divorce 66
9 Patrimonial consequences of divorce – general 71
10 Forfeiture of patrimonial benefits 76
11 Redistribution of assets 81
12 Maintenance of a spouse after divorce 90
13 The interests of the children of divorcing parents 97

SECTION 4
Civil unions 105
14 Civil unions 106

SECTION 5
Customary marriages 111
15 Customary marriages 112

iii

, SECTION 6
Muslim and Hindu marriages 119
16 Muslim and Hindu marriages 120

SECTION 7
Life partnerships 123
17 Life partnerships 124

SECTION 8
The responsibilities and rights of parents and children 129
18 Children’s rights 130
19 Parental responsibilities and rights 133
20 The duty of support in respect of a child 140




iv