So, you’re getting married. Well, hold on to your hats. Or veils.
It’s not just a simple I do and a honeymoon in Mauritius. No, nobola is still a thing. By law, once the uncles that be agree, you are married.
Legally. And instead of heading off into the sunset, you’re stuck paging through legal stress. Eish.
Honour tradition and protect your future – get a prenup before the uncles start negotiating. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!
Without a prenup, you’ll be sharing all your love and all your debt too. Talk about a real bonding experience. But, if you still want to honour tradition, then sign a prenup before negotiations begin.
If you’re feeling lost in the maze of marriage laws, don’t stress. The Marriage Guys have got your back. With after-hours online consultations, you can plan your happily ever after from the comfort of your couch.
Ready to say I do without the legal blues? Then head to themarriageguys.co.za and let the experts handle the paperwork while you make that tailor work. The Marriage Guys. Don’t worry.
We’ve got you.
Are South African traditional marriages legal?
Yes, the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act protects most customary marriages and the law treats them equally as any other legal marriage in South Africa.
At what point is a customary marriage legally binding?
While the law allows for the evolving nature of customary law, it is generally accepted in custom that the marriage has been concluded as soon as the Lobola negotiations have closed and have been celebrated.
What is Lobola and why is it important?
Lobola is a traditional custom where the groom’s family pays a dowry to the bride’s family. It’s an important cultural practice that signifies the union of two families and honors traditional values.
Must I register the marriage with Home Affairs to make it binding?
No, the subsequent registration of your marriage is only done for practical reasons and failure to register the marriage does not make it invalid. Registration will allow you to get a marriage certificate which will only assist you in proving the existence of your marriage for example for the purposes of name changes or listing your spouse as a beneficiary on policies.
Why should we consider getting a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement helps protect both parties’ assets and liabilities, ensuring a fair division in case of divorce. It can also prevent future legal disputes and financial stress. Without a prenuptial agreement you will be married In Community of Property which has some really negative consequences including being responsible for each other’s debts. We suggest signing a prenuptial agreement and taking control of your assets and liabilities.
What happens if I don’t sign a prenuptial agreement before getting married?
You will be automatically married in Community of Property from the date that you are legally married.
So when must I sign a prenuptial agreement?
In the context of Customary Marriages, you must sign your prenuptial agreement before you get legally married i.e. before Lobolo negotiations start or at the latest before they are concluded.
How can The Marriage Guys help us with our marriage contract?
The Marriage Guys offer expert advice and after-hours online consultations to help you navigate the complexities of marriage laws before you get married. We handle all the paperwork and make it easy for you so you can focus on your special day
How do I book a consultation with The Marriage Guys?
Booking a consultation is easy! Visit our website at www.themarriageguys.co.za, complete a quick form and click on the “Book Your Free Consultation” button to schedule an appointment with our experts.
