In South Africa, cohabitation is not a recognised legal relationship, but a couple can sign a cohabitation agreement, which has legal consequences. However, the agreement is governed by the law of contracts and, accordingly, if the terms of the contract are against public policy or contra bonos mores (against good morals), the party will not be bound by them.
Once a universal partnership has been entered into, the couple has to apply to court to dissolve the contract upon termination of the relationship.
Simon Dippenaar
https://www.sdlaw.co.zaCape Town attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.
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