Legal Speak Made Easy

Legal Speak Made Easy

Legal Speak Made EasyKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 18/09/2026

“Lex domicilii matrimonii” determines which country’s law governs the financial consequences of a cross-border marriage. A recent Western Cape High Court decision replaces the former husband-domicile rule with a new framework.

Lex domicilii matrimoniiCross-border marriageInternational marriage lawSouth African marriage lawMatrimonial property law
Better Late Than Never: Marriage Law Drags Itself into the 21st Century

Better Late Than Never: Marriage Law Drags Itself into the 21st Century

Better Late Than Never: Marriage Law Drags Itself into the 21st CenturyKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 18/09/2026

A South African court has replaced the discriminatory rule that automatically applied the husband’s domicile to cross-border marriages. The new framework considers spouses’ agreement, domicile, residence, nationality and closest connection.

Cross-border marriageSouth African marriage lawAntenuptial contractInternational family lawMarriage property rights
Married Out of Community of Property? You May Still Be Entitled to a Share

Married Out of Community of Property? You May Still Be Entitled to a Share

Married Out of Community of Property? You May Still Be Entitled to a ShareKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 19/06/2026

A court awarded 40% of an estate despite an antenuptial contract excluding accrual, confirming that contribution during marriage can justify redistribution under section 7(3) of the Divorce Act.

Redistribution order Divorce Act section 7(3)Antenuptial contract without accrual South AfricaDivorce asset redistribution spousal contributionsConstitutional Court marriage property rightsUniversal partnership marriage cohabitation rights
How to Fund Your Divorce if Your Spouse Can Outlitigate You

How to Fund Your Divorce if Your Spouse Can Outlitigate You

How to Fund Your Divorce if Your Spouse Can Outlitigate YouKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 23/01/2026

A High Court ruling highlights the “equality of arms” principle in divorce, allowing financially weaker spouses to claim a contribution to legal costs so cases are decided on merit, not money.

divorce legal costs South Africaequality of arms divorcecontribution to legal costs divorcecontested divorce South AfricaHigh Court divorce ruling
Parental Leave: Out With the Old, in With the New

Parental Leave: Out With the Old, in With the New

Parental Leave: Out With the Old, in With the NewKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 13/11/2025

The Constitutional Court grants equal parental leave rights to all parents, allowing them to share four months’ leave, ending gender inequality in parental benefits.

Parental leave South AfricaConstitutional Court rulingEmployment lawBCEA parental rightsUIF parental benefits
Wedding Bells? You Can Both Choose Your Own Surnames Now

Wedding Bells? You Can Both Choose Your Own Surnames Now

Wedding Bells? You Can Both Choose Your Own Surnames NowKVV Inc Attorneys
Published on: 13/11/2025

The Constitutional Court has ruled that both spouses now have equal rights to choose or change their surname after marriage, ensuring gender equality and dignity in South Africa’s naming laws.

Constitutional Court rulingsurname change South Africamarriage name rightsgender equality lawBirths and Deaths Registration Act

KVV Inc. Attorneys: Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Property Law and Conveyancing.

Fostering Partnerships, Driving Results.

© KVV Inc. Attorneys 2026. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | POPIA

KVV Inc. Attorneys: Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Property Law and Conveyancing.

Fostering Partnerships,

Driving Results.

© KVV Inc. Attorneys 2026.

All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | POPIA