12/05/2026
Registration of Customary Marriages
If you are married by customary law and have not registered the marriage in the 3 months following the marriage formalities (lobola), do so now to ensure legal compliance, to set the records right, and to simplify the future administration of the estate.
If a customary marriage is not registered in South Africa, it doesn't necessarily invalidate the marriage, but it can create legal complications. The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act requires registration within three months of marriage, but failing to register doesn't nullify the marriage.
Implications of Non-Registration:
- Property Rights and Inheritance: Unregistered customary marriages may lead to difficulties in asserting property rights or inheritance claims ยน.
- Social Benefits: Proof of marital status might be required for social benefits, which could be challenging without registration ยน.
- Legal Recognition: Unregistered marriages may not be immediately recognized by the legal system, affecting spousal support, child custody, and joint assets ยน.
Why Register a Customary Marriage?
Registration simplifies legal processes and ensures protection under the law. It provides a clear record, valuable for administrative and legal matters.
Proving a Customary Marriage:
To prove a customary marriage, couples can provide evidence like:
- Lobola Letter: Minutes of negotiations
- Photographic Evidence: Pictures or videos of the wedding celebration
Grounds for Divorce:
An unregistered customary marriage can only be dissolved through a court-ordered divorce or the death of a spouse. Grounds for divorce include:
- Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
- Incompatibility as husband and wife
- Lack of meaningful communication
- No reasonable prospect of reconciliation
Antenuptial agreements (Marriages out of community of property):
- If you have not finalised the marriage consider signing an antenuptial agreement to be married out of property (either with or without the accrual). Consult with an attorney who is also admitted as a notary before the marriage.
Couples in unregistered customary marriages may need to seek legal advice to protect their rights and interests. Consult a lawyer.
[email protected]