These essentials must be met for a cohabitation relationship to be legally recognised

Cohabitation refers to people (regardless of gender) who live together as if they were married, but are not legally married. Society has progressed a long way since the days when the mere hint of ‘living in sin’ would have raised eyebrows. South Africa’s courts have, equally, kept up with the changing times, and have on numerous occasions recognised the existence of a cohabitation relationship between two people.

The courts generally recognise the existence of a universal partnership when three essentials are met:

• Each party contributes something to the partnership, or binds him/herself to a contribution;
• The partnership is carried out for their joint benefit;
• The object of the partnership is to make a profit.

When these three essentials are determined to have been met, the court will recognise the existence of a universal partnership, in that the parties act like partners in all material aspects, but haven’t expressly entered into an agreement.

The courts have, however, warned that cohabitants do not have the same rights as spouses in legally recognised civil marriages. For example, there is no reciprocal duty of support. And on termination of the relationship each person goes their own way, taking with them any assets in their own name. There is no consideration for the contributions made by the other party to the parties’ living expenses during their relationship.

Many couples move in together without giving any thought to the legal consequences of their relationship. Or, if they have considered it, they live secure in the knowledge, however erroneous, that life partners are treated equally before the law. It is only when life hits them like the front end of a truck that they realise that cohabitation does not equal marriage.

Some of the challenges of cohabitation include:

• During the course of the relationship, who pays what? In what proportion are the monthly living expenses paid?
• On termination of the relationship, how are assets split? Here’s an illustration of how problematic this issue can be: the property is purchased in Party A’s name, and Party A pays the bond instalments. Party B pays for other necessary living expenses. Both parties pay similar monthly amounts. But if they split, Party A walks away with a valuable asset (the house) while Party B is left empty-handed.
• On termination of the relationship, which party is obliged to move out of the property, while the other is entitled to remain on the property?
• If a party dies, the surviving partner would first need to prove the existence of their life partnership before being able to lodge any claims that may arise as a result of the deceased party’s death, eg. road accident claims, or group life payouts.

South African law recognises that unmarried persons cohabiting together can regulate their relationship by way of a written agreement. A Cohabitation or Life Partnership Agreement can assist a surviving partner in proving the life partnership when claiming any insurance proceeds that may be payable or lodging a claim for damages. Such an agreement can also prove very useful when the parties reach that awkward stage in their relationship when assets need to be divided between them.

Couples who live together therefore have two options:

• Live together without a written agreement governing the consequences of their cohabitation, and let the law take its course; OR
• Take control of their own destinies, by signing a Cohabitation Agreement.

Please note that this information is supplied for general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is advisable for you to contact a legal practitioner for guidance in respect of your unique requirements.