Marriage in Community of Property

Being married in community of property in South Africa basically means that all the assets (such as personal property) and debts from before the marriage are shared in a joint estate between both spouses. As a general rule, any assets, debts and liabilities acquired by either spouse after their marriage will then also added to this joint estate.

If the couple do not sign an Antenuptial Contract before their marriage, then by default they will be entering a community of property marriage in terms of South African Law. While a marriage in community is the cheapest and most popular matrimonial regime, it is deeply flawed.

When couples in South Africa are married in community of property, the spouses' estates are combined, and each spouse has the right to dispose of the assets as they wish. They are also equal managers of the joint estate.

Managing the joint estate in community of property

While the couple is equally responsible for the management of their joint estate, certain transactions require consent from the other spouse. In these cases, written consent might be required.

What happens to the assets in a marriage in community of property?

All assets that one spouse acquired prior to the marriage, as well as the assets accumulated during marriage, will fall into the joint estate. This means that in terms of estate planning, once the marriage is terminated, all of the assets will be calculated and divided between the two parties.

The only asset that may be excluded from the joint estate is an inheritance.

What happens to the liabilities in a marriage in community of property?

The liabilities incurred either before or during the marriage forms part of the joint estate. This means that if one spouse enters the marriage with a lot of debt, that debt will form part of the joint estate, and both parties will be liable for the payment thereof.

When a spouse enters into a contract without the consent of the other spouse - when consent is required - the law will favour the third party with whom the contract was made.

If the third party was oblivious to the fact that consent was not given, the contract will be deemed valid. The innocent spouse is, however, protected in these situations, and when the marriage is terminated, that spouse will be compensated accordingly.

Disadvantages of marriage in community of property

The disadvantages to a community of property contract will affect both spouses. For example, if a spouse is financially reckless, then a result will be that the other spouse becomes liable for those debts incurred.

Also various transactions will require both spouses to give consent before being completed.

If each spouse runs their own individual business, then being married in community of property will render their businesses vulnerable to creditors who will make claims against both spouses. Very little can be done in such instances to protect the other spouse from this vulnerability.

The reputation of both partners becomes endangered as a result of liabilities from before and during the marriage that were added to the entire joint estate.

In the end, the only advantage to couples marrying in community of property is that it encourages a relationship of equality for both legal and financial matters.

• In terms of community property regimes, when one spouse is financially stronger, he or she would have to share their assets with the other spouse.
• Both partners are jointly liable for each other's debts. This has proven to be very problematic for many couples.
• Estate administration would become rather complicated.
• When the marriage starts to fall apart, it may be difficult for one spouse to obtain consent from the other.

Advantages of getting married in community of property

• Couples do not have to enter into a special contract before getting married, to make decisions on the married individual's assets.
• If one spouse is financially weak, the other spouse can offer financial support.
• In the end, the only advantage to couples marrying in community of property is that it encourages a relationship of equality for both legal and financial matters.

Van Deventer and Van Deventer Incorporated - Antenuptial Contracts Sandton

Hope is not lost for couples in South Africa who married in community of property. Such couples who wish to change their matrimonial contract later on are able to do so.

For legal advice on matrimonial regimes like community of property, or to change your current matrimonial regime, contact our attorneys at Van Deventer and Van Deventer Incorporated today.

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