Think a second customary marriage automatically shares in the joint estate? Think again! Without Section 7(6) compliance, the first wife’s 50% share remains hers alone.

Polygamous marriages in South Africa require careful navigation of legal frameworks to ensure the equitable distribution of assets. This case highlights the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and the importance of proactive estate planning.

A tale of property, perseverance, and legal triumph: When an ex-wife's decades of mortgage payments trumped a stepmother's claim, the courtroom became the ultimate arbiter of ownership and favoured the deceased's children. Stepmother discovered that decades of mortgage payments speak louder than marriage certificates.