Question posted in the Divorce Law category relating to Free State
Good day
I am married out of community of property with the accrual. I am also currently providing for her caregiving and medical aid etc. as she was in an accident and subsequently declared disabled and is unable to work. How will assets be split should we divorce and would I be liable to continue paying caretaking fees (medical,caregiver etc.). We do not have any children.Regards
Message from the Lawyer
Hi there and thank you for your question,
I am a practicing attorney based in South Africa and I will assist you with your question.
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If you get divorced, you will keep whatever your assets are yours, and she will keep whatever assets are hers. This is how the system works if you are married out of community of property.
However, whoever's estate has grown the least will have a claim against the other person for the accrual, which would be equal to 50% of the difference between the two growths. So if your estate grew by R1m, and he estate grew by R200k, then her claim against your estate would be for R400k, which would essentially seek to equalise her estate to take into account your estate's growth.
She would have a spousal maintenance claim against you moving forwards, especially if she is disabled and can't work. You might end up paying spousal maintenance for her forever. If she was able to work and care for herself then your spousal maintenance could be reduced or even limited to a period of time. E.g. for 3 years or 5 years... To give her an opportunity to get back onto her feet.
But if she can't work, you might very well have this obligation forever.