Different names for Divorce in South Africa

 

It’s referred to as “divorce” (egskeiding in Afrikaans and isehlukaniso in Zulu ) throughout the legal process and common conversation.

 

However, there can be terms used to describe the type of divorce:

 

✅ Uncontested Divorce: This refers to a divorce where both spouses agree on all aspects, including division of assets and child custody (if applicable).

 

✅ Contested Divorce: This applies when spouses disagree on some or all aspects of the divorce, requiring a court settlement.

 

✅ Dissolution of Marriage: This is a legal term synonymous with divorce, but not commonly used in everyday speech.

 

✅ Judicial Separation: This is a legal separation that doesn’t dissolve the marriage but allows spouses to live separately. It’s not very common in South Africa.

 

While not exactly different names for divorce, these terms help distinguish the type of legal separation occurring.