CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

How is property shared upon divorce in Zimbabwe?

The distribution of the parties’ property cannot be made without a decree of divorce.

CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

I did not contribute financially to acquire the house, on divorce do I walk away empty handed?

The division and distribution of assets of spouses at divorce are governed by section 7 of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13]

CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

Is there property that can be excluded from division upon divorce in Zimbabwe?

Yes. In in terms of section 7 of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13] there are three (3) types of property

CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

Kubika mapoto / kuchaya mapoto / masihlalisane and Marriage in Zimbabwe

Section 41 of the Marriages Act [Chapter 5:17](‘the Act’) recognizes and protects the rights of unmarried and cohabitating couples

CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

Can one apply for maintenance pending divorce in Zimbabwe?

The simple answer is yes. Both the High Court Rules and the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13] among other things, provide for maintenance pending a decree of divorce in Zimbabwe. This is also known as maintenance pendete lite.

CHILD & FAMILY LAW.

Did you know you can apply for maintenance pending your divorce in Zimbabwe?

A spouse (whether a male or a female) whose divorce is pending, is of right entitled in terms of section 2(1)(b) of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13] as read with Rule 67(1) of the High Court Rules, 2021, among other things, to maintenance pendete lite (maintenance pending divorce), until a decree of divorce is granted.