Notarial Cohabitation Agreement — R1,700 All-Inclusive
Protect your rights, your assets, and your partner — whether you’re living together now or planning to move in.
Living Together Without Legal Protection?
There is no “common-law marriage” in South Africa. This is one of the most widespread legal misconceptions in the country. No matter how long you live together, you do not automatically acquire the same legal rights as a married couple.
Without a cohabitation agreement, you have no automatic right to your partner’s property, estate, pension, or medical aid — even after decades together.
A notarial cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your partner that sets out your rights and obligations while you live together, and protects both of you if the relationship ends or one of you passes away.
Who Needs a Cohabitation Agreement?
Unmarried Couples
Living together or planning to move in? A cohabitation agreement protects both partners’ financial interests and sets clear expectations.
Same-Sex Couples
Whether or not you choose to marry or enter a civil union, a cohabitation agreement gives you legally enforceable rights and obligations.
Couples in Second Relationships
Protecting assets from a previous marriage, children from a prior relationship, or an inheritance? A cohabitation agreement keeps things clear.
Life Partner Visa Applicants
The Department of Home Affairs requires a notarial cohabitation agreement for life partner visa applications under Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act.
Partners with Significant Assets
Own property, a business, or investments? Without an agreement, you risk losing everything in a dispute — with no legal framework to fall back on.
Older Couples
Choosing companionship over marriage? A cohabitation agreement ensures your estate plan, pension nominations, and asset ownership remain intact.
What Happens Without an Agreement?
If your relationship ends or your partner dies without a cohabitation agreement in place:
- You have no automatic claim to property in your partner’s name — even if you contributed to it
- You have no maintenance claim against your partner (only children can claim)
- You cannot inherit from your partner unless named in a valid will
- You have no claim to your partner’s pension, provident fund, or medical aid
- You may have to prove a universal partnership in court — an expensive, uncertain, and lengthy process
Why Couples Choose Us
- All-inclusive pricing — R1,700 covers consultation, drafting, explanation, and notarial certification. No hidden fees.
- On-site Notary Public — Louwrens Koen is an admitted attorney, conveyancer, and notary public. Everything happens under one roof.
- 30 years’ experience — Practising since 1995. Thousands of notarial agreements drafted and certified.
- Same-sex and opposite-sex couples — All couples welcome. Same process, same fee, same protection.
- Nationwide service — Based in Pretoria, but we serve clients across South Africa and internationally.
- No middlemen — You deal directly with the attorney who drafts and notarises your agreement.
How It Works — 4 Simple Steps
Apply Online
Complete our secure online form. It takes about 10 minutes.
We Draft Your Agreement
We prepare a tailored agreement based on your circumstances and send it to you for review.
Both Partners Sign
Both partners appear before our Notary Public at our Pretoria office to sign the agreement.
Notarial Certification
Your agreement is bound into the notarial protocol and issued with a Protocol Number — making it a public document with full legal force.
Ready to Protect Your Relationship?
Get your notarial cohabitation agreement — R1,700 all-inclusive. No hidden fees. No middlemen.
Apply Online — It Takes 10 Minutes
Or call us: 087 001 0733 | 073 686 9078