Previously Divorced
If either party has been previously divorced, additional documentation is required before you can be legally married again in South Africa.
The requirement
Before you can legally marry again in South Africa, you must prove that your previous marriage has ended. For divorced individuals, this means providing a final divorce decree — proof that the courts have dissolved the prior marriage.
Required if previously divorced
- Final divorce decree
The original court-issued decree of divorce confirming that the marriage has been legally dissolved. A plain photocopy is not sufficient — you need the original or a certified copy. If you are unsure which you have, check with us before the ceremony date.
required
What counts as a certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy that has been stamped or signed by a commissioner of oaths, a notary public, or the issuing court to confirm it is a true copy of the original. Your attorney, local police station, or a notary can certify the document for you.
Foreign divorce decrees
If your divorce was granted in a country other than South Africa, the process may require additional steps. In some cases, the foreign decree must be recognised by a South African court before it can be accepted for marriage purposes. This is not always straightforward — raise it with us at your consultation so we can advise on the correct path.
Bring the original on the day
Do not leave this to chance. Bring the original or a certified copy of your divorce decree to the ceremony. A standard photocopy will not be accepted by the marriage officer.
Not sure what you need?
Bring your questions to us and we will work through the requirements with you.