'29 years together — but no ring, no rights?'

THE Western Cape High Court has ruled that a woman who has ended a long-term relationship with her former partner is entitled to interim maintenance while her claim for ongoing support is finalised.

- ZELDA VENTER

In granting temporary financial relief, Judge Gayaat Da Silva-Salie emphasised that it is not necessary at this stage to decide whether a legally enforceable life partnership existed with maintenance obligations - a determination that will be reserved for the trial court. The couple had lived together for 29 years and raised two children, beginning their romantic relationship in 1984 and formalising a life partnership in 1991. The applicant told the court that throughout the relationship they behaved as a married couple.

She said they shared a home, raised their children together, and referred to each other as husband and wife. The respondent even described her as his “lifelong partner” in his will and referred to her as his wife in various documents.