The requirements to register a Civil Partnership in Zimbabwe

Civil partnerships are neither registered nor solemnized in Zimbabwe. They are not recognized as marriages. Parties in civil partnerships are co-habiting.

In order to meet the requirements of a civil partnership, the civil partnership must be a relationship between a man and a woman (‘the parties’), both of whom must be above the above of 18. It can also be described as an intimate relationship between parties living together as a normal couple on a domestic basis without formalizing the union through marriage.

Consequently, there must be no affinity (relationship by marriage) or consanguinity (relationship by blood) between the parties. In determining whether there exists a civil partnership, some of the factors the courts examine include:

1. The duration of the relationship;

2. The nature and extent of the parties common residence;

3. Whether a sexual relationship exists;

4. The degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any arrangements for financial support between the parties;

5. The ownership, use and acquisition of the parties property;

6. The degree of mutual commitment to a shared life;

7. The care and support of the children (if any); and

8. The reputation and public aspects of the relationship.