The effect of a divorce decree awarded in South Africa on a marriage which was recorded in Germany
Parties who divorce in South Africa, but get divorced in a different country ought to ensure that they take all steps to ensure that the divorce is recognized in that other country.
A decree of divorce must be made an order of court in Germany in order for the authorities to record the dissolution of the marriage against the personal records of the party/parties in Germany. If this is not done the decree will not be recognized and parties who are divorced, will still be regarded as married in Germany, which implies that assets will not be awarded and maintenance claims may not be enforceable.