Women in civil partnerships have no inheritance rights when their male partner dies, legal experts say. At a Harare event on October 25, 2025, lawyer Fadzai Ruzive explained that while civil partnerships may allow property sharing upon separation, those rights end at death. All assets revert to the legally married spouse.
Property used by a partner in an extramarital relationship becomes part of the deceased’s estate and must be reported to the Master of the High Court for distribution under the Administration of Estates Act. Lawyer Dorothy Mutungura confirmed that only the lawful wife is recognized as the surviving spouse. However, children from such relationships can inherit, and in rare cases, the partner may claim a share if they can prove a direct financial contribution to the property.
The nonprofit Together Help A Woman urged women to understand their legal status to avoid unexpected losses. Founders stressed that cohabitation or civil partnerships do not grant the same protections as formal marriage when it comes to inheritance.
Property used by a partner in an extramarital relationship becomes part of the deceased’s estate and must be reported to the Master of the High Court for distribution under the Administration of Estates Act. Lawyer Dorothy Mutungura confirmed that only the lawful wife is recognized as the surviving spouse. However, children from such relationships can inherit, and in rare cases, the partner may claim a share if they can prove a direct financial contribution to the property.
The nonprofit Together Help A Woman urged women to understand their legal status to avoid unexpected losses. Founders stressed that cohabitation or civil partnerships do not grant the same protections as formal marriage when it comes to inheritance.
