Antenuptial or Prenuptial Contract
Let us start by explaining to you how antenuptial contracts work. An Antenuptial or Prenuptial Contract is a legal contract, entered into between you and your intended spouse, outlining the matrimonial property regime, and any property or assets to be included or excluded therein. It is drafted and then executed before a Notary Public. The contract would then be registered at the Deeds Office. Remember, it must be executed before you get married either by you and your spouse or a person having a special power of attorney. If it is not done before you get married, you would be married in community of property. The only way to change that would be to approach the High Court for consent to change it. That can be very expensive. Out of Community of Property
Now let’s say, you and your intended spouse do not want to have one estate, but continue having your own estates while you are so married. This would be useful if you are a business person. Should things go bad for one spouse, then only that estate would be affected. For example, in the case of insolvency, the creditor would only be able to sequestrate your personal estate and not that of the other. And if things go well, and you get hold of some wealth, the wealth would only belong to you and not your spouse. Should you divorce your spouse, then you walk away with only that what you own. For the latter scenario to apply, you should get married Out of Community of Property with the exclusion of the accrual regime. And for that, you need to enter into an antenuptial, or prenuptial contract with your spouse before you get married. Accrual Regime
Now let’s say you want to have two separate estates during your marriage. Should your spouse die, or you get divorced, you want to benefit from your spouse’s estate. In other words, you want to get half the difference between the two estates. If you want this to apply at divorce or death, then you need to enter into an antenuptial contract before you get married. Antenuptial or Prenuptial Contract Registration
Experience taught us the many people leave this important aspect of their marriage until the very last. This is not a good idea as you do not want to rush into this. We offer professional and confidential advice to clients on the legal aspects in relation to ante-nuptial contracts. We would further draft your prenuptial contract and arrange with a Notary Public to execute and register it. You and your intended spouse any either meet with the Notary Public yourselves or provide a special power of attorney. What Does Our Prenuptial Service Include? Our antenuptial contract service may include the following, depending on your requirements:
Basic and simplified advice on the three matrimonial property regimes;
The basic law on antenuptial contracts;
Drafting your antenuptial contract which you and your spouse are happy with;
Ex*****on of your prenuptial contract with a Notary Public; and
The Registration of your ante-nuptial contract.
