Antenuptial Contract Advice Before Marriage
Notarial planning for your matrimonial property system.
An antenuptial contract is a legal and financial planning document completed before marriage. We explain the systems, record your informed choice and manage confirmed notarial and registration steps.
Contact the firm well before the wedding date.
What an ANC Does
A Planning Document, Not a Divorce Plan
An ANC is entered into before marriage to regulate proprietary consequences and may include permitted arrangements or donations.
It is not a divorce plan and does not predict whether the marriage will succeed.
Matrimonial Property Options
Understanding the Main Property Systems
In Community of Property
A joint estate generally arises, subject to applicable law.
Out of Community With Accrual
Estates remain separate during marriage, with accrual consequences on dissolution as governed by the Matrimonial Property Act and contract.
Out of Community Without Accrual
Separate estates with the accrual system excluded, subject to current law and the contract.
There is no universal “best option.” Debt, business, dependants, estate planning and future expectations all matter.
Accrual
Commencement Values and Record Keeping
Commencement values, excluded assets and record keeping matter at a high level. We do not offer a generic accrual calculator as legal advice — the meaning and proof of values must be carefully documented.
Timing
The Contract Must Be Completed
Before Marriage
An ANC must be drafted by a notary public and signed in the notary's presence for registration, under official Deeds guidance. We manage the applicable execution and deeds-registry deadline under current law — do not wait until the wedding week. If the marriage has already occurred, a different court-based process may be required, and this is not an ordinary late ANC.
Information Needed
What We Will Need From You
Getting It Right
Informed Choice and
Different Marriage Forms
Independent and Informed Choice
Both Parties Should Understand the Consequences
Both prospective spouses should understand the consequences, have the opportunity to ask questions, and obtain separate advice where interests diverge or pressure exists. One partner should not dictate unexplained terms.
Customary, Muslim and Cross-Border Context
Different Marriage Forms Need Specific Advice
Different marriage forms, domicile, nationality or foreign assets may require specific advice. We do not assume the standard civil-marriage position applies identically.
After You Sign
Registration and Fees
After Signature
Registration, Storage and Estate Alignment
We confirm registration, arrange safe storage, and help align your estate plan and financial records. Registration does not by itself change asset ownership.
Fees
Consultation, Drafting and Notarial Fees
We publish only verified consultation, drafting, notarial and deeds fees, and explain what is included — we avoid quoting stale deeds-registry amounts.
Why Sarah Alison Attorneys
Clear, Timely Antenuptial Contract Advice
Plain-Language Options
Clear explanation of each matrimonial property system.
Sufficient Time
Guidance to start early and avoid last-minute pressure.
Accurate Instructions
Careful recording of your informed choice and details.
Notarial Process & Tracking
Execution and deeds-registry steps managed and tracked.
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FAQ
Antenuptial Contract Questions
What is an antenuptial contract?
A contract entered into before marriage that regulates the proprietary consequences of the marriage.
Must it be signed before marriage?
Yes, an ANC must be signed before the marriage and executed before a notary for registration.
What is accrual?
A system that measures the growth of each spouse's estate during the marriage for purposes of sharing on dissolution, subject to the contract.
Can assets be excluded from accrual?
Yes, specific assets can often be excluded by naming them in the contract, subject to advice.
Is an ANC only for wealthy couples?
No. It is a planning tool relevant to debt, business interests, dependants and future circumstances, not only large estates.
Can one partner's debt affect the other?
This depends on the matrimonial property system chosen — it is one of the key issues an ANC addresses.
Can we sign after marriage?
Not as an ordinary ANC — a different court-based process may be required, and this needs specific advice.
Do we need separate attorneys?
Not always, but separate advice is recommended where interests diverge or pressure exists.
How long does registration take?
We do not publish a fixed period — the notary manages the applicable deeds-registry timeline for your matter.
What documents are needed?
Identity documents, intended marriage details, and asset, liability, business and trust information.
Get in Touch
Book an ANC Consultation
Tell us both parties, your intended date, marriage type and preferred office. No appointment is confirmed until the firm responds.