Antenuptial Contract Lawyers in Johannesburg
Hugh Raichlin Attorneys assists couples in Johannesburg with antenuptial contracts, often called ANCs or prenups. We explain the property consequences of the intended marriage, help you make an informed choice and arrange the drafting, notarial execution and registration steps within an agreed scope.
Brief initial telephone discussion at no charge. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. Attorney follow-up is ordinarily within one working day.
This page is for you if…
- You intend to marry and want advice about your property regime.
- You need to understand accrual and the treatment of existing assets.
- One or both of you owns a business, property or has substantial debt.
- You have a draft ANC and need its terms explained before signing.
How Hugh Raichlin Attorneys can help
An agreement suited to your circumstances
We discuss existing assets and debts, likely future growth, business interests, inheritances and any cross-border features. The aim is a clear agreement that both parties understand, not the longest possible document.
Drafting and notarial execution
The contract records the agreed matrimonial-property arrangement. Abigail Sher is an attorney, notary and conveyancer and can assist with the notarial aspects. We explain signing and registration requirements and identify what still needs to be supplied.
Coordinate the surrounding documents
An ANC does not replace a will, business succession plan or advice about a jointly owned home. Where relevant, we can coordinate those aspects through the firm's related services.
What to consider before deciding
Compare property regimes without oversimplifying them
Marriage in community of property is not a type of ANC. An ANC may provide for marriage out of community of property with accrual or exclude accrual. The suitability and effect of each choice depend on the applicable law and your circumstances.
What accrual means in practice
Accrual concerns the calculation of growth in the spouses' estates, subject to the contract and legal exclusions, when the system becomes relevant on dissolution. It should not be described simply as joint ownership of every asset acquired after marriage.
Already married or close to the ceremony?
Tell us immediately. A post-marriage change is not achieved by casually signing a backdated prenup. Specific court or registration procedures may be needed, and the firm cannot promise last-minute availability.
Comparing matrimonial property regimes
Community of property (not an ANC)
A default regime, not a type of antenuptial contract. One joint estate is formed on marriage.
Out of community with accrual
Separate estates during the marriage, with a calculation of growth on dissolution subject to the contract and legal exclusions.
Out of community without accrual
Separate estates with no accrual sharing. The effect and limits depend on the applicable law and circumstances.
These labels explain concepts, not a personalised recommendation. The suitability of each regime depends on your circumstances and current law.
The next steps
- 1Confirm the intended marriage date, applicable legal system and objectives.
- 2Review financial information and explain the available arrangements.
- 3Prepare and discuss the draft; identify any need for separate advice.
- 4Arrange proper execution, registration and document retention.
Information to prepare
Identity and contact details; wedding date and place; existing marriage/divorce documents where relevant; asset, liability and business-interest schedules; proposed exclusions and any draft agreement. Detailed records are requested after the initial enquiry.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not backdate documents, conceal significant liabilities or assume a generic online template is ready for registration. Avoid treating a signature as proof that all registration steps have been completed.
Relevant experience for your matter
Abigail Sher was admitted as an attorney and conveyancer in 2008 and as a notary in 2009. Her notarial and property work supports clear advice about the documents surrounding marriage.
Abigail Sher
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
LLB · University of South Africa
Admitted as an attorney and conveyancer in 2008 and a notary in 2009. Notarial execution and registration of antenuptial contracts.
View Abigail's profile
Jessica El-Hage
Attorney
LLB · University of Johannesburg
Family-law advice including the property consequences of marriage and related planning.
View Jessica's profileFrequently asked questions
When should we start?
As early as practicable before the intended marriage. Tell the firm the actual date so the required consultations, execution and registration can be planned.
Can an ANC remove every possible claim on divorce?
Do not assume so. The contract must be considered with current law and the circumstances. We explain the effect and limits of the proposed arrangement.
Can we change it after marriage?
A change after marriage can require a formal legal process. It is not equivalent to editing an unsigned draft; obtain advice before taking any step.
Do you offer notarial assistance?
Yes. Abigail Sher is an admitted notary as well as an attorney and conveyancer. The firm will confirm the scope and applicable fees.
Related services
Plan your antenuptial contract with clear advice.
Tell us your intended marriage date and what you want the agreement to address. A brief enquiry is enough to begin.
What happens next?
Start with a brief telephone discussion so the firm can understand your matter and decide whether it may assist. That initial discussion is free. Where appropriate, a paid consultation is arranged, usually in person; remote arrangements may be considered.
You can begin through our AI-assisted WhatsApp enquiry service at any time. It gathers initial information and does not provide legal advice. Suitable prospective clients ordinarily receive an attorney call within one working day. A message does not confirm an appointment, acceptance of a matter or action on a deadline.
Speak to Hugh Raichlin Attorneys
Visit us by arrangement at 1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00. New enquiries and WhatsApp: 011 010 8336. Email: reception@raichlin.co.za. Existing clients should use 011 483 1527.
Website information is general and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Please send sensitive documents only when requested through an appropriate channel.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Each matter is assessed on its own facts.