A prenuptial agreement (also known as a ante-nuptial contract) is a legally binding document that sets out how your property, finances, and debt will be shared during marriage and in the event of death or divorce. It allows you to keep certain assets separate, protect a business and avoid dispute if the marriage ends, which is why it's always a good idea to consult with a lawyer before getting married.

In South Africa, there are three mains ways you can structure your marriage:

• In community of property: everything is shared 50/50. This is the default if you don't sign a prenuptial agreement.
• Out of community of property (with accrual): each partner keeps what they owned before getting married, but share what they build together.
• Out of community of property (without accrual): everything stays separate, both what you owned before and what you earn or buy during the marriage.

Our legal team will walk you through each option and help you decide which one makes the most sense for you relationship and life goals.

Your prenup must be drafted and signed before your wedding day. That's why we recommend starting the process at least 3 months before the time. This gives you and your partner time to have important conversations, explore which marital property system fits your needs, and review the agreement carefully, without last-minute stress.

Once signed, it must be registered at the Deeds office within 3 months. Our legal team handles the registration for you as part of your legal cover.   

You can change from in community of property to out of community of property after you're married, but it's a bit more complicated. You'd need to apply to court to make the change, which can take time and involve extra costs.

Unfortunately, this process isn't covered by any of our policies. The prenup registration benefit applies to agreement signed before the wedding.

Your prenup benefit covers both you and your partner under your policy. That means your prenup is handled from start to finish with no surprise costs for either of you.