Your choices before getting married  - different antenuptial contracts compared 

Explore your matrimonial property regime options before getting married. You must choose one before getting married. Your choice will have financial and legal consequences. You are therefore urged to carefully consider your options. If you still have questions, you are welcome to contact us. Get Started - Explore your options.

With Accrual

Share the wealth built during your marriage while keeping pre-marriage assets separate. Best for younger couples starting out together. Learn More →

Without Accrual

Each spouse retains complete ownership of their own assets — no sharing upon divorce or death. Best for second marriages or business owners. Learn More →

In Community of Property

All assets and debts merge into one joint estate. You share 100% of everything — including your spouse's creditors. High risk. Learn More →

Comparison Table - Matrimonial Property Regimes 

Compare Your Matrimonial Property Choices 

FeatureIn Community of PropertyOut of Community (WITH Accrual)Out of Community (WITHOUT Accrual)
Legal DocumentNo ANC (Default Regime)Notarial Contract (ANC)Notarial Contract (ANC)
Asset OwnershipOne Joint Estate (50/50)Two Separate EstatesTwo Separate Estates
Debt & LiabilityJointly Liable. Creditors can seize the entire estate for either spouse’s debt.Individually Protected. Assets are shielded from the other spouse’s creditors.Individually Protected. Total separation of all assets and liabilities.
Contractual PowerLimited. Significant acts require spousal consent.Full Autonomy. No consent needed to trade or buy property.Full Autonomy. Total financial independence.
Sharing at Divorce50/50 split of the entire joint estate.Accrual Formula: Sharing of wealth grown during the marriage only.No Sharing. Each spouse retains only what is in their name.
InheritancesIncluded in the joint estate (unless specifically excluded by the Will).Excluded. Inheritances and legacies are automatically separate.Excluded. Remains the property of the inheriting spouse.
Duty of SupportMandatory (Paid from Joint Estate).Mandatory (Reciprocal). Both spouses must support the household.Mandatory (Reciprocal). Duty of support remains despite asset separation.
Spousal Maintenance (Divorce)Discretionary by Court (Divorce Act Section 7).Discretionary by Court (Divorce Act Section 7).Still Applicable. The court can award maintenance even if there is no asset sharing.
Maintenance (Death)Claim against the 50% share and the deceased estate.Claim against Accrual and the deceased estate.Protected. A survivor can claim maintenance from the deceased's estate.
Best Suited ForNot Recommended. High risk for modern couples and business owners.First Marriages. Best for couples starting a life together and building wealth.Second Marriages. Ideal for protecting children’s inheritance or large existing estates.