Marriage Contract (ANC) - For Information (Sect 66)

What Is a Marriage Contract (ANC)?

An Antenuptial Contract (ANC), commonly called a Marriage Contract, is a legal agreement signed before or during marriage that determines how assets and liabilities are handled. If you were married out of community of property, you have an ANC registered at a Deeds Office.

Where Is Your Marriage Contract Registered?

Your Marriage Contract is registered at the Deeds Office closest to where you physically signed the document, not where you live. Here are some examples:

• Signed in Bellville, Cape Town → Registered at Western Cape Deeds Office (Cape Town)
• Signed in Sandton, Johannesburg → Registered at South Gauteng Deeds Office (Johannesburg)
• Signed in Northriding or Midrand → Registered at North Gauteng Deeds Office (Pretoria)
• Signed in Durban → Registered at KwaZulu-Natal Deeds Office (Pietermaritzburg)
• Signed in Port Elizabeth → Registered at Eastern Cape Deeds Office (Qonce)

Special Note for Gauteng: Because some areas overlap between the North Gauteng (Pretoria) and South Gauteng (Johannesburg) registries, we automatically search both offices when your contract was signed anywhere in Gauteng. This ensures we find your contract even if you're unsure which office covers your area.

What Can You Use Your Marriage Contract Copy For?

A standard copy of your Marriage Contract is useful for many everyday situations, including:

• Applying for home loans or vehicle finance
• Opening joint bank accounts or credit facilities
• Estate planning and will preparation
• Business partnership agreements
• Proof of marital property regime for employers or institutions
• Immigration and visa applications
• Insurance claims and policy applications
• General verification and record-keeping

When You Need a Certified Copy:

For the following purposes, you must have a certified copy (not a standard copy):

• Divorce proceedings and settlements
• Court matters and legal disputes
• Formal legal proceedings requiring sworn documentation

If you need your Marriage Contract for any of these purposes, please order our Certified Marriage Contract service instead, which includes official certification under Section 66 of the Deeds Registries Act.

How to Order Your Marriage Contract

Ordering is straightforward—we just need a few details:

Required Information:

1. Full names of both spouses (as they appear on your IDs)
2. ID numbers for both parties
3. Where the contract was signed (city/suburb and notary office if known)
4. Approximate year the contract was signed (if known)

The Process:

1. Submit Your Details: Provide the information above when placing your order
2. We Search: We'll search the relevant Deeds Office(s) to locate your Marriage Contract
3. Digital Delivery: Once found, we'll send the electronic copy directly to your email, usually within 3-5 business days

Why Order Through eDEEDS?

Save Time and Travel: No need to take time off work to visit a Deeds Office in person or navigate bureaucratic processes.

Expert Search: We know exactly where to look. For areas with overlapping jurisdictions (like Gauteng), we automatically search multiple offices.

Fast Digital Delivery: Receive your Marriage Contract via email—no waiting for postal delivery or courier fees.

Secure Process: Your personal information is handled with strict confidentiality.

Avoid Future Hassles: Many people don't realize they need their Marriage Contract until it's urgently required for a loan application or legal matter. Having a copy on hand saves stress when you need it most.

Get Your Marriage Contract Today

Whether you need it for a bond application, estate planning, or general verification, ordering your Marriage Contract through eDEEDS is quick and convenient. For most everyday purposes, a standard copy is perfectly adequate. However, if you're going through divorce proceedings or need it for court matters, be sure to order a certified copy instead.