How Much Does A Prenup Cost?

Last Updated on March 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you’re planning to get married, you may be considering getting a prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a “prenup”. But how much does it cost to get a prenup? The fees can vary quite a bit based on your location, complexity of your assets, whether you use an attorney, and other factors. This guide will break down the typical cost range for prenups so you can budget accordingly before taking this important legal step.

We’ll look at average prenup prices both with and without an attorney, factors that impact the costs, and tips for keeping fees affordable. Read on for the full scoop on what to expect to pay for a prenup.

Key Takeaways on Prenup Pricing

To recap, the main details to remember when budgeting for a prenup:

• Expect to spend $300-$700 for an online DIY prenup.
• Attorney-drafted prenups range between $1,500-$5,000+
• Fees vary based on asset complexity, lawyer rates, and location.
• Even simple prenups require disclosing all assets and details upfront.
• Consider your finances and desire for legal guidance when choosing DIY vs. attorney route.
• Craft your prenup strategically to avoid unnecessary disputes if divorce occurs.

How Much Does A Prenup Cost?

The average cost of a prenup agreement without using an attorney is $300 to $700. With legal counsel, expect fees of $1,500 to $5,000+.

Here’s an overview of standard prenup costs based on whether you DIY or hire a family law attorney:

• Online prenup services – $300 to $700
• Paralegals or document prep services – $500 to $1,500
• Attorney with simple assets – $1,500 to $3,000
• Attorney with complex assets – $3,000 to $10,000+

As you can see, working with a lawyer significantly increases the costs but offers the greatest protection for more complex situations.

SmartAsset notes that the cost of a prenup typically ranges from $1,000 up to $10,000 for more complicated situations.

According to The Penny Hoarder, generally, a very simple prenup can cost $600 while a more complex prenup can cost $3,000 or more.

Business Insider states that typically, prenups cost around $2,500, but can cost more if you spend a while haggling out various issues.

Ogborne Law writes that the costs can vary from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands depending on what you need.

Based on ContractsCounsel‘s marketplace data, the average cost of a prenuptial agreement is $700.00.

What is a Prenup?

Now, let’s define what a prenup is. A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract created by two people before they get married. It details how assets, debts, property, and other finances will be divided in case of divorce.

A prenup allows you to protect personal assets and handle aspects like:

• Separate property and inheritance
• Business ownership
• Pensions and retirement funds
• Spousal support amounts

Prenups often take a few weeks to finalize and must be signed in front of a notary public. They provide legal clarity around finances if divorce occurs. Now let’s look at typical prenup pricing.

How Much Does a DIY Prenup Cost Online?

Thanks to online legal services like HelloPrenup, creating a DIY prenup without attorneys is now much more affordable. Here are typical costs:

• Online prenup platform fee – $300 to $500
• Printing & shipping – $20 to $50
• Notary public – $5 to $15 per signature

With an online software solution like HelloPrenup, you can easily answer guided questions and generate a customized prenup for just a few hundred dollars all-in. Just be sure to fully disclose all assets upfront for the prenup to be valid.

What Does a Lawyer-Drafted Prenup Cost?

If you plan to engage an attorney to create a prenup, costs increase but you get experienced legal guidance. Average fees with a lawyer are:

• Initial attorney consultation – $200 to $300
• Prenup drafting & negotiation – $800 to $2,000
• Asset disclosure & appraisals – $500 to $1,000
• Attorney review & modifications – $500 to $1,000
• Total prenup cost – $2,000 to $5,000+

The more complicated your finances and assets, the higher your legal fees will run. Real estate, businesses, multiple accounts, and trusts can add costs for lawyers to cover all details precisely. But attorney prenups offer strong protection and enforcement for a divorce.

You might also like our articles on the cost of subdividing land and estate planning, and the fees of a Criminal defense lawyer and a child support lawyer.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Prenups?

Several important elements affect what you’ll pay to create a prenuptial agreement:

• Location – Rates are higher in major metro areas like NYC or LA.
• Attorney vs. self-drafting – Lawyers cost more but offer experience and legal review.
• Simplicity of assets – Complex finances with real estate, businesses, etc. have higher fees.
• Modifications and negotiations – Multiple draft edits and long discussions increase legal time.
• Appraisals needed – If assets must be valued professionally, add $200+ per item.
• Prenup length – More pages and details equals more attorney fees.

The best way to keep prenup costs down is being organized and transparent upfront about all your assets and liabilities. This minimizes legal back-and-forth and surprises down the road.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Prenup to be Valid?

Prenups do not require using a lawyer to be considered legally valid and enforceable. However, for more complex situations, having an attorney helps ensure:

• You adequately disclose all assets upfront
• Agreement is free of technical errors
• Proper state laws are reflected
• Rights are protected if challenged

If opting for a simple DIY prenup, be thorough and transparent on financial details so it holds up in court if needed.

Tips for Keeping Prenuptial Agreement Costs Affordable

If attorney fees are stretching your budget, here are smart ways to save:

• Choose an online service like HelloPrenup to create prenups affordably without lawyers
• Hire one attorney to draft for both parties rather than two separate lawyers
• Opt for a paraprofessional like a document preparer service rather than a high-priced law firm
• Ask about flat fee or capped rate options to avoid hourly overages
• Minimize revisions and negotiations to limit legal hours
• Disclose all details fully upfront to avoid delays chasing hidden assets
• Consider timing during a lawyer’s slower season for better availability and rates

With the right approach, you can protect your interests with a quality prenup that fits your budget.

Is a Prenup Worth the Cost?

Given the potential legal costs, is a prenuptial agreement worth obtaining? For most couples, the answer is yes to avoid future conflict around:

• Separating entangled finances if splitting up
• Protecting personal inheritances and gifts
• Clarifying spousal support and child support with your future spouse
• Avoiding misunderstandings around business assets and debts
• Safeguarding real estate investments
• Streamlining division of retirement accounts

By spending a bit upfront on a marital prenup, you gain invaluable peace of mind knowing your assets and interests are protected in case you get divorced.

Final Words

While not an overly expensive process, a prenup gives invaluable peace of mind entering marriage. With the right provider, you can craft fair terms protecting both parties.