How Much Does a Prenup Cost?
The price of a prenup depends on the complexity of your finances and other factors. Discover what affects these costs.
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A prenuptial agreement can cost anywhere between $3,000 and upwards of $20,000, depending on location, complexity, and the attorneys you hire.
Many attorneys quote retainers on a sliding scale and quote higher retainers if they believe the prospective client has more assets and can pay a higher price. What this means is that a lawyer may quote you a price based on a lawyer’s assumption of your wealth rather than the actual work required.
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At Neptune, we believe the most important part of the prenuptial agreement is the conversation that happens before any lawyers are involved. Most of what leads to expensive legal bills is the back and forth between two partners because they disagree with what they want in a prenup. On the other hand, if you and your partner are aligned on the terms, this should require less time and money for the attorneys to execute on this.
You’ve worked hard to build your wealth and secure your financial future with your partner. One of the most effective ways to do this is to create a solid prenuptial agreement. But how much does a prenup cost, and is it worth the investment?
With Neptune, we work with lawyers who charge a flat rate to ensure that our users don't get overcharged by lawyers for unnecessary work. Neptune helps couples save thousands on prenups with:
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Before we get into the costs, let’s talk about why a prenup is such a valuable choice for couples. A prenup goes beyond legal formality—it’s a practical tool that offers a sense of security and collaboration of your financial future with your partner. When done right, a prenuptial agreement helps you:
Many couples find it a bit uncomfortable or even unromantic to suggest getting a prenup. However, it’s actually an opportunity to talk openly about what’s most important to you both—your financial goals, values, and plans for the future.
Besides providing clarity and understanding, a prenup helps you and your partner make informed decisions and look out for each other in case life takes an unexpected turn, including in the event of death.
When it comes down to it, marriage involves conversations where love and money meet, so starting these talks early can help you both feel closer and can better prepare you for whatever life brings.
The cost of your prenup depends a lot on your financial situation. For example, if you earn a lot of money and have a complicated financial situation, your prenup will probably need more detailed terms, which could increase the cost. Here are some things that can make your finances more complicated:
Your prenup needs to cover these complexities to make sure all your financial details are properly disclosed. This helps your lawyer create an agreement that works for you, but it may take more time and expertise, which could raise the cost.
Attorney fees are one of the biggest costs when getting a prenup, but price transparency is often rare, so it's harder to know what to expect. Lawyers usually charge by the hour, and their rates can range from $300 to $1,000+ per hour, depending on their experience and where they practice.
Lawyers typically charge in two ways:
A lawyer charging a $2,000 retainer or a flat fee for a draft prenup who has extensive family law experience is no "less qualified" to give you legal advice on matrimonial law than a lawyer charging $10,000. The price difference is determined by the amount of time you wish to spend with a lawyer and how much of a "white glove service" you are looking to get from the lawyer.
If you have a lot of questions for a lawyer and the experience you want is to understand the nitty-gritty of a prenup and spend a lot of face time with the lawyer understanding your prenup, you're likely someone who should be spending more on a lawyer. A lawyer typically charges for their total time (and, of course, additional costs like any costs to acquire you as a customer and the profit margin they want to make on you as a client).
A retainer offers flexibility but can cost more if the case takes longer. A flat rate provides cost certainty but might not cover unexpected complexities. At Neptune, we prefer working with lawyers who charge flat rates to ensure that our users aren't overcharged for unnecessary work.
Keep in mind that highly experienced attorneys with good reputations in family law often charge more. While this can increase your upfront costs, their expertise could be really important in making sure your agreement is legally sound and could hold up in court.
Where you live can also seriously influence how much you pay to get a prenup. A prenup might cost a lot more in major cities than in smaller towns because legal fees in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco tend to be higher than in smaller cities or rural areas. Each state has different laws, so it’s important to retain a lawyer familiar with your state’s legal code.
If you and your partner have different ideas about what should go into the prenup, it might take longer to sort out the details. The more customized the agreement—for example, how you’ll handle asset ownership, inheritance, or financial responsibilities—the more drafts and revisions you might need. All this extra time and effort can add to the overall cost.
When you’re planning your prenup, it’s a smart idea to have separate lawyers for drafting and reviewing it. It might cost a bit more, but having your own legal counsel ensures everything is fair and both of you are looked after. This way, you can avoid conflicts down the road and be confident the agreement is legally sound.
The cost of a prenup can vary greatly, so here’s a breakdown of what you might expect within the $3,000 to $10,000 range:
If you want a simple “you keep yours, I keep mine” prenup that doesn’t involve many assets or special requests, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $4,000. This usually covers a couple of meetings with your lawyer for both the drafting and reviewing parties.
If you have some assets to protect but don’t need anything too complicated, a prenup like this might cost between $3,000 and $5,000. Often, when couples aren’t quite clear on what they want in a prenup, this can lead to higher attorney fees. This usually covers more detailed asset considerations, extra attorney guidance, and a few rounds of revisions based on negotiations.
For those with significant wealth, real estate holdings, and customized calculations for alimony and other asset holdings, a prenup could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or even more. These agreements usually require more customization, in-depth legal advice, and several meetings to finalize everything.
Typically, the negotiations between the draft and review, if you and your partner are not on the same page, can take the longest at this step. If your prenup involves complicated planning or tough negotiations, you’ll want to budget toward the higher end of that range.
Now that you know how much a prenup costs, you might wonder if a prenuptial agreement is something you need in your situation. The cost might seem steep at first, but you’re investing in your long-term financial security.
Here’s another way to look at it: the cost of a prenup is a smart investment in building a strong foundation for your relationship. It gives you a clear plan for your financial future together, which can bring peace of mind for both of you.
When done right, a prenup protects your assets, clarifies how debts will be managed, and sets clear expectations for both partners. Plus, it helps you and your partner start your marriage on the same page. If you’re still not sure about getting a prenup, consider taking this short quiz.
Taking the step to secure your future with a prenuptial agreement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This is an opportunity for you and your partner to openly discuss your shared goals, values and plans for all aspects of your life together. To make the process easier, Neptune can guide and connect you to experienced, vetted family law attorneys who understand your unique needs.
If you’re ready to get started or just exploring your options, chat with Neptune today. Chat with our prenup concierge to start the conversation, and if you decide to move forward, we’ll match you with the right lawyer for your needs.
Together, you and your partner can build a foundation that addresses both your present and future needs, knowing you’re both on the same page and prepared for whatever life brings.