Neptune vs. Traditional Attorneys: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons
When couples start researching prenuptial agreements, they often face two choices: work with a traditional family law attorney or use a modern platform like Neptune. While both approaches lead to a legally enforceable prenup, the experience, cost, and impact on your relationship can look very different.Here’s how Neptune compares to traditional attorneys when it comes to pricing, features, and the overall process.
Key takeaways
- Traditional attorneys charge $400-$600 per hour with total costs ranging from $8,000 to $20,000+ for both partners, while Neptune offers flat-fee pricing of $3,000-$7,000 total with no surprise bills
- Neptune's process takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish with transparent milestones, compared to traditional attorneys where timelines often stretch over months
- You get AI-powered guidance that helps align on key terms and navigate sensitive money conversations before meeting with attorneys, reducing potential conflict
- Neptune matches you with vetted family law attorneys who specialize in prenups and provides concierge support throughout the entire process
- Traditional attorney processes can feel adversarial with lawyers focused on 'winning' negotiations, while Neptune combines legal precision with emotional intelligence for a collaborative approach
Pricing: Flat-Fee Clarity vs. Hourly Uncertainty
Traditional AttorneysMost family lawyers charge hourly, with rates between $400-$600 an hour in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. A typical prenup can take 10-25 billable hours, leading to total costs ranging from $8,000 to $20,000+ once both partners’ lawyers are included. Add in retainers, unpredictable invoices, and extended timelines, and the costs can escalate quickly.
NeptuneNeptune offers flat-fee pricing starting at $3,000-$7,000 total for both partners’ lawyers combined. That price includes emotionally intelligent AI guidance, free lawyer consultation before retainer, attorney review, and concierge support throughout the process. No surprise bills. No runaway invoices. Just clarity from day one.
Process: Stressful or Streamlined?
Traditional AttorneysWith traditional representation, the prenup process usually begins with scheduling consultations, paying retainers, and exchanging drafts. Each edit or conversation can add billable hours. Timelines often stretch over months, and couples are left managing the logistics between two separate law offices.
NeptuneNeptune’s process starts with a free AI-powered intake that helps couples outline their goals, align on key terms, and prepare for attorney conversations. Couples are then matched with vetted family law attorneys who specialize in prenups. The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish, with transparent milestones and concierge support to keep everything on track.
Experience: Adversarial or Collaborative?
Traditional AttorneysTraditional prenup processes can feel adversarial. Lawyers often focus on “winning” negotiations, which can unintentionally create tension between partners. Without guidance on how to talk about money, couples are left navigating emotional conversations on their own.
NeptuneNeptune flips the script by combining legal precision with emotional intelligence. The AI assistant guides couples through sensitive topics before they reach the lawyer stage, fostering alignment and reducing conflict. Neptune is built to help couples strengthen their relationship while finalizing an enforceable agreement.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Neptune or Traditional Attorneys?
Deciding between Neptune and a traditional law firm? Each service has its strengths and a few tradeoffs. Here's how the pros and cons compare across the two choices:
Neptune
Pros
- Flat-fee pricing with no surprises
- AI guidance for alignment before attorney review
- Vetted lawyers specializing in prenups
- Concierge-level support for both partners
Cons
- Currently available only in select major U.S. markets, but rolling out into new states frequently
Traditional Attorneys
Pros
- Experienced legal representation
- Custom agreements tailored to complex finances
Cons
- High and unpredictable costs
- Lengthy timelines (months, not weeks)
- Can feel adversarial instead of collaborative
Bottom Line
If you want a legally airtight prenup but dread unpredictable costs and drawn-out timelines, Neptune offers a smarter alternative. By combining technology, vetted attorneys, and flat-fee pricing, Neptune makes the prenup process transparent, collaborative, and efficient.For those who have zero budgetary concerns, a traditional lawyer will be more than happy to work with you to comb over every little detail three times over, as this only adds to their billable hours.
Ready to take the next step? Start your prenup journey with Neptune today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a prenup cost with Neptune vs traditional attorneys?
Neptune charges a flat fee of $3,000-$7,000 total for both partners combined, while traditional attorneys typically cost $8,000-$20,000+ with hourly rates of $400-$600 per hour. Traditional lawyers can bill 10-25 hours per prenup, making costs unpredictable with potential surprise bills.
How long does it take to get a prenup with Neptune?
Neptune's prenup process typically takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish with transparent milestones and support. Traditional attorneys often stretch the timeline over several months due to scheduling consultations, exchanging drafts, and managing logistics between separate law offices.
What's included in Neptune's prenup pricing?
Neptune's flat fee includes emotionally intelligent AI guidance, free lawyer consultation before signing a retainer, attorney review by vetted family law specialists, and concierge support throughout the entire process. There are no surprise bills or additional hourly charges.
Is Neptune available in my state?
Neptune is currently available only in select major U.S. markets but is rolling out to new states frequently. You can check availability and start the process on their platform to see if your location is covered.
What makes Neptune different from hiring a traditional prenup lawyer?
Neptune combines AI-powered guidance with vetted attorneys to create a collaborative process, while traditional lawyers often create an adversarial experience. Neptune offers flat-fee pricing, 6-8 week timelines, and emotional intelligence tools to help couples align before legal review.