How Much Does a Prenup Cost? (2026)
From $500 online to $10,000+ at a law firm — what you pay depends on complexity, how many attorneys are involved, and the state you're in.
Prenup Cost by Method (2026)
| Method | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Online prenup service (e.g. HelloPrenup) | $500–$600 |
| DIY template + attorney review | $300–$1,000 |
| One attorney (simple, uncontested) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Two attorneys (recommended) | $2,500–$7,500 |
| Complex prenup (business, multiple properties, investments) | $5,000–$15,000 |
Get a Legally Valid Prenup Starting at $599/Couple
HelloPrenup guides both spouses through a state-specific prenuptial agreement online — no law firm required. Includes attorney review options and is accepted by courts in all 50 states.
Start My Prenup with HelloPrenup →What Affects the Cost of a Prenup?
Complexity of your assets
A prenup covering a checking account and a car is straightforward. One covering a business, investment portfolio, real estate in multiple states, stock options, or an inheritance is far more complex — and takes more attorney time to document correctly.
Whether both spouses have attorneys
Courts look much more favorably on prenups where both parties had independent legal counsel. If only one spouse has an attorney, the prenup is more vulnerable to being thrown out — and the other spouse may hire their own attorney to review it, which adds cost.
Your state
Attorney hourly rates vary enormously by location. Prenup attorneys in Manhattan or San Francisco charge $400–$600/hour; the same work in a smaller city may cost $200–$350/hour. The total draft time is typically 5–15 hours per attorney for a moderately complex prenup.
How much negotiation is needed
If you and your partner agree on everything upfront, the attorney mainly documents your decisions. If there are disagreements — about what's separate vs. marital property, spousal support, or business interests — attorneys negotiate on your behalf, adding hours and cost.
Timeline
Rushing a prenup is expensive and risky. Most family law attorneys recommend starting at least 3–6 months before the wedding. Last-minute prenups (within 30 days of the wedding) raise red flags for courts and may cost 20–50% more due to rush fees.
Online Prenup Service vs. Attorney: Which Is Right for You?
Online Service $500–$600
- ✓Fast — complete in days, not months
- ✓State-specific forms built in
- ✓Both spouses collaborate on one platform
- ✓Optional attorney review add-on
- ✗Less customization for complex assets
- ✗No negotiation support
Best for: couples with straightforward finances who agree on terms
Attorney-Drafted $2,500–$7,500+
- ✓Fully customized to your situation
- ✓Stronger court enforceability
- ✓Can handle business interests, complex assets
- ✓Attorney negotiates on your behalf
- ✗Much higher cost
- ✗Takes weeks to months
Best for: high-asset couples, business owners, or significant disagreements
For most couples with straightforward finances — savings, a car, maybe a condo — an online service like HelloPrenup produces a legally valid, court-enforceable agreement at a fraction of the attorney cost. The key is that both partners need to participate honestly and disclose all assets.
If you own a business, have significant investments, expect a large inheritance, or have children from a prior relationship, the extra cost of two attorneys is usually worth it for the added enforceability and customization.
What Can (and Can't) a Prenup Cover?
- Division of property owned before marriage
- How assets acquired during marriage are split
- Protection of a business or professional practice
- Spousal support / alimony terms
- Protection of inheritance rights for children from a prior marriage
- Who is responsible for pre-marital debts
- How jointly owned property is divided if you divorce
- Child custody or child support (courts decide this at divorce)
- Non-financial personal matters ("you must do the dishes")
- Anything illegal or against public policy
- Terms that incentivize divorce
- Waiving the right to a court-appointed attorney in a criminal case
How to Keep Prenup Costs Down
Prenup Cost vs. Divorce Cost
The average contested divorce in the US costs $15,000–$30,000 per spouse in attorney fees, with high-asset divorces regularly reaching $100,000+. A prenup that costs $2,500 today can eliminate months of court battles over asset division if the marriage ends.
Both Spouses on One Platform — Starting at $599
HelloPrenup walks you through your prenuptial agreement together. State-specific, legally valid, and a fraction of attorney cost.
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