Updated May 2026 Cost Guide

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.

$500–$600

Online service

$1,500–$3,500

One attorney

$2,500–$7,500

Two attorneys

$5,000+

Complex / high-asset

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

Prenup Cost by Method (2026)

Method	Typical Cost	Notes
Online prenup service (e.g. HelloPrenup)	$500–$600	Both spouses on one platform; attorney review optional
DIY template + attorney review	$300–$1,000	Template cost $50–$150 + review fee
One attorney (simple, uncontested)	$1,500–$3,500	One lawyer drafts; other spouse reviews independently
Two attorneys (recommended)	$2,500–$7,500	Each spouse has independent counsel — strongest protection
Complex prenup (business, multiple properties, investments)	$5,000–$15,000	High-asset, multi-state, or business ownership involved

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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?

✓ What prenups CAN address

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

✗ What prenups CANNOT address

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

Start early: Give yourself 3–6 months before the wedding. Rush fees can add 20–50% to attorney costs, and courts scrutinize last-minute prenups more closely.

Agree on the major terms first: Come to the attorney with a written list of what you both want covered. Every hour of negotiation at attorney rates is expensive — resolve disagreements before the clock starts.

Use an online service for simple situations: If your finances are straightforward, HelloPrenup or a similar platform can produce a legally sound agreement for $500–$600 — far less than attorney fees.

Full financial disclosure upfront: Courts void prenups that lack full financial disclosure. Prepare a complete list of assets, debts, income, and property before meeting with an attorney to avoid billable time gathering documents.

Consider a limited-scope attorney review: If you draft using an online platform, pay an attorney $300–$500 to review the final document rather than drafting from scratch. This gives legal oversight at a fraction of full-service cost.

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.

$500–$7,500

Prenup cost

One-time, upfront

$15,000–$30,000

Avg. contested divorce

Per spouse, without prenup

$3,000–$8,000

Uncontested divorce

With prenup in place

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a prenup cost on average?

The average prenup costs $500–$600 through an online service like HelloPrenup, or $2,500–$7,500 when both spouses hire their own attorneys. Simple, uncontested prenups at a single attorney run $1,500–$3,500. Complex prenups involving a business, multiple properties, or significant investments can reach $10,000–$15,000.

Is a prenup worth the cost?

For most couples with any assets to protect — a home, retirement account, business, or inheritance — a prenup is worth the cost. The average contested divorce costs $15,000–$30,000 per spouse. A $1,500 prenup that eliminates months of asset-division litigation is one of the most cost-effective legal documents available.

Can I write my own prenup without a lawyer?

Technically yes, but courts scrutinize self-drafted prenups closely and frequently void them for procedural errors (improper signing, lack of disclosure, duress). A better middle ground is an online service like HelloPrenup ($599/couple), which structures the process correctly and includes built-in legal safeguards.

How much does a prenup cost at a law firm?

Most family law attorneys charge $300–$600/hour and spend 5–15 hours on a prenup, putting attorney fees at $1,500–$9,000 per attorney. If both spouses have their own attorneys (strongly recommended), total legal fees typically run $2,500–$7,500 for a straightforward prenup.

Does HelloPrenup require both spouses to have attorneys?

No — HelloPrenup does not require attorneys. Both spouses complete the process together on the platform. Attorney review is available as an optional add-on. The resulting agreement is legally valid without attorneys, though you can choose to have one review the document before signing.

How long does it take to get a prenup?

With an online service, you can complete a prenup in a few days to two weeks. With attorneys, expect 4–12 weeks — longer if there are disagreements to negotiate. Courts look unfavorably at prenups signed within 30 days of the wedding, so start at least 2–3 months before your wedding date.

What makes a prenup invalid?

Common reasons courts void prenups: signed too close to the wedding (suggesting duress), one party did not fully disclose assets, the agreement was heavily one-sided, one party lacked independent legal counsel, or the document was improperly signed or witnessed. Using a reputable service or attorney significantly reduces these risks.

Is a prenup cheaper than a divorce?

Yes — significantly. A prenup that costs $1,500–$3,000 today can reduce divorce costs to a simple uncontested filing ($3,000–$8,000 total) instead of a contested divorce ($15,000–$30,000+ per spouse). The prenup pays for itself many times over if the marriage ends in disagreement over assets.