How Much Does a Prenuptial Agreement Cost in 2025?

You're planning your wedding and the word “prenup” comes up in conversation. Your first question: how much does a prenuptial agreement cost?

Between $599 and $10,000, the answer varies dramatically depending on your needs. This complete guide breaks down prenup costs and helps you choose the option that protects your future without destroying your wedding budget.

Let me draw out the landscape a bit, then I'll explain in more detail what it's all about.

Understanding Prenuptial Agreement Costs

So what are we really talking about when we say “prenup cost”? Let's break this down.

Average Cost Breakdown

Here's the reality: the average prenup cost in the United States is around $8,000 when working with traditional attorneys. That's a significant chunk of change, especially when you're already budgeting for a wedding.

But here's what most people don't realize – that $8,000 figure represents the traditional route with two separate lawyers (one for each partner). The actual prenuptial agreement cost range is much wider: anywhere from $599 to over $10,000 depending on your situation.

Think about it this way:

🟢 Simple prenup with online platform: $599 – $1,500
🟠 Moderate complexity with attorneys: $3,000 – $7,000
🔴 Complex situations with extensive negotiations: $7,000 – $10,000+

Before diving deeper into how much does a prenup cost in different scenarios, it helps to understand what is a prenuptial agreement and why couples choose to create one.

Why Costs Vary So Much

Here's the thing about prenup pricing – it's not like buying a car where you can just look up the MSRP. Every couple's situation is different, and that affects the price tag.

Complexity is the biggest driver. If you're a 28-year-old couple where one partner has student loan debt and the other has a small inheritance, your prenup will be straightforward. But if you're a tech entrepreneur with a $2 million startup, multiple properties, and complex investment portfolios? That's a different story entirely.

Location matters more than you'd think. How much does a prenup cost in California versus Iowa? A prenup in rural Iowa will cost significantly less than one in Manhattan or San Francisco. In major cities like NYC, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, you're looking at $7,500 to $10,000+ for complex cases. In smaller cities, that same agreement might run $3,000 to $7,000. Rural areas? Often $1,200 to $3,000.

Attorney experience and billing structure also play a huge role. Some lawyers charge hourly rates (typically $200-$350 per hour for prenup lawyer fees), while others offer flat fees. Hourly billing can spiral quickly if negotiations get complicated or if you need multiple revisions.

Factors That Affect Prenup Pricing

Now that you've seen the range, you're probably wondering: what makes one prenup cost $599 and another cost $10,000? Let's dig into the four big factors.

1. Complexity of Your Financial Situation

Let's get specific about what “complexity” actually means when calculating the average cost of prenup agreements.

Simple scenario: You're both young professionals with similar salaries, maybe some student debt, and you want to keep premarital assets separate. This is straightforward. Think $599 to $3,000.

Moderate scenario: One partner owns a home or has significant retirement accounts. Maybe there's a notable income difference. One of you runs a small business. You'll need more detailed provisions, probably landing in the $3,000 to $7,000 range.

Complex scenario: Multiple properties, business ownership, stock options, trust funds, children from previous marriages, expected inheritances, or significant debt on one side. These situations require careful drafting and often extensive negotiation. Budget $7,000 to $10,000 or more.

Here's a real example: A 32-year-old entrepreneur in California with a tech startup valued at $2 million needed to protect his business interests. His prenup cost $9,500 with two attorneys because they had to draft specific provisions about future business growth, intellectual property rights, and potential liquidity events.

Can you see how different these scenarios are? That's why the price range is so wide.

2. Geographic Location

The United States has two different property systems, and where you live affects both the complexity of your prenup and what it costs. Understanding whether you're in a community property vs equitable distribution state is crucial for planning your prenup strategy and budget.

Community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin) automatically split marital property 50/50 in divorce. In these states, a prenup that deviates from this default requires careful drafting.

Equitable distribution states (the other 41 states) divide property “fairly” but not necessarily equally. Judges consider factors like contributions to the marriage, earning capacity, and marriage duration.

Beyond the legal framework, cost of living impacts attorney fees. The same prenup that costs $3,000 in a mid-sized Midwestern city might run $8,000 in San Francisco simply because attorney rates reflect local market conditions.

Want to know exactly what you'll pay in your area? Keep reading – I'll break down costs by region in just a bit.

3. Attorney Experience and Billing Method

You've got options here, and they come with different price tags for prenup lawyer fees.

Hourly billing is common. Family law attorneys typically charge $200 to $350 per hour. If your prenup takes 15 hours of attorney time (including drafting, revisions, and negotiations), you're looking at $3,000 to $5,250 just for one attorney's time. Remember, you need two attorneys for an enforceable prenup – one representing each partner.

Flat fee arrangements are increasingly popular. An attorney might charge $2,500 for a standard prenup or $5,000 for a more complex one. This gives you cost certainty and removes the anxiety of watching the clock during every email exchange.

Online platforms like HelloPrenup charge a fixed fee of $599 per couple. They've streamlined the process with questionnaires and templates, then offer optional attorney services for $699 each if you want legal eyes on the document. While traditional prenups average $8,000, modern online platforms offer flat pricing at $599 – that's up to 75% savings compared to traditional methods.

4. Negotiation Time and Revisions

This is where costs can spiral unexpectedly.

If both partners are on the same page about what goes in the prenup, drafting moves quickly. But if there's disagreement about provisions – maybe one partner wants to include a fidelity clause or there's debate about how to handle future business income – attorneys rack up hours in negotiations.

According to marketplace data, drafting a prenup from scratch averages $890, while reviewing and revising an existing draft averages $530. If you go through multiple rounds of revisions because you can't agree on terms, those costs multiply.

The key takeaway? The more prepared and aligned you are before involving attorneys, the less you'll pay. We'll talk about specific strategies to reduce prenup costs in just a minute.

For those wondering when should you get a prenup, timing plays a crucial role in both the process and the final cost.

Prenup Costs by Scenario

Let me show you what real couples actually pay in different situations.

Simple Prenup ($599 – $3,000)

Who this works for: Young couples with straightforward finances. Similar incomes, maybe some debt on one or both sides, minimal assets.

What you get: Basic provisions separating premarital assets and debts, straightforward division of marital property, clear debt responsibility.

Real example: A millennial couple, both 28 years old. She has $85,000 in student loans from grad school, and he recently received a family inheritance. They used an online platform for $599 to ensure her debt stays separate and his inheritance remains protected. The process took them about a week, mostly filling out questionnaires.

Moderate Complexity ($3,000 – $7,000)

Who needs this: Couples where one partner has significantly more assets, business owners, or those with children from previous marriages.

What you get: Detailed asset protection provisions, business protection clauses, retirement account handling, inheritance provisions for children from prior relationships.

Real example: A woman entering her second marriage at 45, with two children from her first marriage. She wanted to ensure certain assets pass to her children while still providing for her new spouse. Her attorney drafted a prenup for $6,200 that balanced these competing interests and included provisions for her kids' college funds.

High Complexity ($7,000+)

Who needs this: High net worth individuals, entrepreneurs with growing businesses, people with complex investment portfolios or multiple properties.

What you get: Comprehensive asset protection, detailed business valuation and protection clauses, complex income allocation formulas, trust provisions, intellectual property protection.

Real example: The California entrepreneur I mentioned earlier with his $2 million tech startup. His $9,500 prenup included specific provisions about how his company would be valued if the marriage ended, protected his co-founders from being forced to deal with his spouse in a divorce, and established clear boundaries around business vs. marital income.

Pretty different from that $599 prenup for the couple with student loans, right? That's the cost of complexity in action.

State-by-State Cost Differences

Where you live doesn't just affect what your prenup needs to say – it also affects what you'll pay. Let me explain why.

Community Property States

In the nine community property states, prenups often need more specific language to override the default 50/50 split. This can add to drafting time and cost.

California, in particular, has strict requirements. You need to wait at least seven days between presenting the prenup and signing it (though 30+ days is recommended). California attorneys often charge premium rates, with complex prenups easily hitting $10,000 in major metros.

Equitable Distribution States

The majority of states use equitable distribution, which gives couples more flexibility but also requires careful drafting to ensure your prenup will hold up. Courts in these states already expect “fair” rather than “equal” divisions, so your prenup needs to clearly articulate what you both consider fair.

Costs in these states vary widely based on local attorney rates rather than the property system itself.

So does your state's property system matter for costs? Sometimes yes, sometimes no – it's more about how complex your situation is and what local attorneys charge. For detailed information about legal requirements in your area, check out our guide on prenup requirements by state.

Geographic Price Variations

Here's what you can expect in different markets:

Major coastal cities (NYC, LA, SF, Seattle, Boston): $7,500 – $10,000+ for anything beyond basic prenups. Attorney rates reflect high costs of living and competitive legal markets.

Mid-sized cities (Austin, Denver, Nashville, Portland): $3,000 – $7,000 for most prenups. More reasonable attorney rates but still sophisticated legal expertise.

Small cities and rural areas: $1,200 – $3,000 for standard prenups. Lower costs of living translate to more affordable legal services, though you may have fewer specialized family law attorneys to choose from.

Now, here's where things get really interesting – and where you might save the most money. Traditional attorneys vs. modern online platforms. The price difference is dramatic.

Traditional Lawyer vs Online Platforms

This is probably the biggest decision you'll make, and it dramatically affects your final cost.

Traditional Attorney Route ($8,000 average)

How it works: You each hire your own attorney. They draft the agreement, negotiate terms, revise as needed, and ensure everything is legally sound.

What you pay: Average $8,000 total for both attorneys, though this can range from $4,000 to $20,000+ depending on complexity and location.

Timeline: Typically 1-3 months from start to finish. You're working around attorney schedules, waiting for drafts, coordinating meetings.

Pros:

• Personalized legal advice for your specific situation
• Attorneys can handle complex or unusual circumstances
• Stronger enforceability since independent counsel reviewed everything
• Peace of mind that experts are protecting your interests

Cons:

• Expensive, especially if negotiations drag on
• Time-consuming process with lots of back-and-forth
• Can feel intimidating or adversarial

Online Platforms like HelloPrenup ($599)

How it works: You complete detailed questionnaires online about your finances, assets, debts, and preferences. The platform generates a prenup based on your answers. You can add optional attorney review for $699 each.

What you pay: $599 for the platform fee, plus $1,398 if both partners opt for attorney review (total: $1,997).

Timeline: Same-day download is possible, though most couples take a week or two to complete the questionnaires thoughtfully.

Pros:

• Dramatically more affordable (up to 75% savings vs. traditional)
• Work on your own schedule, 24/7 access
• Faster process with no scheduling headaches
• Designed for modern couples who are comfortable with digital tools
• Still get attorney review if you want it

Cons:

• May not handle very complex or unusual situations well
• Less personalized advice
• You're responsible for understanding and answering questions correctly
• Not ideal if you have significant assets or complicated finances

Who's using it: Data shows 75% of HelloPrenup users are between 18-39 years old, and 52% of the time, women initiate the process. The median debt among users is $30,000, and the median wealth disparity between partners is $250,000 – these are regular people protecting modest assets, not ultra-wealthy individuals. The platform is designed for modern couples who want legal protection without the intimidation factor of traditional law offices.

For a deeper comparison of these approaches, see our detailed analysis of online prenup platforms vs traditional lawyers.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

So which route should you take? Here's how to think about it.

Choose traditional attorneys if:

• You have complex assets (multiple properties, business ownership, trusts)
• There's significant wealth disparity or complicated family situations
• You want comprehensive legal advice and peace of mind
• Budget isn't the primary concern

Choose online platforms if:

• Your finances are relatively straightforward
• You're comfortable with technology and self-service tools
• Budget is a major factor
• You want speed and convenience
• You can add attorney review for middle-ground protection

Honestly, there's no wrong answer here – just the wrong choice for your specific situation. Take a hard look at your finances, your budget, and your comfort level with legal processes. That'll tell you which way to go.

How to Reduce Prenup Costs

Want to save money without sacrificing protection? Here's how.

Pre-Negotiate Terms Before Meeting Attorneys

This is huge. If you and your partner discuss and agree on the basic framework before involving attorneys, you'll save significant time (and therefore money).

Sit down together and talk through:

• Which assets you want to keep separate
• How you'll handle debt acquired before marriage
• Whether you want to include spousal support provisions
• How you'll divide property acquired during marriage

Come to your attorney with an outline of what you both want. They'll still provide legal guidance and ensure everything is enforceable, but you won't be paying $300/hour for them to facilitate negotiations from scratch.

Organize Financial Documents in Advance

Attorneys need complete financial disclosure to draft a valid prenup. The more organized you are, the less time they'll spend requesting, tracking down, and reviewing documents.

Prepare in advance:

• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Investment account statements
• Retirement account balances
• Property deeds and mortgage statements
• Business valuations or financial statements
• List of debts with current balances
• Tax returns (last 2 years)

Having everything ready to go can easily save 3-5 hours of attorney time, which translates to $600-$1,500 in savings.

Not bad for an afternoon of organizing documents, right?

Choose Flat Fee Over Hourly Billing

Whenever possible, negotiate a flat fee arrangement with your attorney. This protects you from cost overruns if negotiations take longer than expected.

Ask potential attorneys: “Do you offer flat fee pricing for prenups? What does that include, and what would trigger additional charges?”

Some attorneys charge a base flat fee that includes one round of revisions, then charge hourly for additional changes. Get clear on the terms before signing an engagement letter.

Consider Online Platforms for Simple Agreements

If your situation is straightforward, an online platform can save you thousands while still providing solid protection.

Consider HelloPrenup's digital platform: 100% online, 24/7 access, and same-day download. No scheduling conflicts, no retainer fees, just straightforward protection at a fraction of traditional costs. The platform walks you through every question you need to answer, generates a legally compliant document based on your state's laws, and gives you the option to add attorney review if you want extra security. At $599 (or $1,997 with attorney review for both partners), it's significantly cheaper than traditional methods.

This works especially well for younger couples who are comfortable with digital tools, have modest assets, and want to protect against student debt or small inheritances rather than complex business interests.

Bottom line: these four strategies can cut your prenup costs by 30-50% without sacrificing quality. Worth considering, especially if budget is tight.

Is a Prenup Worth the Cost?

Let's talk about return on investment.

Prenup vs. Divorce Costs ($8,000 vs $15,000-$23,000)

Here's the uncomfortable truth: divorce is expensive. The average divorce in the United States costs between $7,000 and $15,000, with contested divorces involving attorneys averaging $11,300.

A prenup for $8,000 suddenly looks like a bargain when you consider it could save you thousands (and months of stress) if the marriage doesn't work out. Think of it as insurance – you hope you'll never need it, but you're glad it's there if you do.

The math is even more compelling with modern options. A $599 prenup that saves you from a $15,000 divorce? That's a 2,400% return on investment.

Peace of Mind and Financial Clarity

Beyond the dollars, there's real value in having difficult conversations before marriage rather than during divorce.

Creating a prenup forces you to:

• Discuss money openly and honestly
• Understand each other's financial values and priorities
• Clarify expectations about finances in marriage
• Address uncomfortable “what if” scenarios while you still like each other

Many couples report that the prenup conversation, while initially awkward, actually strengthened their relationship. You're making decisions together, proactively, rather than having a judge make them for you later.

Protection for Both Partners

Here's a common misconception: prenups only protect the wealthier partner. Not true.

A well-drafted prenup protects both people. If you're the partner with less money but more debt, a prenup can ensure your partner isn't liable for your student loans or credit card balances if things go south. If you're putting your career on hold to raise children, a prenup can guarantee spousal support.

The data backs this up: 52% of prenup requests are initiated by women, often because they want to protect their own assets, ensure their children from previous marriages are provided for, or clarify financial responsibilities.

Alright, let's tackle the questions everyone asks about prenup costs.

FAQs About Prenup Costs

How much does a prenuptial agreement cost in the United States in 2025?

On average, $8,000 per couple when working with two traditional attorneys. However, the range is wide: from $599 for online platforms like HelloPrenup to $10,000+ for complex situations requiring extensive legal work.

What factors influence the cost of a prenup?

Four main factors drive prenup pricing: complexity of your assets and financial situation, geographic location and local attorney rates, the experience level of your attorney, and whether you're billed hourly versus a flat fee. The method you choose (traditional attorneys vs. online platform) makes the biggest difference.

Can you get a prenup without a lawyer?

Legally, yes – you can use online platforms to create a prenup without hiring attorneys. However, having two independent attorneys (one for each partner) significantly strengthens the enforceability of your prenup if it's ever challenged in court. Many online platforms offer optional attorney review as a middle ground.

Does a prenup override state laws about property division?

Yes. A valid, enforceable prenup allows you to replace your state's default rules (either community property or equitable distribution) with your own agreement. Without a prenup, state law decides how your property gets divided in divorce. With a prenup, you decide.

How far in advance of your wedding should you get a prenup?

Minimum 30 days before the wedding, though some states like California require at least 7 days. Ideally, start the process 3-6 months before your wedding date. Signing a prenup too close to the wedding can make it vulnerable to challenges based on duress or lack of time to review.

Next Steps: Getting Your Prenup

Timeline Recommendations

Here's a realistic timeline for the prenup process:

3-6 months before wedding: Start the conversation with your partner. Research your options (traditional attorneys vs. online platforms). If going the attorney route, start interviewing lawyers.

2-4 months before wedding: Complete financial disclosure. Draft initial prenup. Review with attorneys or through online platform.

1-2 months before wedding: Negotiate any revisions. Both partners review with independent counsel if using traditional route.

30+ days before wedding: Sign the final agreement. Do not wait until the last minute – this can make your prenup vulnerable to being thrown out.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Ask yourself these questions:

How complex are our finances? If you have business ownership, multiple properties, trusts, or significant wealth disparity, lean toward traditional attorneys. If you're both young professionals with straightforward assets and some debt, online platforms work well.

What's our budget? If you can comfortably afford $8,000-$10,000 for comprehensive legal counsel, great. If that's a significant strain on your wedding budget, modern alternatives like HelloPrenup at $599 provide solid protection at a fraction of the cost.

How much hand-holding do we need? Some couples want extensive legal advice and personalized guidance through every decision. Others are comfortable answering questions and making choices on their own with some attorney review.

What's our timeline? If you're getting married in two months, online platforms offer same-day downloads (though you should still take time to complete everything thoughtfully). Traditional attorney processes take 1-3 months on average.

There you have it. The complete breakdown of prenup costs in 2025.

The bottom line: prenups have become more accessible and affordable than ever. Whether you choose the traditional route or a modern alternative like HelloPrenup, the key is starting the conversation early and choosing the option that fits your budget, timeline, and complexity of needs.

A prenup isn't about planning for failure – it's about entering marriage with clarity, honesty, and protection for both partners. And that's worth whatever you decide to invest.