How Much Does a Prenup Cost? Can You Get One Online?

Editor's note: This post was originally published September 13, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness and freshness on April 23, 2026.

If you’re wondering how much a prenup costs, you’re not alone. Many couples considering a prenuptial agreement want to understand the financial commitment before diving in. The cost of a prenup can vary widely depending on where you live, your circumstances, and how you go about it.

Read on to learn what affects the price, what you can expect to pay, and whether getting one makes financial sense for you and your partner.

How much does a prenuptial agreement cost?

The cost of a prenup varies depending on several factors, but on average most prenups cost between $1,000 to $10,000 total. That range can go higher for very complex situations.

What affects the cost of a prenup?

Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for a prenuptial agreement.

Location

Legal fees vary significantly by state and city. A prenup in New York City or San Francisco will generally cost more than one in a smaller city or rural area due to higher local attorney rates.

Complexity of the agreement

The more assets, debts, or financial arrangements involved, the more work your attorneys need to do. A prenup covering a simple financial picture will cost less than one involving business ownership, significant investments, real estate holdings in multiple states, or complex inheritance situations.

Whether both parties retain attorneys

For a prenup to be enforceable, both partners should ideally have their own independent attorney review and advise them on the agreement. That means two sets of legal fees. While one party technically can waive their right to counsel, doing so can put the agreement at risk of being challenged later.

Negotiation and revision

If the drafting process involves a lot of back-and-forth, negotiations, or multiple revisions, your legal costs will increase accordingly.

Options for getting a prenup

There are a few different routes couples take when getting a prenuptial agreement.

Hire separate attorneys

This is the gold standard. Each partner works with their own attorney who independently reviews the agreement and provides advice tailored to their individual interests. This approach offers the strongest legal protection and the best chance the agreement will hold up if challenged.

Use one attorney for drafting, another for review

One partner’s attorney drafts the agreement, and the other partner hires a separate attorney just to review and advise. This can reduce costs slightly while still giving both parties independent legal counsel.

Online prenup services

Some websites offer prenup templates or guided drafting tools at a lower cost. These options may work for couples with very simple finances, but they carry risk. Without proper legal review, the agreement may not comply with your state’s requirements or could be unenforceable.

Use a LegalShield membership

With a LegalShield membership, you can consult with a provider lawyer about your prenuptial agreement needs. Your provider law firm can review the agreement, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights—at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal fees. Explore LegalShield personal plans to see what’s included.

Can you get a prenup online for free?

Free prenup templates exist online, but free doesn’t mean legally sound. A prenup drafted from a generic template without attorney review can easily be invalidated—especially if it doesn’t meet your state’s specific requirements for disclosure, signing, and witnessing.

If cost is a concern, a LegalShield membership can be a much more affordable alternative to full hourly legal representation, while still giving you access to a real attorney.

Is a prenup worth the cost?

That depends on your situation. A prenup is most worth the cost when:

• One or both partners have significant assets, debts, or business interests
• One partner owns a business or expects an inheritance
• Either partner has children from a previous relationship
• You want to clarify financial expectations and protect both parties going in

For many couples, the peace of mind and legal clarity a prenup provides is worth the investment.

How to keep prenup costs manageable

If you’re concerned about the cost of a prenup, here are a few ways to keep it in check:

• Start early. Rushing a prenup at the last minute leads to more billable hours and can put the agreement’s enforceability at risk.
• Come prepared. Have a full list of your assets, debts, and financial goals ready before meeting with attorneys.
• Be aligned with your partner. Couples who agree on key terms before involving attorneys spend less time (and money) on negotiation.
• Consider a LegalShield membership. It can significantly reduce the cost of legal consultations and document review.

Get prenup guidance with LegalShield

Whether you’re just starting to explore whether a prenup is right for you, or you’re ready to move forward, LegalShield can help. Your provider law firm can consult with you on your prenuptial agreement, explain what’s enforceable in your state, and review the document before you sign.

See LegalShield plan options to find the right coverage for you and your partner.