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How Much Does a Prenup Cost? Can You Get One Online?
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Key Takeaways
A lawyer may charge several thousand dollars, and in more complex cases, costs can be higher. While there are online options that cost as little as a few hundred dollars or free templates, there are risks with the DIY approach.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are plenty of reasons for getting a prenup. While there is a common misconception that these agreements are only for the wealthy, they can provide clarity to couples in any financial situation. Additionally, the cost of a prenuptial agreement pales in comparison to what a divorce can cost you without one.
There is no requirement that you rely on a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement, but having the support of a legal professional can help you avoid an error that might make the agreement unenforceable.
The average cost ranges from $500 to over $1,000, with costs increasing due to complexity and other factors. The more information in the agreement, the more it is likely to cost.
Yes, however, working with a legal professional can help reduce the risk of errors. A prenup is a complex, legally binding contract that an experienced lawyer should help prepare. Advanced and Premium LegalShield plans provide legal advice and help in preparing a prenuptial agreement after a waiting period.
This can vary widely, depending on the circumstances, but even simple divorce proceedings can cost thousands of dollars. One of the benefits of having a marriage prenup in place is knowing what the division of property will look like ahead of time.
It’s a good idea to have a lawyer look over a prenuptial agreement before you sign. LegalShield Members receive legal advice from a provider lawyer on an unlimited number of personal legal issues for a monthly subscription fee.
Get the Answers You Need, When You Need Them
Author
David Stonecipher
Director, Marketing and Product Communications
Communications Director at LegalShield overseeing content creation designed to make legal protection simple and approachable. He focuses on offering straightforward, trustworthy guidance that empowers people to make informed decisions about their legal rights and responsibilities.
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