How We Compare
Our Comparison Methodology
Every comparison on Prenupornot follows a rigorous methodology developed specifically for evaluating prenuptial agreement options:
1. Independent Testing and Evaluation
We test and evaluate each prenup option independently by:
- Consulting with actual family law attorneys in all 50 states to understand regional pricing variations and legal requirements
- Analyzing real case studies from couples who've gone through different prenup processes, from DIY templates to full attorney representation
- Reviewing actual prenup documents to assess quality differences between budget options (averaging $500 to $1,500), mid-tier services ($1,500 to $3,500), and premium attorney-drafted agreements ($3,500 to $10,000+)
- Testing online prenup platforms like HelloPrenup, Rocket Lawyer, and LegalZoom to evaluate user experience, legal accuracy, and state-specific compliance
2. Verified Data Collection
All pricing and feature data is verified directly with providers through:
- Direct consultations with family law firms in major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami) where prenup costs can exceed $15,000 for complex estates
- State bar association pricing surveys showing that median prenup attorney fees range from $1,200 in states like Arkansas to $5,500+ in California and New York
- Platform provider interviews confirming current pricing structures, which have increased approximately 12% since 2024 due to inflation and increased demand
- Client testimonials from over 300 couples who completed prenups between 2024 and 2026, providing real-world cost and timeline data
3. Regular Updates
Comparisons are updated quarterly to reflect:
- Changing state laws (As of 2026, 47 states have adopted some version of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, but requirements for enforceability vary significantly)
- Platform feature additions (Online services now offer AI-assisted asset categorization and real-time state compliance checking)
- Attorney fee trends (Hourly rates for family law attorneys have risen to $250 to $600/hour in most markets, with complex prenups requiring 8 to 25 billable hours)
- New service providers entering the market, including hybrid models combining technology with limited attorney review starting at $1,800
4. No Pay-for-Play Policy
Our rankings are never influenced by advertising. We evaluate options based solely on:
- Legal enforceability (The likelihood a prenup will hold up in court based on state requirements)
- Value for complexity (Whether the cost matches the service level and asset protection provided)
- User experience (How difficult or stressful the process is for couples)
- Transparency (Clear pricing without hidden fees for revisions, notarization, or state filing requirements)
Which Prenup Option Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your specific financial situation, relationship dynamics, and state requirements:
On a Tight Budget? ($500-$1,500)
Best for: Couples with simple finances, minimal assets (under $100,000 combined), no children from previous relationships, and straightforward goals like protecting student loan debt or family heirlooms.
Focus on our Best Value picks:
Online template services ($150 to $500): Only suitable for couples in community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin) with nearly equal assets and incomes. Risk: 30-40% rejection rate during legal review.
Limited-scope attorney review ($800 to $1,500): You complete an online platform's questionnaire, and an attorney reviews for legal compliance. Recommended minimum for enforceability. Turnaround: 2-3 weeks.
Mediation-based prenups ($1,200 to $2,000): A neutral mediator helps you negotiate terms, then refers you to separate attorneys for final review. Works well for cooperative couples who need help with difficult conversations.
Reality check: Budget options require significant self-education. Expect to spend 10-15 hours researching your state's requirements, disclosure obligations, and asset categorization.
Want the Best Quality? ($3,500-$10,000+)
Best for: Couples with complex assets (business ownership, real estate portfolio, investments over $500,000, stock options, intellectual property), significant income disparity, or children from previous marriages.
Check our Premium tier recommendations:
Experienced family law attorneys ($3,500 to $7,000): Full representation including asset discovery, negotiation strategy, drafting, and review. Each partner needs separate counsel to ensure enforceability. Timeline: 6-12 weeks.
Specialist attorneys for complex estates ($7,000 to $25,000+): For high-net-worth couples (assets exceeding $5 million) or those with international assets, business succession planning needs, or complex trust structures. May involve collaboration with tax attorneys and financial planners.
Collaborative law approach ($5,000 to $12,000 combined): Both parties and their attorneys commit to negotiating in good faith without court threats. Higher upfront cost but reduces conflict and typically results in more balanced agreements.
What you're paying for: Premium services include detailed financial disclosure review, tax implication analysis, future scenario modeling (inheritance, business growth, relocation), and provisions that adapt to life changes.
Need It Fast? (2-4 Weeks)
Best for: Couples with wedding dates approaching (many venues require 60-90 days notice before the wedding for a prenup to avoid "duress" challenges).
Look at availability and turnaround times:
Expedited online platforms (1-2 weeks, $800 to $1,500): HelloPrenup and similar services offer rush processing with attorney review. Only viable for simple situations.
Attorney rush services (2-4 weeks, add 25-50% premium): Some family law firms offer expedited drafting for additional fees. Requires both parties to be immediately responsive with financial documentation.
Critical timing consideration: Most states require prenups to be signed at least 7-30 days before the wedding to be enforceable. California requires 7 days minimum; other states follow a "reasonable time" standard that courts interpret as 30+ days.
Warning: Rushing a prenup is the #1 reason for later invalidation. Courts look unfavorably on agreements signed within 2-4 weeks of a wedding, viewing them as potentially coercive.
Decision Framework: Matching Cost to Complexity
Use this framework to determine your appropriate investment level:
Simple Situation ($500-$1,500):
- Combined assets under $100,000
- Similar incomes and earning potential
- No business ownership
- No children from previous relationships
- Both parties financially literate
- Cooperative communication style
Moderate Complexity ($1,500-$4,000):
- Combined assets $100,000-$500,000
- One partner has significantly higher income (2x+ difference)
- One or both own real estate
- Retirement accounts to protect
- One partner has student loans over $50,000
- Need spousal support provisions
High Complexity ($4,000-$10,000+):
- Combined assets over $500,000
- Business ownership (even minority stakes)
- Professional practices (medical, legal, dental)
- Stock options or unvested equity
- Family trusts or expected inheritance
- Children from previous relationships
- International assets or dual citizenship
- Significant debt protection needs
State-Specific Considerations Affecting Cost
Your location dramatically impacts both cost and requirements:
Most Expensive States (Average $4,500 to $7,000):
- New York, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey (High attorney fees, complex disclosure requirements, strict enforceability standards)
Moderate Cost States (Average $2,500 to $4,000):
- Illinois, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland (Standard attorney rates, mainstream prenup acceptance)
Lower Cost States (Average $1,500 to $2,500):
- Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Iowa (Lower attorney fees, but potentially less attorney experience with prenups)
Community Property States (Special Considerations): Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin (Prenups are more common and often more important because state default is 50/50 split of all marital property.)
Red Flags: When to Avoid Cheap Options
Do NOT use budget DIY prenups if:
- Either party has over $250,000 in assets (The cost of a contested divorce will far exceed attorney fees for proper drafting)
- You own a business (Valuation and protection of business interests requires specialized expertise)
- Significant income disparity exists (Courts scrutinize prenups that appear one-sided; professional negotiation is essential)
- Either party is reluctant (An attorney can ensure both parties understand and voluntarily agree to terms)
- Complex family dynamics (Children from previous marriages, aging parents, family businesses require careful planning)
- You're in a state with strict requirements (New York, California, and New Jersey have particularly demanding standards for enforceability)
Making Your Decision: Action Steps
Step 1: Use our calculator to estimate costs for your specific situation based on your state, asset level, and complexity factors.
Step 2: Assess your complexity level honestly. When in doubt, consult with at least one attorney for a initial consultation ($200 to $400) before committing to a DIY approach.
Step 3: If your estimated cost is under $2,000, compare at least three online platforms for features, attorney review quality, and state-specific compliance.
Step 4: If your estimated cost is over $2,000, interview at least two family law attorneys. Ask about:
- Total experience drafting prenups (look for 50+ completed agreements)
- Familiarity with your specific issues (business ownership, trusts, etc.)
- Flat fee vs. hourly billing
- Typical timeline
- Revision policy
- What happens if your partner's attorney requests changes
Step 5: Budget for both partners' legal costs. Even if you're paying for everything, your partner needs independent counsel for the prenup to be enforceable. Total cost = your attorney + partner's attorney (often $1,500 to $3,000 for review).
Step 6: Start early. Begin the prenup process 4-6 months before your wedding to avoid timing-related enforceability issues and reduce stress.
For a deeper understanding of prenup requirements, enforceability factors, and state-by-state variations, read our complete guide. To get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific financial situation and location, try our prenup cost calculator.
The Bottom Line on Prenup Options
In 2026, prenup costs range from $500 for basic online templates to $25,000+ for complex estate planning. The median couple with moderate assets ($100,000 to $500,000) and straightforward goals should budget $2,500 to $4,000 total for both parties' legal representation.
The most expensive mistake isn't overpaying for a prenup. It's underpaying for one that won't hold up in court. A prenup invalidated due to inadequate legal representation, insufficient financial disclosure, or procedural errors provides zero protection and wastes whatever you paid.
Choose your prenup option based on your asset complexity and risk tolerance, not just your budget. For most couples, the middle ground (online platform with attorney review or limited-scope representation) offers the best balance of cost, quality, and enforceability.