- Attorney-drafted prenups typically cost $2,500–$10,000 for straightforward cases; complex cases can reach $20,000+.
- Online platforms like Clause offer state-specific prenups for a fraction of the cost.
- The cost of not having a prenup — contested divorce with business assets or significant property — can be far higher.
- Attorney review is an add-on worth considering even if you use an online platform.
The traditional attorney route: $2,500–$20,000
Hiring two attorneys to draft a prenup from scratch is the most expensive option. Each partner typically retains their own attorney (courts look favorably on independent counsel for both sides), and attorney fees for family law work run $300–$500 per hour in most major markets — and higher in cities like New York or San Francisco.
For a straightforward prenuptial agreement with no unusual provisions, expect to pay $2,500–$5,000 per partner. Add complexity — a business, multiple real estate properties, significant investment portfolios, prior marriages — and the cost can climb to $10,000–$20,000 or more.
What drives attorney costs up
- Business ownership (requires valuation discussions and specific protective language)
- Real estate holdings in multiple states
- Prior marriages or children from prior relationships
- Large disparities in assets between partners
- International assets
- Extensive negotiation between the two attorneys
- Geographic location (attorneys in major metros charge significantly more)
Online platforms: $100–$700
Online prenup platforms have made quality, state-specific prenuptial agreements accessible at a fraction of the traditional cost. These platforms guide couples through an Agreement Builder, generate a legally sound document tailored to their state's requirements, and provide the tools to complete the process without hiring two attorneys from scratch.
Clause offers two tiers: Essential ($549) covers the complete Agreement Builder, state-specific document, NY maintenance calculator, death provision, and financial disclosure tools. Comprehensive ($699) adds AI guidance, live document preview, all optional clauses (including a dedicated digital assets clause for cryptocurrency and NFTs), and online notarization. Attorney review is available as an add-on ($699 per partner) for couples who want attorney certification on top of the platform-generated document.
The real cost: what happens without a prenup
It's worth reframing the cost question. The right comparison isn't "prenup vs. no prenup." It's "prenup now vs. contested divorce later." Contested divorces involving business assets or significant property commonly cost $50,000–$250,000 in legal fees — per side. Against that backdrop, a $549–$700 prenup looks less like an expense and more like insurance with an extraordinarily favorable premium.
What about free prenup templates online?
Free templates exist, but they're risky. State prenup requirements vary significantly. A template that's valid in California may be unenforceable in New York. Missing a required disclosure or using non-compliant language can void the entire agreement. A prenup that doesn't hold up in court provides no protection at all — you've paid nothing and gotten exactly that.
Clause is not a law firm and this article is not legal advice. Attorney fees vary significantly by location and case complexity. The figures cited are estimates based on publicly available data.