Prenuptial Planning Calculator

About the Prenuptial Planning Calculator

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal contract between engaged partners that outlines how assets, debts, and spousal support will be handled if the marriage ends. While the topic can feel uncomfortable, prenups provide a planning framework for property and support issues before marriage.

The cost of a prenup depends on complexity, attorney fees, geographic location, and the extent of negotiations between the parties. Simple prenups for couples with modest assets may cost $1,000–$2,500, while complex agreements involving businesses, trusts, or significant wealth can exceed $10,000.

This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of prenuptial planning including attorney fees for both parties, negotiation time, and financial disclosure preparation.

When This Page Helps

Knowing the cost of a prenup helps couples budget for this important pre-marriage planning step. Understanding the cost components allows you to make informed decisions about complexity, negotiation scope, and whether to prioritize certain provisions.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter your attorney's hourly rate and estimated hours.
2. Enter your partner's attorney's hourly rate and estimated hours (each party should have independent counsel).
3. Add negotiation hours if significant back-and-forth is expected.
4. Include financial disclosure preparation costs.
5. Review the total prenup cost estimate.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Start prenup discussions at least 3–6 months before the wedding.
• Each party must have independent legal counsel for the prenup to be enforceable.
• Full financial disclosure is essential — hiding assets can void the agreement.
• Consider including sunset clauses that modify terms after a certain marriage duration.
• Online prenup services ($200–$500) exist but may not be tailored to your state's requirements.
• Complex assets (businesses, trusts, inheritances) significantly increase preparation time.

What Makes a Prenup Enforceable

For maximum enforceability, a prenup should include: full and fair disclosure of assets, independent legal counsel for both parties, adequate time for review (no last-minute signing), voluntary execution without coercion, and substantive fairness at the time of enforcement.

Common Prenup Provisions

Typical provisions include: classification of separate vs. marital property, spousal support terms, inheritance protections, business ownership protections, debt allocation, and provisions for how changes in circumstances are handled.

Postnuptial Agreements

If you didn't get a prenup, postnuptial agreements serve a similar purpose for married couples. They are generally subject to the same requirements and can address the same topics, though some jurisdictions scrutinize them more closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a prenup cost?

  A simple prenup typically costs $1,500–$3,000 total (both attorneys). Complex prenups for high-net-worth individuals can cost $5,000–$15,000+. Geography matters too — attorneys in major cities charge higher rates.

• Does each person need their own attorney?

  Yes. Courts may invalidate a prenup if both parties used the same attorney or if one party had no independent counsel. Each party needs separate representation to ensure the agreement is fair and voluntary.

• Can a prenup be invalidated?

  Yes, if it was signed under duress, without full financial disclosure, without independent counsel, if terms are unconscionable, or if proper execution formalities were not followed. Timing matters too — signing the day before the wedding raises red flags.

• What can a prenup cover?

  Prenups can address property division, spousal support, debt allocation, business interests, inheritance rights, and financial responsibilities during marriage. They cannot cover child support, child custody, or illegal activities.

• Are online prenups valid?

  Online prenup services can produce valid documents if they meet state requirements. However, they lack the customization and legal analysis of attorney-drafted agreements. The risk of errors or omissions is higher. Having an attorney review any online template is recommended.

• When should we start the prenup process?

  Begin 3–6 months before the wedding. This provides adequate time for financial disclosure, drafting, negotiation, and review. Courts may question agreements signed very close to the wedding date as potentially coercive.