If you’ve been wondering how to get a prenup, you’re not alone. Many couples are curious about prenuptial agreements but aren’t sure where to start. The good news? Getting a prenup doesn’t have to be complicated, intimidating, or expensive. Whether you’re looking for step-by-step guidance, wondering how much it costs to get a prenup, or just trying to understand the process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a legal contract made between two people before marriage that sets out how you’ll handle finances, property, and debt during your relationship, and if your relationship ends. The process to get a prenup can vary depending on your needs, your province or territory, and the complexity of your situation.
The easiest way to obtain a prenup is to:
If your situation is straightforward, an online service like Jointly can make getting a prenup quick, affordable, and easy to understand.
Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
Costs can vary widely depending on how you choose to create your agreement.
If you work with separate lawyers from start to finish, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ per person in Canada, depending on complexity. This can be the right choice if you have a high net worth, complex assets, or anticipate lengthy negotiations.
For most couples with straightforward finances, the average cost of getting a prenup in Canada is around $3,000 – $5,000 total if you use traditional legal advice.
Jointly offers prenups for $429, a fraction of traditional legal fees, while still giving you access to legal information and the ability to seek independent legal advice.
Some couples choose to draft their own prenup. While you can do this, you should be aware of the legal requirements to make it enforceable.
You can write down your terms yourselves, but remember: for it to be valid, it must be in writing, signed, and witnessed. It is important that your prenup is written in precise and clear language. If your prenup can be misinterpreted, it may not hold up later. In many cases, courts are more likely to uphold agreements where each person had the opportunity to seek legal advice.
If you use a template, make sure it’s Canadian-specific and tailored to your province or territory. Avoid free, generic U.S.-based downloads. Laws differ significantly, and the wrong template could leave you unprotected. Contested divorces can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Using Jointly’s lawyer-built platform to create a prenup costs only $429.
Timing matters when it comes to prenuptial agreements.
Ideally, you’ll start the process at least a few months before the wedding. This ensures you have time to discuss terms, seek advice, and avoid any claim that the agreement was rushed or signed under pressure.
If you’re already married, you can still create a similar agreement – it’s called a postnuptial agreement (or “marriage contract” in some provinces). The process is almost identical to getting a prenup before marriage, but you’re signing it after the wedding. Aside from the timing, prenups and marriage agreements are very similar documents that accomplish the same things.
At Jointly, we believe relationship agreements should be accessible, understandable, and affordable. Our platform guides you through the process step-by-step, using plain language instead of legal jargon. You can create your prenup online, on your own time, for a fraction of the traditional cost.
If you’re wondering how to get a prenup without stress, confusion, or a huge bill, Jointly is here to help you protect your future and focus on building your life together. Get started today.
Final Thought: A prenup isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about building trust, clarity, and confidence in your relationship. The earlier you start the conversation and the more transparent you are, the smoother the process will be.
Amanda BaronI'm Amanda, one of the founders of Jointly. I've been working as a lawyer in British Columbia for over ten years. I have a deep commitment to access to justice and building stronger, more resilient communities. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves affordable, clear, and accessible legal solutions to navigate life’s big moments.