A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a smart financial planning tool for couples preparing for marriage.
It sets out how assets, debts, and financial responsibilities will be handled during the marriage and in case of divorce or separation. Think about it as insurance for your relationship!
While many people assume prenups are expensive, the reality is that costs can vary widely based on complexity, legal fees, and whether you use an online service like Jointly or hire a lawyer. In this guide, we’ll break down prenup costs and help you find the best option for your situation.
What Is A Prenup?
A prenup is a legal contract signed by two people before marriage. It establishes guidelines for managing your finances during your marriage and for dividing assets, debts, and financial obligations if the marriage ends. Prenups can cover:
- Ownership of property acquired before and during marriage
- Debt protection
- Spousal support agreements
- Business and inheritance protection
- Financial responsibilities during marriage
While prenups are commonly associated with the wealthy, they are beneficial for couples at all income levels. They provide financial clarity and reduce potential conflicts in case of divorce.
How Much Does a Prenup Cost?
The cost of a prenup varies significantly based on how it’s created, whether you use a lawyer, and the complexity of your family and financial situation. Below is a breakdown of different cost options.
How Much Does a Simple Prenup Cost?
A basic prenup that covers straightforward asset division and debt protection typically costs $50 – $1,500 if drafted using an online service. Some services offer templates that you download and fill in yourself. These options are affordable, but less customizable than other options.
Jointly offers education and a questionnaire that generates a fully completed and customized agreement for your family. This option is ideal for couples with non-complicated assets and debts who want a clear, legally sound agreement without high legal fees.
How Much Does a Prenup Lawyer Cost?
If you hire a lawyer to draft a prenup, costs can vary depending on location, complexity, and hourly rates.
- Basic lawyer-drafted prenup: $1,500–$3,000
- More complex prenup: $3,000–$10,000+
- High-net-worth or business-related prenup: $10,000+
Lawyers typically charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $250–$600 per hour. The final cost depends on the number of revisions, negotiations, and whether both spouses require separate legal representation.
How Much Does the Average Prenup Cost?
The average cost of a prenup in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. This includes legal fees, financial disclosures, and possible negotiations between both parties.
Using an online prenup service like Jointly is a more affordable option, offering a fixed price of $379 for a legally valid agreement. We have also designed Jointly to be a collaborative process where you and your partner can learn and make your decisions together, instead of getting separate lawyers to negotiate for you, which can feel adversarial.
Prenup Cost Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what goes into the total cost of a prenup:
| Cost Component | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Jointly | $379 |
| Other online prenup services | $50 (fillable form) – $1,500 |
| Lawyer-drafted prenup | $1,500–$5,000+ |
| Legal consultation fees | $250–$600 per hour |
| Complex financial provisions | $3,000–$10,000+ |
The best choice depends on your financial situation and whether you have a complex financial and family situation that requires professional legal advice or if an affordable, self-guided option will work for you.
Can You Get a Prenup Without a Lawyer?
Yes! You don’t need a lawyer to create a legally valid prenup in Canada. You can use Jointly’s relationship agreement platform, which includes educational content and an agreement generator developed by Canadian lawyers, to ensure you know what you’re signing and that your agreement is in compliance with the law in your province.
Can You Write Your Own Prenup?
Technically, you can draft your own prenup, but there are significant risks. For a prenup to be enforceable, it must meet the following legal requirements:
- Full financial disclosure from both parties
- Independent legal advice (each party should consult a lawyer)
- No coercion or duress (both parties must sign voluntarily)
- Fair and reasonable terms that are written in clear and specific language to avoid differences in interpretation
An improperly drafted prenup may be challenged in court, leading to expensive and stressful legal battles if you and your partner can’t agree on how to divide your property upon separation. If you want a prenup without hiring a lawyer, using a reputable online service like Jointly is the safest approach.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Draft a Prenup?
A simple prenup can take a few days to draft, while a complex one may take several weeks if negotiations are involved. Using an online service like Jointly allows couples to create a prenup in hours, not weeks.
When Should You Get a Prenup?
A prenup should be signed well before the wedding, ideally at least a few months in advance. Last-minute agreements may be challenged in court due to claims of pressure or duress.
Can a prenup be changed after marriage?
Yes, but both spouses must agree to the changes. This is called a postnuptial agreement (postnup), which functions similarly to a prenup but is signed after marriage.
A prenup doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With Jointly, you can create a legally valid prenup quickly and affordably for just $379. Get started today!
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