Are $599 Prenups Worth It? The True Cost of a Prenup Template
There is a trend in the prenup marketplace for the $599 flat rate template. You can find it at a variety of popular prenup platforms like HelloPrenup or TrustedPrenup. At first glance, it is an appealing number for a prenuptial agreement. But what do you actually get for that price? And more importantly, what are they leaving out that could potentially render your prenup unenforceable?Here we will go through what is commonly included in the $599 prenup, what is usually not included, and why that matters if you want a prenup that you can count on. We will also note how Neptune addresses a prenuptial agreement with clarity and alignment, leading to a prenup built to last.
Key takeaways
- Template services at $599 include basic clauses for property division and inheritance, plus a free consultation with a non-lawyer specialist, but attorney consultations cost extra (like HelloPrenup's $49 for 20 minutes)
- Templates lack dual attorney representation, which can make your agreement unenforceable since many states require both parties to have fair legal representation during drafting and review
- You risk your agreement failing in court despite the upfront savings, as template agreements often lack the legal backing required for enforceability in many states
- Templates don't cover unique financial situations like startup equity or complex investments that many wealth-building couples have, limiting their effectiveness for future financial planning
- Neptune offers free lawyer consultations and matches you with certified attorneys in your state who work on a flat fee basis, eliminating surprise hourly billing
What's included
While each platform differs in how they present their $599 prenup template, there are two commonalities you can find between the key players.
The first one is, of course, a template with prebuilt clauses for common prenup concerns. Some of these clauses include defining separate vs. community property, retirement accounts, and inheritance. Spousal support waivers may be an additional fee depending on which platform you use.
The second thing you can expect from these $599 template websites is a free website consultation. You should know that this is not a consultation with a lawyer, and such a service may cost extra depending on which platform you use (for example: on HelloPrenup, a 20 minute phone call with an attorney not under retainer costs $49.)
Speaking of legal review...
What's not included
When your options are between a law firm that charges thousands of dollar over untold number of billable hours or a $599 flat fee prenup template, it is easy to understand why one would pick the template. But there are several missing features that can hinder your prenup drafting or at worst, render it unenforceable should you need it. For example:
- Drafting and review by two attorneys: a prenup can be tossed out if either party was not represented fairly during the drafting and review stages. The $599 template does not include a retained attorney.
- Free lawyer consultations and concierge chat: As noted above, no template service offers free consultations with an attorney. They may have "prenup specialists" but you cannot hire them to draft or review your prenup.
- Alignment-focused drafting: Prenups have a stigma of being confrontational, and without guidance like that found here at Neptune, the process can become hostile. A $599 template may reach agreement, but not necessarily alignment.
Why it matters
People looking for a $599 prenup template want to save money, but they may not realize that template prenups found on websites like HelloPrenup and TrustedPrenup risk lacking the legal backing that many states require for enforceability. In short, the money you save on a template may be pennies compared to the financial consequences should it fail to stand in court.
Couples looking to get a prenup also value this document as a blueprint to their future financial growth. At Neptune, we have startup founders and people with unique investments that are not covered by traditional template prenups. Their focus on future wealth planning is better honored by a Neptune prenup than by a template.
How Neptune does prenups differently
We start you off with our free chat concierge that aligns you and your partner with your unique financial goals and situation. After your chat, we match you with lawyers who are certified in your states and with years of experience drafting and reviewing prenups. You then book your free lawyer consultation and start talking about the prenup process with your concerns front and center.
Once you find an attorney who you trust to draft and review your prenup, you pay a flat fee to retain their services: no surprise hourly billing or lengthy onboarding.
Closing thoughts
So, is a $599 prenup template from HelloPrenup or TrustedPrenup worth it? In the short term, you will get what resembles a prenup in shape and form, but it is at risk of not holding up in the long run. There are free prenup templates online that can help you and your partner start to discuss your prenuptial needs, but for a more guided, legally-minded start to your prenup conversation, start with Neptune.
Frequently asked questions
Are $599 prenup templates worth it?
In the short term, $599 prenup templates give you something that resembles a prenup in shape and form, but they risk not holding up in court when you need them. These templates lack attorney drafting and review, which many states require for enforceability, meaning the money you save could be pennies compared to financial consequences if the agreement fails.
What's included in a $599 prenup template?
Most $599 prenup templates include prebuilt clauses for common concerns like defining separate vs. community property, retirement accounts, and inheritance. They also typically offer a free website consultation, though this is not with a lawyer and attorney consultations cost extra (like HelloPrenup's $49 for a 20-minute call).
What's missing from prenup templates?
Template prenups don't include drafting and review by two attorneys, which is required for enforceability in many states since a prenup can be tossed out if either party wasn't represented fairly. They also lack free lawyer consultations, retained attorneys, and alignment-focused drafting guidance.
Can a prenup template be thrown out in court?
Yes, a prenup can be tossed out if either party was not represented fairly during the drafting and review stages. Template prenups from websites like HelloPrenup and TrustedPrenup risk lacking the legal backing that many states require for enforceability.
How does Neptune do prenups differently than templates?
Neptune starts with a free chat concierge to align couples with their financial goals, then matches them with certified lawyers for a free consultation. Once you choose an attorney, you pay a flat fee to retain their services with no surprise hourly billing, ensuring proper legal representation for both parties.