How Much Does a Prenuptial Agreement Cost in the UK?

Planning a wedding often means keeping a close eye on the budget, so it makes sense to ask what a prenuptial agreement will cost before you commit. The good news is that a well-drafted prenup is far more affordable than most people expect, especially when you weigh it against what could be at stake if a marriage ends. Below, we explain the typical costs of drafting and reviewing a prenup, what shapes the final figure, and why cutting corners rarely pays off. 

How much does it cost to have a prenuptial agreement drafted? 

The cost of having a prenuptial agreement drafted depends on your circumstances, but most people are surprised by how reasonable it is. At Freeman Harris, drafting a prenuptial agreement starts from £2,000 (£2,400 including VAT). 

That figure covers a straightforward agreement where the couple’s finances are relatively simple. For a prenup to carry maximum weight in court, both parties should take independent legal advice from separate solicitors. In practice, this means you should budget for two sets of fees rather than one, as your partner will need their own adviser to review the agreement before signing. 

It might feel like an extra expense, but it is one of the key conditions the courts look for. An agreement drafted and reviewed properly by two solicitors stands a far better chance of being upheld than one that skips this step. 

How much does a prenuptial agreement review cost? 

Not everyone needs an agreement drafted from scratch. If your fiancé has already had a prenup prepared and asked you to sign it, you will need it reviewed by an independent solicitor first. 

At Freeman Harris, a prenuptial agreement review starts from £800 (£960 including VAT). During the review, we go through every term with you, explain what you would be agreeing to, and flag anything that works against your interests or limits your rights under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. 

Independent Legal Advice is strongly recommended. 

A review is strongly recommended rather than optional. Without independent advice on both sides, the court is likely to give significantly less weight to the agreement if the marriage later breaks down. If any terms seem one-sided or unfair, we can also negotiate changes on your behalf, so you sign with genuine peace of mind. 

What affects the cost of a prenuptial agreement? 

No two couples are the same, so the final cost varies from case to case. A few key factors tend to influence the figure. 

• The complexity of your assets. A simple agreement between two people with modest finances is quicker to prepare than one involving business interests, trusts, property portfolios, or overseas assets. The more moving parts, the more work involved. 

• Whether negotiation is required. If both parties agree on the terms from the outset, the process is smoother and more cost-effective. Where terms need to be discussed and adjusted between solicitors, this adds time. 

• Whether both parties need advice. Remember, each partner needs their own solicitor. Two sets of fees are part of the picture, though each is priced according to the work involved. 

• How much future planning is needed. Agreements that address future assets, such as business growth, bonuses, or expected inheritances, require careful drafting to be effective, which can affect the cost. 

• Timing. To increase the likelihood of a prenuptial agreement being upheld, it should ideally be finalised and signed at least 28 days before the wedding day. Leaving matters until the last minute can increase the risk of allegations that one party was placed under undue pressure to sign. 

In short, the more complex your situation, the higher the likely fee. A clear, open conversation at the start helps us give you an accurate estimate before any work begins. 

What does the fee include? 

It helps to know exactly what you are paying for. When you instruct Freeman Harris to draft a prenuptial agreement, the fee covers the full process from start to finish. 

This includes an initial discussion of your circumstances and what you want the agreement to achieve, guidance on making full financial disclosure, and the drafting of a bespoke agreement tailored to your situation. We also advise you on the terms, explain the implications clearly, and help ensure the document meets the key factors the courts consider when deciding whether to uphold a prenuptial agreement. Ultimately, the court retains a discretion over financial remedies on divorce and will consider whether giving effect to the agreement would be fair in all the circumstances. 

For a review, the fee covers a thorough read-through of the proposed agreement, clear advice on what each term means for you, and a discussion of anything that could work to your disadvantage. Where appropriate, we can advise on proposed amendments and discuss any additional work with you before it is carried out. 

Because we work on a clear, fixed-fee basis for these services, you know the cost upfront. There are no hidden surprises, just transparent pricing and expert advice throughout. 

Is a DIY prenuptial agreement worth the risk? 

Templates and DIY prenups are widely available online, often for very little money, and they can look like a tempting shortcut. In reality, they carry a real risk that could cost you dearly later. 

Prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales. A judge decides how much weight to give them, and that decision depends heavily on how the agreement was prepared and whether it remains fair in the circumstances at the time of the divorce. Courts may give far less weight to a poorly drafted Agreement, one signed without independent advice, or one that fails to reflect full and financial disclosure. 

Picture this: you save a few hundred pounds now by using a template, but the agreement is later challenged during a divorce and given little or no weight. The result could be a settlement worth tens of thousands of pounds more than you ever expected, along with the stress and legal costs of a contested case. Saving £500 today can end up costing far more when it matters most. 

A prenup is only as strong as the care taken to prepare it. A fair, professionally drafted agreement supported by independent advice with full and frank disclosure, and signed in good time stands a far better chance of being upheld. That protection is exactly what makes the investment worthwhile. 

Our prenuptial agreement fees 

At Freeman Harris, we believe in being upfront and transparent about our fees, so you can plan with confidence. Here is a clear summary of our prenuptial agreement pricing: 

Service	From	VAT	Total
Prenuptial Agreement Drafting	£2,000	£400	£2,400
Prenuptial Agreement Review	£800	£160	£960

These are our starting fees for straightforward matters. Where significant business interests, trusts, or overseas assets are involved, the cost will be higher to reflect the extra work. We will always give you a clear estimate at the outset, so you know where you stand before committing. 

Given what can be at stake in a divorce, most couples find a properly prepared prenup a sensible and reassuring investment in their future. 

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement or would like an existing one reviewed, our friendly and experienced family law team is here to help. Learn more about our prenuptial agreement services, or contact us for a no-obligation chat. Call 0207 790 7311 or email contact@freemanharris.co.uk to discuss how we can protect your interests.