A prenuptial agreement helps couples plan their future together, especially as it relates to finances. With this agreement, you and your partner have a clear blueprint for your financial goals.

Creating a prenup can take anywhere from a few hours to several months, depending on how complex the agreement is and the cooperation between the intended couple. While it is usually desirable to complete the prenup process as quickly and smoothly as possible, it’s also important to carefully craft a solid agreement that will stand the test of time.

At Neptune, we match you with vetted lawyers who can help you and your significant other piece together an agreement that suits your joint goals. Our process ensures that this is done efficiently and effectively. To get started, all you need to do is take this quiz.

What Affects How Long a Prenup Takes?

Several factors affect the time it takes to create a solid prenup. First is the cooperation between the couple. If you and your partner have talked things over, agreed on what to include, and promptly provided the necessary information, drafting the prenup will take relatively less time.

Another crucial factor is the complexity of your agreement. What should you include in your prenup? 

Do you plan to cover financial responsibilities like shared expenses or separate accounts? Will it address assets such as multiple properties or debts like student loans? Maybe you’d like the agreement to cover certain business interests? Are there specific clauses you both want to add? For instance, if one partner has children from previous relationships, you might want to include provisions that support their inheritance or financial future.

The more nuanced the agreement, the longer it takes to negotiate and finalize. Keep in mind that full financial disclosure is a legal requirement for valid prenups in many states. This allows each partner to be transparent about their financial situation, ensuring fair negotiations.

Beyond making your agreement legally sound, this requirement also helps build trust between you and your partner. Besides, open discussions between couples can cut down lengthy back-and-forth drafting, revisions, and negotiations, as well as lawyer fees.

The Best Time to Create a Prenup (And Why It Matters)

If you’re considering a prenuptial agreement, it’s best to start the prenup talk with your partner around six months (or even more) before your wedding day. Although the entire process can be completed within a month or less, taking enough time allows you both to thoroughly discuss key areas you want to cover in the agreement. This means having ample time to think things through so you can reach an understanding even before seeking legal assistance.

Here’s another reason why settling this important financial decision early matters: it allows you and your partner to seek independent legal advice. This way, you both fully understand your rights and obligations under the agreement. Besides providing clarity on these matters, finalizing your prenup long before you tie the knot reduces the stress that usually comes with the last few weeks leading up to your wedding.

Given that prenup laws vary between states, it’s usually a good idea to finalize the agreement at least a month before your union. This way, it doesn’t appear as if one or both partners signed the agreement under duress—a situation that could potentially raise questions about the agreement’s validity later on.

Expected Timeline for Creating a Prenup

Exactly how long does a prenup take? The truth is, there’s no universally set timeline. In addition to the local laws where you live, creating an ironclad prenup depends on the level of communication between you and your partner, how complex (or simple) your agreement is, as well as how quickly you both agree on the terms.

Although every situation is unique, here’s a general outline of what to expect when finalizing your prenup:

1. Outline Your Agreement (About 2 Weeks)

First, both partners should discuss the terms of the agreement. To make this easier, each partner needs to make a list of their individual assets and liabilities. This usually includes:

• Business interests
• Debts
• Investments
• Bank accounts
• Real estates
• Other financial resources and obligations

2. Consult an Attorney (Up to 3 Weeks)

Once you’ve outlined your agreement, each partner should work with a separate lawyer who is versed in prenuptial agreements. Neptune connects you with experienced family law attorneys who advocate for your best interests and ensure your prenup meets state laws. These attorneys offer transparent pricing, and all initial consultations are free.

3. Draft the Agreement (Between 3 to 4 weeks)

Next, negotiate the terms of your agreement. Make sure to cover everything you discussed during the initial sit-down outlining the agreement. While each situation is different, remember to include key points like:

• Premarital assets
• Spousal support
• Business ownership
• How shared investments will be managed

4. Review and Revise the Agreement (About 2 Weeks)

Once the draft is in place, take time to review it thoroughly, preferably with your individual attorneys. It’s important to be open and honest about your needs at this stage. So, if there are things you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to request clarifications or changes.

5. Sign the Final Agreement (About 1 Week)

With all reviews and revisions completed, it’s time to sign the prenuptial agreement. Ideally, both partners should sign the agreement at least a month (30 days) before the wedding date to avoid potential legal issues related to duress.

6. Notarize the Prenup (Usually 1 Day)

The last step, which usually takes one day, is to notarize the agreement. Notarization involves having a notary public verify the identities of those signing the document. Some states also require the prenup to be signed in front of witnesses to make it legally binding, so it’s important to check your local laws. To make this process quicker, it’s important to start the prenup discussion early.

Connect With Neptune for Expert Prenup Guidance

While speed is important, a well-crafted prenuptial agreement is even more beneficial. When you connect with the family attorneys partnered with Neptune, you gain access to years of experience that ensure your prenup is sound and meets your needs.

Have a chat with Neptune today to get matched with a family lawyer who understands you and your partner’s unique requirements.