Neptune

Neptune vs HelloPrenup: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons

By Sol LeeReviewed by Michael Cotugno, Esq.
Elegant wedding rings laid on a signed marriage certificate, symbolizing commitment.

Neptune and HelloPrenup both let you create a prenuptial agreement online, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Neptune is a lawyer-led service where each partner works with their own independent attorney throughout the process. HelloPrenup is a self-guided questionnaire platform priced at a $599 flat fee per couple, with attorney services available as optional add-ons. If you and your partner want independent legal counsel built into the experience from the start, Neptune is designed for that. If you're looking for a lower-cost, DIY-first option and may not need (or want) full attorney involvement, HelloPrenup gives you that flexibility. The right choice depends on your budget, the complexity of your finances, and whether your state requires attorney representation for the clauses you need.

Key takeaways

  • Neptune provides each partner with their own independent attorney as part of its lawyer-led model; HelloPrenup's base $599 plan is self-guided, with attorney representation available as a $799-per-partner add-on.
  • HelloPrenup's full attorney-representation package costs $2,197 per couple (as of 1/10/26), which includes two attorneys, e-signing, and e-notarization.
  • As of January 10, 2026, attorney representation is required by statute or caselaw in California (spousal support waivers), New York (embryo clauses), South Carolina (excluding marital property), and West Virginia (independent counsel for presumed validity).
  • HelloPrenup covers 47 to 48 states and offers same-day document completion for the self-guided plan; Neptune operates online with attorney involvement, so timelines depend on attorney schedules.
  • A 2024 HelloPrenup survey of family law attorneys found the average traditional prenup costs about $8,000 per couple, making both online options significantly less expensive than the conventional route.
  • Couples should confirm current pricing and state-specific requirements directly with either service before committing, as prices and rules can change.

Neptune vs HelloPrenup: Which Online Prenup Fits You?

Neptune suits couples who want each partner to have independent legal counsel from day one. HelloPrenup suits couples who want a budget-friendly, self-guided starting point with the option to layer on attorney services later.

Both services keep both partners involved in the process. HelloPrenup uses a collaborative questionnaire where each person has their own login and dashboard. Neptune pairs each partner with their own attorney from the Neptune network, so legal guidance runs through the entire drafting and negotiation process rather than appearing only at the end as an add-on.

The core difference is timing and depth of legal involvement. With Neptune, attorneys are woven into the workflow. With HelloPrenup, the base product is a software-guided prenup, and attorneys enter the picture only if you choose to add them.

Neptune and HelloPrenup Compared at a Glance

FeatureNeptuneHelloPrenup
**Core model**Lawyer-led online prenupSelf-guided questionnaire platform
**Attorney involvement**Built into the process; each partner has an independent attorneyOptional add-on ($49 Q&A session or $799/partner for representation)
**Independent counsel per party**Yes, each client chooses their own attorneyAvailable as an add-on; $2,197 per couple for both partners
**Base pricing**Lawyer-led (confirm current pricing directly)$599 flat fee per couple (as of 1/10/26)
**Notarization**Confirm with your Neptune attorney$50 e-notarization add-on via Proof (included with attorney representation plan)
**State coverage**Online service with network attorneys47–48 states
**Document completion speed**Depends on attorney schedulesSame-day possible for self-guided plan
**Financial disclosure**Included as part of attorney-led processBuilt into the guided questionnaire

Pricing note: HelloPrenup figures are sourced from their published pricing page as of January 10, 2026. Neptune pricing is dynamic and should be confirmed directly. Do not assume either service's prices remain static.

HelloPrenup Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons

HelloPrenup's $599 base plan gives both partners a self-guided, state-specific prenuptial agreement without requiring attorney involvement. It's one of the more accessible entry points for couples who want to handle things together at their own pace.

What's included at $599

The guided questionnaire covers the topics you'd expect in a prenup: separate and marital property, debt allocation, joint bank accounts, spousal support and alimony, gifts and inheritances, business ownership, and full financial disclosure schedules for each partner. Both partners get their own login and dashboard, and a built-in "collaboration station" flags inconsistencies between answers so you can resolve them together. You get unlimited edits before signing, and state-specific waiting periods are built into the flow.

Add-on services

  • Attorney Q&A: $49 per 20-minute video session with a state-licensed attorney. You can book multiple sessions.
  • Attorney representation: $799 per partner. Each partner chooses an attorney from HelloPrenup's network for a comprehensive review, redlining, a 60-minute phone call, and chat messaging. The attorney signs as counsel of record. E-signing and e-notarization are bundled in.
  • Both-partner attorney plan: $2,197 per couple (includes both attorneys plus notarization).
  • E-notarization only: $50 via Proof, available in most states (not available in Maryland and Wisconsin as of the published date). You can also print and notarize with a traditional notary.

Pros

  • Low starting cost. At $599 per couple, HelloPrenup is well below the roughly $8,000 average traditional prenup cost cited in their 2024 attorney survey.
  • Speed. Same-day completion is possible for the self-guided plan.
  • Broad state coverage. Available in 47 to 48 states with state-specific clause guidance.
  • Flexibility. Couples can start without an attorney and add one later if needed.

Cons

  • Attorneys are optional, not default. The base product is software-guided. If your situation calls for legal review, you'll pay $799 or more per partner on top of the $599 base.
  • Q&A sessions are brief. A 20-minute call for $49 may not cover complex scenarios involving business valuations, trusts, or multi-state property.
  • State-mandated attorney requirements can raise the total cost. In California (spousal support waivers), New York (embryo disposition clauses), South Carolina (excluding property from the marital estate), and West Virginia (independent counsel for presumed validity), attorney representation is required by statute or caselaw. HelloPrenup will flag these requirements, but the cost jumps to $2,197 or more per couple.

Neptune's Lawyer-Led Online Prenup Approach

Neptune's model starts with attorneys rather than adding them later. Each partner can work with their own independent attorney from the Neptune network, which means legal counsel is part of drafting and negotiation from the beginning, not a bolt-on review at the end.

This distinction matters most when both partners want independent representation. With Neptune, each client chooses their attorney. The service doesn't automatically assign or recommend a specific lawyer, and it doesn't guarantee enforceability or statutory compliance. It does provide a structure where two independent attorneys work through the agreement on behalf of their respective clients, all conducted online.

As Michael C. Cotugno, Esq., Managing Partner of Neptune Legal, puts it: "The initial outreach for a premarital agreement is an invitation, not a demand."

Pros

  • Independent counsel is built in. Both partners can have their own attorney from the start, which is especially valuable in states that require or strongly recommend independent representation.
  • Attorney-led drafting. Rather than reviewing a questionnaire-generated document after the fact, attorneys participate in creating and negotiating the agreement.
  • Online convenience. The entire process can happen remotely, similar to HelloPrenup.

Cons

  • Pricing is not published as a flat fee. Because Neptune is lawyer-led, costs depend on the scope and complexity of the agreement. Couples should confirm pricing directly.
  • Timeline depends on attorney availability. Same-day completion isn't the model here. Attorney schedules and negotiation complexity will affect how long the process takes.
  • Different value proposition for simple situations. Couples with straightforward finances and no state-mandated attorney requirements may not need the depth of a fully lawyer-led process.

How to Choose Between Neptune and HelloPrenup

The right service depends on four factors: your state's legal requirements, your budget, the complexity of your assets, and how much legal guidance you want throughout the process.

Start with your state's rules

If you live in South Carolina or West Virginia, or if your agreement involves a spousal support waiver in California or embryo clauses in New York, independent attorney representation is required. In those cases, a lawyer-led service like Neptune may be more efficient than paying for HelloPrenup's base plan plus the attorney add-on. Run the numbers both ways.

Consider the complexity of your finances

If both partners are W-2 employees with modest savings and no business interests, HelloPrenup's $599 guided questionnaire may handle the core agreement just fine. If one or both partners own a business, hold significant separate property, have trust interests, or have children from a prior relationship, the value of having an attorney involved from the drafting stage goes up substantially.

Decide how much legal involvement you want

Some couples are comfortable making financial decisions together and just want a compliant document. Others want an attorney to explain trade-offs, flag issues they haven't considered, and negotiate on their behalf. Neither preference is wrong. HelloPrenup gives you a path that starts without attorneys. Neptune gives you a path that starts with them.

Budget realities

HelloPrenup's $599 base is hard to beat on price alone. But if both partners add attorney representation ($2,197 per couple), the gap between HelloPrenup and a lawyer-led service like Neptune narrows. Compare the total cost of your likely path, not just the starting price.

Verify before you commit

Pricing, state coverage, and service details can change. Confirm current costs and availability directly with Neptune or HelloPrenup before making a decision. State laws evolve too. Check your state's current requirements, especially around independent counsel and waiting periods, so there are no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a prenup cost with Neptune compared to HelloPrenup?

HelloPrenup's base plan is $599 per couple for the self-guided questionnaire. Adding attorney representation for both partners brings the total to $2,197 per couple (as of January 10, 2026). Neptune's pricing is dynamic and depends on the scope of your agreement because it is a lawyer-led service. You should confirm current pricing directly with Neptune. For context, a 2024 HelloPrenup survey of family law attorneys found that traditional prenups average about $8,000 per couple.

Does each partner get their own attorney with Neptune or HelloPrenup?

With Neptune, each partner can have their own independent attorney from the Neptune network, and each client chooses their attorney. With HelloPrenup, independent attorneys for each partner are available as an add-on at $799 per partner ($2,197 per couple for both). Each partner chooses from HelloPrenup's network of partner attorneys. In both cases, the goal is independent counsel for each party.

Is HelloPrenup a DIY prenup or attorney-drafted?

HelloPrenup describes its base product as "attorney-backed" and "attorney-drafted," meaning attorneys created the underlying templates and state-specific clauses. However, the $599 plan is a self-guided questionnaire that you and your partner complete on your own. An attorney does not review your specific document unless you purchase the attorney Q&A ($49) or representation ($799/partner) add-ons.

Do I need a lawyer for a prenup in my state?

Most states do not require attorney representation for a basic prenuptial agreement. However, as of January 10, 2026, attorney involvement is required by statute or caselaw in these situations: California (spousal support waivers, per Cal. Fam. Code § 1612(c)), New York (embryo disposition clauses, per N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 581-306(a)), South Carolina (excluding property from the marital estate, per S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-630(A)(4)), and West Virginia (independent counsel for presumed validity, per Ware v. Ware, 224 W. Va. 599 (2009)). Even where not required, independent counsel for each partner is highly recommended for an enforceable prenup.

How long does it take to complete a prenup online?

HelloPrenup's self-guided plan can be completed in as little as the same day. If you add attorney representation, HelloPrenup states the average timeline extends to about 3 days. Neptune's timeline depends on attorney schedules and the complexity of negotiations, so it typically takes longer than a same-day DIY option but includes legal counsel throughout. For comparison, the average traditional attorney-drafted prenup takes about one month from consultation to finalization, and can take up to three months.

Can an online prenup be notarized digitally?

Yes, both services offer digital notarization options. HelloPrenup provides e-notarization through Proof for $50 per couple as an add-on (bundled free with attorney representation). E-signing is available in all states except Mississippi, Vermont, Maryland, and Wisconsin. Neptune's notarization process should be confirmed with your attorney, as requirements vary by state.

Which states require attorney representation for a prenup?

As of January 10, 2026, attorney representation is required in specific circumstances in four states: California (when the prenup includes a spousal support waiver), New York (when the agreement addresses embryo disposition), South Carolina (when excluding property from the marital estate), and West Virginia (where independent counsel is needed for presumed validity). Some additional states require a waiver of counsel if you choose not to have an attorney, which effectively means some form of legal involvement is needed.

When should we start our prenup before the wedding?

Ideally, at least 2 to 3 months before your wedding. This gives you time for open financial conversations, completing the questionnaire or working with attorneys, optional reviews, and any state-required waiting periods. California, for example, requires at least 7 calendar days between the final draft and signing under Cal. Fam. Code § 1615(c)(2). Agreements signed within a week of the wedding are more likely to be challenged for duress.

Is a prenup enforceable if we create it online?

An online prenup can be enforceable if it complies with your state's prenup statute. Each state has its own requirements, which generally include a written agreement, full financial disclosure, voluntary signing, and sometimes a waiting period or attorney representation. The method of creation (online vs. in person) is less important than whether the agreement meets these legal standards. Having independent attorneys review the document significantly reduces the risk of a successful challenge later.

Sol Lee

Written by

Sol Lee

Co-Founder & CEO, Neptune

Michael Cotugno

Reviewed by

Michael Cotugno, Esq.

Managing Partner, Neptune Legal · 30+ years practicing family law

Michael has been practicing family law for more than 30 years and as Managing Partner of Neptune Legal, he is widely recognized for his expertise in premarital agreements and estate plans. After spending the first two decades of his career handling family law litigation, he saw firsthand the emotional and financial costs couples often face when issues are not clearly addressed early on. This experience led him to focus his practice on helping clients proactively create thoughtful, well-structured agreements.