Neptune vs. Top California Prenup Law Firms: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons
California couples face some of the most complex financial and legal landscapes in the country. Between high-value real estate, startup equity, and strict community property laws, prenups are increasingly common across the state. For many years, the only option was hiring a traditional California law firm. Now, platforms like Neptune offer a modern alternative.Here’s how Neptune compares to working with top California family law firms when it comes to pricing, process, and experience.
Key takeaways
- Traditional California law firms charge $500-$750 per hour with two attorneys involved, leading to total costs of $10,000-$20,000 or more, while Neptune offers flat-fee pricing between $3,000-$7,000 for both partners combined
- Neptune's streamlined process takes 6-8 weeks compared to several months with traditional firms, reducing stress while meeting California's strict enforceability standards
- You get the same legal precision with Neptune's vetted California attorneys who specialize in prenups, but with transparent pricing and no surprise invoices
- Neptune's AI-guided intake helps you outline goals and prepare for legal conversations, creating alignment between partners rather than the adversarial approach often found with traditional representation
- Traditional firms excel at complex, high-asset cases and have deep knowledge of California's community property system, but often create unnecessary tension during the process
Pricing: Flat-Fee Clarity vs. Hourly Uncertainty
Top California Law FirmsMost leading firms operate on an hourly model. Rates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley often range from $500-$750 an hour, with two attorneys involved. That means a single prenup can easily cost $10,000-$20,000 or more once retainers and extended negotiations are factored in. Final invoices often exceed original estimates.
NeptuneNeptune offers flat-fee pricing between $3,000 and $7,000 total for both partners’ lawyers combined. This includes a free, AI-powered intake, attorney review, and concierge-level support. Couples know the full cost before starting, eliminating the anxiety of unpredictable invoices.
Process: Streamlined vs. Traditional
Top California Law FirmsThe traditional process often means multiple in-person consultations, back-and-forth drafting, and weeks of waiting between steps. Timelines can stretch to several months, which can create unnecessary stress in the lead-up to a wedding.
NeptuneNeptune’s process is designed for efficiency and clarity. Couples begin with an AI-guided intake to outline goals and prepare for legal conversations. From there, they are matched with vetted California attorneys who specialize in prenups. The full process typically takes 6-8 weeks, fast enough to reduce stress but thorough enough to meet California’s strict enforceability standards.
Experience: Adversarial vs. Collaborative
Top California Law FirmsTraditional representation often emphasizes risk management and negotiation, which can unintentionally create tension between partners. While effective legally, it may not provide the tools for navigating the emotional side of prenup conversations.
NeptuneNeptune combines legal rigor with emotional intelligence. Couples receive guided support on how to approach sensitive topics before attorney review, helping them build alignment instead of conflict. The result is an enforceable prenup that strengthens the relationship rather than undermines it.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Neptune or California Law Firm?
Deciding between Neptune and a traditional law firm? Each service has its strengths and a few tradeoffs. Here's how the pros and cons compare across the two choices:
Top California Law Firms
Pros
- Currently available only in select major U.S. markets, but rolling out into new states frequently
- Experienced in complex, high-asset cases
- Deep knowledge of California’s community property system
Cons
- High and unpredictable costs
- Longer timelines, often months
- Can feel adversarial rather than collaborative
Neptune
Pros
- Flat-fee pricing with no surprises
- AI intake for clarity and alignment
- Vetted California attorneys specializing in prenups
- Typical timeline of 6–8 weeks
- Collaborative, relationship-first approach
Cons
- While we are available in California, we are currently available only in select major U.S. markets, but rolling out into new states frequently
Bottom Line
For California couples, traditional law firms provide proven expertise but often at the expense of time, money, and peace of mind. Neptune delivers the same level of legal precision with transparent pricing, a faster process, and a supportive experience designed for modern relationships.
Ready to take the next step? Start your prenup journey with Neptune today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a prenup cost in California?
Prenup costs in California vary significantly by provider. Traditional law firms charge $500-$750 per hour with two attorneys involved, typically totaling $10,000-$20,000 or more. Neptune offers flat-fee pricing between $3,000 and $7,000 total for both partners' lawyers combined, with no surprise costs.
How long does it take to get a prenup in California?
Traditional California law firms often take several months to complete a prenup due to multiple consultations and extended back-and-forth drafting. Neptune's streamlined process typically takes 6-8 weeks while still meeting California's strict enforceability standards.
What is Neptune's prenup process like?
Neptune starts with an AI-guided intake to outline goals and prepare couples for legal conversations. Couples are then matched with vetted California attorneys who specialize in prenups. The process includes attorney review and concierge-level support, all for a flat fee with no surprises.
Are Neptune prenups enforceable in California?
Yes, Neptune prenups are designed to meet California's strict enforceability standards. The platform uses vetted California attorneys who specialize in prenups and understand the state's community property system requirements.
What are the disadvantages of using traditional California law firms for prenups?
Traditional law firms often have high and unpredictable costs, longer timelines that can stretch for months, and an adversarial approach that may create tension between partners. Final invoices frequently exceed original estimates, adding financial stress to the process.