Neptune vs. Traditional Attorneys: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons

When couples start researching prenuptial agreements, they often face two choices: work with a traditional family law attorney or use a modern platform like Neptune. While both approaches lead to a legally enforceable prenup, the experience, cost, and impact on your relationship can look very different.

Here’s how Neptune compares to traditional attorneys when it comes to pricing, features, and the overall process.

Pricing: Flat-Fee Clarity vs. Hourly Uncertainty

‍‍
Traditional Attorneys
Most family lawyers charge hourly, with rates between $400-$600 an hour in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. A typical prenup can take 10-25 billable hours, leading to total costs ranging from $8,000 to $20,000+ once both partners’ lawyers are included. Add in retainers, unpredictable invoices, and extended timelines, and the costs can escalate quickly.

Neptune
Neptune offers flat-fee pricing starting at $3,000-$7,000 total for both partners’ lawyers combined. That price includes emotionally intelligent AI guidance, free lawyer consultation before retainer, attorney review, and concierge support throughout the process. No surprise bills. No runaway invoices. Just clarity from day one.

Process: Stressful or Streamlined?

Traditional Attorneys
With traditional representation, the prenup process usually begins with scheduling consultations, paying retainers, and exchanging drafts. Each edit or conversation can add billable hours. Timelines often stretch over months, and couples are left managing the logistics between two separate law offices.

Neptune
Neptune’s process starts with a free AI-powered intake that helps couples outline their goals, align on key terms, and prepare for attorney conversations. Couples are then matched with vetted family law attorneys who specialize in prenups. The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish, with transparent milestones and concierge support to keep everything on track.

Experience: Adversarial or Collaborative?

Traditional Attorneys
Traditional prenup processes can feel adversarial. Lawyers often focus on “winning” negotiations, which can unintentionally create tension between partners. Without guidance on how to talk about money, couples are left navigating emotional conversations on their own.

Neptune
Neptune flips the script by combining legal precision with emotional intelligence. The AI assistant guides couples through sensitive topics before they reach the lawyer stage, fostering alignment and reducing conflict. Neptune is built to help couples strengthen their relationship while finalizing an enforceable agreement.

‍

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Neptune or Traditional Attorneys?

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:

Neptune

Pros

• Flat-fee pricing with no surprises
• AI guidance for alignment before attorney review
• Vetted lawyers specializing in prenups
• Concierge-level support for both partners

Cons

• Currently available only in select major U.S. markets, but rolling out into new states frequently

Traditional Attorneys

Pros‍

• Experienced legal representation
• Custom agreements tailored to complex finances

Cons

• High and unpredictable costs
• Lengthy timelines (months, not weeks)
• Can feel adversarial instead of collaborative

Bottom Line

If you want a legally airtight prenup but dread unpredictable costs and drawn-out timelines, Neptune offers a smarter alternative. By combining technology, vetted attorneys, and flat-fee pricing, Neptune makes the prenup process transparent, collaborative, and efficient.

For those who have zero budgetary concerns, a traditional lawyer will be more than happy to work with you to comb over every little detail three times over, as this only adds to their billable hours.

Ready to take the next step? Start your prenup journey with Neptune today.