Georgia has a lot going for it! From delicious peaches to world-class music and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes even big cities like Atlanta feel a little friendlier. But when it comes to love and marriage, the legal side can get complicated fast, especially if you’re talking about prenuptial agreements. If you’re engaged or thinking about tying the knot and wondering how much a prenup in Georgia costs, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions couples ask, and the answer isn’t as simple as rattling off a single number. The cost of a prenup in Georgia depends on a handful of factors, including complexity, attorney experience, whether you go DIY or full-service, and even how much you and your fiancé agree or disagree on the terms. But how much should I set aside in my budget for a prenup? And what are the requirements for a valid prenup in Georgia? Continue reading to find the answers to your questions and to learn more about this important contract.
What exactly is a prenup, and why does it matter in Georgia?
Before we dive into dollars, let’s back up a bit and discuss what makes a Georgia prenup unique and why the cost is often worth it. A prenuptial agreement (or “antenuptial agreement,” as it’s sometimes called in legal circles) is a contract you and your partner sign before marriage that spells out how you’ll handle property, debts, and possibly spousal support if the marriage ends either by divorce or death.
In Georgia, prenups are fully enforceable as long as they meet specific legal standards. There’s no single Georgia statute spelling out prenup requirements. Georgia, unlike most states, hasn’t adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. But Georgia case law provides clear guidance on prenups. In the 1982 case, Scherer v. Scherer, the Georgia Supreme Court laid out a test that’s still used today. The court determined that a prenup will be enforced if there was voluntary execution, full financial disclosure, absence of fraud or duress, and fairness at both signing and enforcement. Practically speaking, that means your prenup should:
- Include complete financial disclosures of both parties’ assets, debts, and income
- Be signed well in advance of the wedding to avoid claims of coercion.
- Be notarized for added enforceability (not strictly required, but highly recommended)
- Avoid terms that are so one-sided they’d shock a judge (i.e., unconscionable)
That means a Georgia court can take a “second look” at your prenup when you divorce. If circumstances have changed so drastically since signing your prenup that enforcing the agreement would be grossly unfair, a judge can refuse to enforce parts, or all, of it. A simple translation: Georgia prenups aren’t just about what’s fair the day you sign it; the terms must hold up years down the road as well. This is one reason investing in a properly drafted prenup is so essential.
How much does a prenup cost in Georgia?
Prenups in Georgia can cost anywhere from about $1,500 to $5,000 or more. The wide range comes down to the complexity of your finances and the drafting process. Here’s what that means in real life. If you and your fiancé have relatively straightforward finances, no businesses, modest savings, and few major assets, you might be on the lower end of that range. A lawyer could draft a solid, customized agreement with full disclosure for around $1,500–$2,500.
If things are more complex, maybe one of you owns a business, you’re blending families, or there’s significant real estate or investment property involved, expect the price to climb. These agreements require careful negotiation and detailed provisions to protect both parties, often running $3,000–$5,000 or higher. And if you anticipate heavy negotiation, multiple revisions, or involve high-stakes assets like family trusts or professional practices? That’s when costs can go north of $5,000, sometimes much higher in major metro areas like Atlanta.
Factors that affect pricing
One big factor in the cost of your prenup is how much customization you need. A prenup that simply separates premarital property and addresses debts is one thing, but a prenup that includes complex spousal support waivers, inheritance planning, or business valuation clauses is another. Attorney experience also matters. A seasoned family law attorney who’s litigated prenups in Georgia courts knows exactly how to draft agreements that will hold up. That expertise comes at a premium, but it can save you exponentially more down the road if your prenup is ever challenged.
And then there’s the two-lawyer factor. In Georgia, it’s not legally required that each party have their own attorney, but it’s strongly recommended. Courts are far more likely to uphold a prenup if both sides had independent counsel. As mentioned above, a prenup needs to be signed voluntarily to be valid and enforceable. When each party has their own attorney, this shows a court that you both had professionals walk you through the prenup and explain the terms and the potential consequences before signing. If you’re covering the cost for both attorneys, which is common, that doubles the legal fees.
Can you DIY a Georgia prenup?
Technically, yes. No statute requires you to use a lawyer for a valid prenup. But the hard truth is that if you draft a prenup on your own without guidance from an experienced attorney or a well-respected prenup drafting platform, your prenup is unlikely to hold up in court. Georgia courts scrutinize these agreements very closely, and a judge won’t hesitate to toss one if there’s any hint of unfairness, missing financial disclosure, or improper execution.
The cost of a bad prenup can be staggering. Without a valid agreement, Georgia’s equitable distribution rules kick in to divide your property. Equitable distribution means that a court divides marital property in a way it considers “fair,” not necessarily equal. And because Georgia also allows for alimony based on need and ability to pay, skipping a solid prenup can leave you on the hook for ongoing spousal support you never anticipated. The bottom line is that although DIY might save money now, it can cost far more later if the prenup doesn’t stand up in court.
Why investing in a prenup can save you money (and stress)
It’s tempting to look at prenup costs and think, “We’ll just figure it out later.” But Georgia divorces can get expensive fast, especially when high‑value assets or contested spousal support are in play. A well‑crafted prenup can save tens or hundreds of thousands in litigation costs, not to mention months or years of emotional strain. And prenups don’t just create a roadmap to use if there’s a divorce in the future, they also provide clarity for estate planning, especially in second marriages or blended families. By clearly defining separate property and inheritance expectations, a prenup can prevent ugly disputes after a spouse’s death.
Where to find a prenup lawyer in Georgia
Start with the State Bar of Georgia’s Lawyer Referral Service, which can connect you with vetted family law attorneys statewide. Platforms like Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo also let you search by specialty and client reviews. If you’re in Atlanta, Augusta, or Savannah, local bar associations can be great resources. Also, ask friends and family for trusted referrals. Make sure to read the reviews of any attorney you’re considering hiring. And ask your potential lawyer whether they have experience in drafting prenups.
Final thoughts on prenup costs in Georgia
A prenup in Georgia isn’t just a legal document; it’s a financial roadmap for your marriage. It forces you to have meaningful conversations about money and expectations for the future. These kinds of conversations can actually strengthen your relationship. Yes, there’s a price tag on prenups, but when you weigh that against the cost of uncertainty, or worse, litigation, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make before saying “I do.” So if you’re planning a Georgia wedding, take a break from cake tastings and venue tours to talk about your financial future. Your marriage and your bank account will thank you later.
Suzanne grew up in Connecticut, but headed south for college where she graduated cum laude from Emory University before conquering law school. When Suzanne is not advocating for her clients she is an avid runner with 2 marathons and countless half-marathons under her belt. She is a food and wine enthusiast who enjoys cooking, and she reserves her Fall Saturdays for Bulldog football and tailgating in Athens. Suzanne and her husband Ryan live in Smyrna, Georgia with their two children, Conner and Bronwyn, and their Chocolate Labradoodle named Penny.
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