Arizona is a spectacular place to fall in love and build a life together. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the vast Sonoran sky or settling into a cozy life in Sedona, Flagstaff, or Phoenix, the state offers both beauty and opportunity. With that opportunity comes the responsibility of planning for your future with your partner. When making a plan together, it’s important to consider financial and legal aspects as well as emotional well-being and goals. This is where a prenuptial agreements, or prenups, come in. Prenups allow you to plan for life’s unexpected turns with care, respect, and clarity. Many couples find that discussing their financial hopes and responsibilities makes them feel even more aligned. But how much does a prenup cost in Arizona? And, what are the requirements for a valid prenup in Arizona? Keep reading to find the answers to your questions and to learn more about prenuptial agreements.
What is a prenuptial agreement?
At its simplest, a prenuptial agreement is a contract signed before marriage that maps out how to handle assets, debts, financial responsibilities, and other considerations if, for any reason, the marriage ends. Think of it as a roadmap, not a contingency plan. Whether you’re merging estates, starting a small business, blending families, or entering marriage later in life, a prenup can create clarity, transparency, and mutual respect. It’s a proactive way to ensure both partners are aligned, even in unexpected circumstances.
How much does a prenup cost in Arizona?
The cost of a prenup in Arizona depends on many factors, including the complexity of your financials, the need for negotiations between you and your fiancĂ©, the location and experience of your attorney, and, oftentimes, the number of hours your attorney spends drafting and completing the agreement. Most attorneys charge on an hourly basis. If your case is more nuanced with businesses, investments, or complicated estate planning, many family law attorneys bill hourly, and the overall cost can increase rapidly. In Arizona, rates commonly range from $200 to $350 per hour. That said, flat-fee arrangements are increasingly popular, offering defined pricing even when assets are complex without hourly unpredictability.Â
When talking with a potential attorney, make sure that all of the services you require are included in their flat fee. Don’t fall victim to hidden pricing schemes! At full-service family law firms, especially in major metro areas, flat-fee prenup fees tend to start around $2,500 for the most basic situations. For couples with businesses, significant assets, multiple properties, or blended family concerns, these fees can climb steeply, sometimes reaching $7,500 to $10,000 per person.Â
A reasonably-priced Arizona alternative Â
For couples on a tighter budget or looking for a reliable prenup platform, HelloPrenup offers state-compliant prenups for $599 per couple, with options to add e-notarization for $50. HelloPrenup also offers 20-minute Q&A calls with Arizona attorneys for $49. Additionally, clients can hire Arizona-licensed attorneys for full representation services and attorney signature for the heavily-discounted price of $699 per fiancé. The entire process, including customization, state-specific clauses, and client support, costs less than $2,000 total. And, as stated above, a prenup is only $599 if you choose to forgo the optional attorney add-on services.
What are the requirements for an Arizona prenup?
Arizona prenups are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA), which is codified in Section 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. To stand legal scrutiny, a prenup must be in writing, signed voluntarily by both parties before marriage, and based on fair financial disclosure, or a clear, written waiver of that disclosure. Courts may reject terms they see as unconscionable or unfair, especially if the prenup waives spousal maintenance and pushes someone toward public assistance(Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 25-202).
Arizona courts take fairness seriously. If one party was coerced, didn’t receive adequate financial disclosure, or didn’t have time to properly review the document before signing, a court could refuse to enforce it. Similarly, if the terms are so one-sided that it’s considered unconscionable, the agreement could be struck down. This is especially true when it comes to spousal maintenance. If a prenup eliminates one partner’s right to support, and that waiver would result in that person becoming dependent on public assistance, the court can override it.
It’s also important to know that Arizona courts will not uphold provisions in a prenup that attempt to limit child support or determine child custody. These issues are considered matters of public policy and are left to the discretion of the court at the time of separation. That said, everything from property division to debt allocation to inheritance rights and even pet custody can be addressed, as long as it’s handled thoughtfully and within legal limits.
Final thoughts on prenup pricing in Arizona
A prenuptial agreement is about respecting your relationship enough to plan for all possibilities. In Arizona, the law gives couples the freedom to create custom agreements that reflect their values, priorities, and practical needs. Whether you choose a full-service family law attorney, a modern flat-fee platform, or something in between, the goal is the same: to enter marriage with honesty, security, and a shared understanding. Take the time to sit down with your partner and have these important financial conversations before you say, “I do.”
Scott D. Goldman is the managing member of Goldman Law, LLC, a Denver-based firm focused on divorce and family law. He founded the firm with a clear mission: to provide every client with ethical, professional, and results-driven legal representation. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Scott spent 26 years there before relocating to Denver in search of better weather and access to the Colorado outdoors. He now brings that same energy and focus to his legal practice. Scott is a seasoned litigator who also knows how to resolve cases efficiently and professionally. His practical, business-minded approach often leads to favorable settlements while keeping clients’ best interests at the forefront.
0 Comments