Celebrating love in Colorado is something special. Maybe you’re planning to exchange vows with the Rockies as your backdrop, hosting a reception in a cozy Aspen lodge, or dancing under the stars in Denver. Whatever your ideal wedding scene looks like, we know organizing it all brings together a combination of excitement and stress. Among laying out table linens and choosing your playlist, there’s an additional item to consider: a prenuptial agreement. It may not be as Instagrammable as your floral arch, but a prenup brings clarity, fairness, and peace of mind for the adventure ahead. But how much does it cost to have a prenup in Colorado? And, do I really need a prenup? Let’s answer your questions, learn more about Colorado prenup pricing, and discover why it’s worth thinking through thoughtfully.
What is a prenup, and why does it matter in Colorado?
A prenuptial agreement, or “marital agreement,” as Colorado law sometimes calls it, is a legal contract couples sign before marriage that governs property division, financial obligations, and spousal support should things change later. Colorado adopted its version of the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act (UPMAA), meaning your prenup must be in writing, signed by both people, and voluntarily entered into to be enforceable. Judges look for fairness and proper disclosure. Clauses that attempt to affect child support or penalize divorce won’t fly. A well-drafted prenup is like laying down a financial insurance policy, except you only pay for it once instead of an ongoing monthly payment. And, similar to insurance, you don’t want to use it, but if you need it, you’re beyond thankful to have it. When planning for marriage, the most loving thing two people can do for each other is to protect one another’s future.
Can I DIY my prenup in Colorado?
Technically, yes. You’re allowed to draft your own prenup in Colorado. The law doesn’t demand you hire a lawyer to make it valid. But this is where DIY gets dicey. Colorado courts expect clear language, full financial disclosure, and evidence that each party truly understood what they were signing. Missing disclosure or uneven language could lead a court to toss the agreement entirely. If you use a DIY draft or an outline as a starting conversation, fantastic. But having a professional lawyer actually draft and review it ensures it’s fair, balanced, and tailored to how Colorado law actually works. It’s the difference between a heartfelt conversation and a stack of papers that might not hold up later.
How much does a prenup lawyer cost in Colorado?
Everybody knows that lawyers cost money. But paying for a quality prenup now can save you untold legal headaches and big dollars down the road. In Colorado, expect to pay between $900 and $1,200 on average for very simple prenup services or drafting. Hourly billing generally runs about $250 to $400 an hour, depending on experience of the attorney and their location, with bigger city lawyers usually costing more. If your situation is more complex, expect labor-bill style pricing of around $350 per hour, a $3k–$5k retainer, and total costs in the $1,750–$5,000+ range. Platforms like HelloPrenup offer models where one attorney handles your review for flat fees starting around $699, offering built-in affordability and efficiency.
The trick is knowing what’s included in the price, how many revisions, negotiations, or communications are baked in, and making sure it aligns with your priorities. The most cost-effective route often involves preparing early, organizing your financial documents, and agreeing on most terms together before lawyers spend time drafting. This intentional prep time can help keep those bills down while still giving both of you the legal protection you deserve.
Why investing in a prenup can save you money
Now, here’s why it’s worth drafting and signing a prenup despite the upfront cost: Without a prenup, a divorce in Colorado averages around $15,000 per spouse and can take over a year to resolve. That’s a whole lot more expensive than spending the time and money now on a prenup that will bring down the time and cost of a divorce. A prenup is like a roadmap that you and your partner can follow if a divorce occurs in the future. This will significantly decrease the need for lawyers, negotiations, and can keep both of you out of divorce court altogether. Prenups increase the likelihood that a couple can settle their divorce outside of court and save thousands of dollars at the same time. If even one fight over assets or support can blow past your prenup budget, and delay your healing, then investing in clarity upfront might just be one of the most financially savvy moves you can make.
Where to find a prenup lawyer in Colorado
Looking for the right lawyer, or tech-friendly platform, to walk you through this? Colorado is home to thoughtful family law attorneys across Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Directories like the Colorado Bar Association, Avvo, or Martindale-Hubbell let you browse profiles and client reviews. Make sure you check your potential attorney’s reviews online and ask about their experience in drafting prenuptial agreements. An experienced attorney can make a huge difference in the quality of the prenup you end up signing.
Final word on prenup pricing in Colorado
Prenups are not legal paperwork that you and your fiancé should drag your feet in signing. Planning your prenup should be an excuse for a financial date-night where you sit down with your partner and lay your financial cards on the table. You can discuss financial goals and concerns, as well as express what’s important to each of you. Starting your life together with this kind of financial transparency and teamwork is the smart way to do things and sets an honest precedent that most couples wish they had. In Colorado, investing now in a prenup puts you ahead in costs, clarity, and confidence, protecting your peace of mind as you build your life together. Once your florist is booked and your vows are being written, take a breath and give your future selves the thoughtful gift of a well-drafted prenup that protects both you and your partner no matter what the future brings.
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.
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