Getting married in Minnesota has a special kind of charm. Whether you’re planning a lakeside ceremony near Duluth, a cozy celebration in the Twin Cities, or a quiet courthouse “I do” in your hometown. Minnesotans are known for their practicality, and that same sense of level-headed preparation is one reason prenuptial agreements are becoming more common here. Entering into a prenup can help build a strong foundation of transparency and trust for the future. In a state where marriage is treated as both a partnership and a financial union, couples are increasingly recognizing that having open, structured conversations about money, property, and expectations before marriage is one of the most loving and responsible steps they can take. But, how much should we spend on a prenup lawyer in Minnesota? And, what are the requirements for a valid prenup in Minnesota?
How much does a prenup lawyer cost in Minnesota?
When approaching the idea of a prenuptial agreement in Minnesota, one of the very first conversations often centers on cost. There’s no fixed statewide fee requirement and no two prenups are the same. The cost of a prenup can range widely depending on the complexity of your finances, how aligned you and your partner are on the terms of the agreement, whether there will be lengthy negotiations, and the location and experience of your attorney. There is also the type of pricing to keep in mind.
Many experienced family law attorneys charge by the hour with attorneys located in Minneapolis and Twin Cities-area billing between $300-$500 per hour. Other Minnesota attorneys use a flat rate to charge for drafting a prenup that averages around $950. But, again, these numbers range depending on the factors of your specific situation. Ask your attorney to lay out exactly what you will be charged for and keep an eye out for hidden expenses. Wedding planning is expensive enough without unexpected prenup prices popping up.
Can I draft my own prenup in Minnesota?
In theory, yes, any couple can draft a contract themselves. However, Minnesota law strongly encourages, and essentially demands, a level of professional oversight if you want the agreement to hold up reliably. Under Section 519.11 of the Minnesota Statutes, a valid prenup (aka “antenuptial contract”) must be in writing, signed by both parties, executed before the wedding, notarized and witnessed, and based on full, fair disclosure of each spouse’s income, assets and liabilities (Minn. Stat. § 519.11).
Importantly, Minnesota courts examine both procedural fairness and substantive fairness. Regarding procedural fairness, courts will consider whether the parties were truly able to consult their own attorney, whether the signing was voluntary and free from duress, and whether the parties had enough time to review their prenup before signing. To determine if a prenup was substantively fair, courts look to whether the agreement creates an outcome so one-sided or change so drastic that it fails the parties’ reasonable expectations.
So while you could draft your own agreement using an online form or template, you risk the agreement later being challenged and potentially thrown out because of a missing witness, inadequate disclosure, rushed timing, or unfair terms. For many couples in Minnesota. especially those with meaningful assets, business ownership, or differential earning potential, investing in a qualified attorney helps you avoid a false economy and strengthens enforceability.
Requirements for a valid prenup in Minnesota
Minnesota’s statute governing antenuptial and postnuptial agreements is Section 519.11 of the Minnesota Statutes. This statute was amended effective August 1, 2024 to clarify enforceability standards.
Key requirements include:
- The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- It must be executed in the presence of two witnesses and acknowledged by a notary public.
- A valid prenup must be signed at least seven days before the marriage to receive the statutory enforceability presumption.
- Full and fair financial disclosure must be provided. Each party must reveal assets, liabilities, income, and provide documents supporting those figures.
- Each spouse should have a meaningful opportunity to consult independent legal counsel.
- The contract may not govern child support or child custody matters; those remain outside the scope of a Minnesota prenup (Minn. Stat. § 519.11)
When these standards are met, the agreement is presumed enforceable and the challenging spouse bears the burden of proof. If they fall short, the court will scrutinize the agreement under broader fairness principles and may decline enforcement if the terms undermine one party’s financial viability or reasonable expectations.
Where to find a prenup attorney in Minnesota
Searching for the right attorney in Minnesota means balancing expertise, cost, and comfort. Start by focusing on attorneys who list “prenuptial agreements,” “antenuptial contracts,” or “marital contracts” under their practice description. Minneapolis–St. Paul has several well-known family-law firms that highlight prenups among their services, and many smaller regional firms outside the metro area serve these needs as well. Ask friends and family for referrals and make sure you read the reviews online for any attorney you’re considering. Also, the referral services of the Minnesota State Bar is a helpful resource.,
When interviewing attorneys, you may ask: how many prenups have you drafted in Minnesota? How often are they litigated after divorce? What’s your flat-fee vs. hourly model? Does your fee include disclosure review, negotiation, notary handling, and witness coordination? Choose someone with proven experience, transparent pricing, and clear communication. Engaging early, well ahead of your wedding timeline, is another smart move given Minnesota’s “seven‐day” timing rule. Waiting until the last minute may increase risk of challenge.
Final thoughts on prenup pricing in Minnesota
Breaking down prenup pricing in Minnesota reveals that while costs may start low, thanks to flat-fee marketplace offerings, the true value lies in preparedness and enforceability. A well-crafted prenup in Minnesota should be a thoughtfully negotiated financial roadmap, protected by statute and case law. If you’re contemplating a prenup, the wisdom often lies not in cutting corners, but in investing up front for the peace of mind and protection it brings both for your present marriage and your future together.
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com
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