Prenuptial Agreement Attorneys in New Hampshire

Welcome to the “Granite State,” where the maple syrup flows like water and the mountains are as majestic as a moose in a bowtie! Nestled in the heart of New England, New Hampshire is more than just a pretty state; it’s a land of quaint towns, covered bridges, and a whole lot of “wicked good” vibes. But, today, we’re going to talk about prenups in the land of maple syrup and moose. Do you need a prenup attorney in New Hampshire? If so, how do you find one? What are the legal requirements for a prenup in New Hampshire? We cover all of these questions and more. So, grab a seat, snuggle up in your flannel, and get ready for a journey through New Hampshire prenups and prenup attorneys.

The answer is no. A prenup attorney is not technically required in order to form a valid and enforceable prenuptial agreement in New Hampshire. However, the rule in the “Granite State” is, “the party presented with the prenuptial agreement [must have] an opportunity to seek independent advice and a reasonable time to reflect on the proposed terms.” In re Est. of Hollett, 150 N.H. 39 (2003). What does that mean? It means that both folks should be able to talk to a lawyer and take their time to really grasp what’s in the agreement, especially if one of them wasn’t part of making the prenup.

Another important tidbit to remember is you cannot share an attorney with your partner. You will each need your own (if you both decide to get an attorney, that is). But one attorney cannot effectively represent you both. Why? Because it would be like the attorney playing pickleball with themselves. Hitting the ball to one side, then sprinting over and trying to hit it back to themselves. It’s impossible. An attorney cannot zealously advocate for two opposing parties to a contract. 

You can start by asking around. Ask friends, coworkers, neighbors, cousins, or anyone else you trust and respect. Your close network can provide valuable insights into a prenup attorney’s way of practicing so you can understand if they would be a good fit for you. I.e., how quickly they respond, their communication style, and their cost. 

Another great way to find a prenup attorney is through the New Hampshire bar association. They offer a robust lawyer referral service where you can find a prenup attorney in your area that meets your needs. They even offer a phone call line where you can speak with someone directly! 

There’s always Google–a good old fashioned internet search. You can try searching for things like “New Hampshire prenup attorney” or “family law attorney near me.” If you are going this route, don’t forget to check out the attorney’s client reviews to make sure they are reputable and have a great track record. Plus, you can learn a lot about an attorney through their reviews!

New Hampshire prenup legal requirements

Let’s talk about what goes into a prenuptial agreement in the state of New Hampshire. What makes a prenup valid and enforceable in the “Granite State?” Well, for starters, New Hampshire has a unique rule that most states don’t have, and that’s a timeline requirement for getting a prenup. The prenup needs to be executed at least 30 days before the wedding. Why? New Hampshire courts require, “a reasonable time to reflect on the proposed terms.” In re Est. of Hollett, 150 N.H. 39 (2003). In other words, people need to fully “digest” what they are signing and agreeing to.

Another analysis that a New Hampshire court takes when evaluating a prenup is the following: 

“A prenuptial agreement is presumed valid unless the party seeking the invalidation of the agreement proves that: (1) the agreement was obtained through fraud, duress or mistake, or through misrepresentation or nondisclosure of a material fact; (2) the agreement is unconscionable; or (3) the facts and circumstances have so changed since the agreement was executed as to make the agreement unenforceable.” In re Est. of Hollett, 150 N.H. 39, 42 (2003).

In other words, the agreement must be signed voluntarily (not under some form of fraud), the agreement must not be unconscionable, and the facts of the couple’s situation must not have changed in a way to make the agreement egregiously unfair at the time of enforcement.

Don’t forget about the other basic formalities, such as putting the prenup in writing and making sure it is signed by both parties.

We can’t give you an exact dollar amount on how much a prenup will cost you in New Hampshire because it is different for everyone. There is usually no flat rate for a prenup with a lawyer (unless you’re using HelloPrenup, of course). However, we can equip you with the tools you need to understand how much it may cost you for a prenup in N.H. For starters, the average prenup cost across all of the states is $8,000 per couple, at least according to HelloPrenup survey. Keep in mind, that’s just the average. That doesn’t take into account high lawyer fees, intricate finances, complex requests, and intensive negotiations.

HelloPrenup costs $599 per couple flat, plus the option to add on New Hampshire-licensed prenup lawyers. The HelloPrenup platform also offers tons of resources, so you’re able to understand some of the dense legal topics. Once you’re done with the questionnaire, you are able to negotiate any undecided terms with your partner. Then, you may choose to hire a lawyer (or not) and then generate the agreement, sign & notarize it!