Getting married in Virginia brings a kind of charm all its own. Maybe you’re planning “I do’s” in a stately Richmond garden, a cozy Charlottesville vineyard, or with ocean breezes at Virginia Beach. While you’re juggling venue visits and tasting menus, it’s worth adding one slightly less glamorous, but absolutely wise, item to your wedding to-do list: a prenuptial agreement. A prenup is actually one of the most thoughtful and loving prep steps you and your fiancé can take before starting your lives together. How much does it cost to have a prenup in Virginia? And, why do people even get prenups? Let’s unpack the numbers and explore how investing just a bit now could protect your love and your wallet tomorrow.
What is a prenup, and why does it matter in Virginia?
In Virginia, a prenuptial agreement, legally known as a premarital agreement, is a contract you sign before marriage that lays out how you’ll divide property, handle financial matters, and manage support if there’s a divorce in the future. The Virginia Premarital Agreement Act governs all of this. Under this act, a prenup must be in writing, signed by both parties, and it becomes effective once you’re married (Virginia Code § 20‑149). Such an agreement can cover many topics, including property rights, debts, spousal support, life insurance, estate planning, and even “any other personal rights and obligations,” so long as they’re not illegal or go against public policy. A prenup helps ensure clarity, fairness, and peace of mind from the start.
Can I DIY my prenup in Virginia?
Technically, yes. There’s no law requiring you to hire a lawyer to create a prenup in Virginia. But the reality is that Virginia courts expect a prenup to be entered into voluntarily, with fair disclosure, and not be unconscionable when signed. If one of you didn’t fully understand the terms or didn’t share your financial situation fully, a judge can toss the whole agreement. So, talking with your fiancé and making an outline of what you’d both like in a prenup is a great idea, but drafting your prenup entirely on your own without assistance isn’t recommended.
How much does a prenup in Virginia cost?
Let’s talk dollars and cents. The cost of a prenup in Virginia varies based on many factors, including the complexity of your finances, the need for negotiations between you and your partner, and the experience and location of your attorney. If you go the traditional route, a prenup in Virginia can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 or more, depending on how complicated your finances are, along with the factors listed above. If you and your partner are building a business before marriage, juggling inheritances, or balancing student loans, expect the cost to be toward the higher end. If your finances are simpler, perhaps a starter home or retirement account, you may find the cost closer to the lower bound.
According to a HelloPrenup survey of family law attorneys across the country, the national average for a prenup for both parties is approximately $8,000. Wow! We all know lawyers aren’t cheap, but that’s a lot of money that couples could spend elsewhere when starting their lives together. Luckily, with online services, such as HelloPrenup, you can get a Virginia prenup for a fraction of the cost, just $599, plus optional add-on attorney services..
Where to find a prenup lawyer in Virginia
If you’re looking for prenup help, Virginia has plenty of accessible family law attorneys. In markets like Northern Virginia and Richmond, family law firms often highlight premarital agreements on their websites, emphasizing how they help preserve marital harmony while protecting individual assets. You can use the Virginia State Bar directory or trusted platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell, to explore practitioner profiles. Make sure you check the reviews of a prospective attorney before booking with them, and ask them about their experience in drafting prenups. Online tools can also make things easier. If you prefer a hybrid model that provides autonomy but includes expertly-drafted prenups aligned with Virginia state law, HelloPrenup allows you to book with a Virginia-licensed lawyer to review or finalize your prenup, combining legal assurance with convenience.
The bottom line on prenup pricing in Virginia
The cost of drafting a prenup in Virginia varies based on different factors, including the complexity of your finances and the experience of your attorney. But the cost spent now to plan for your future pales in comparison to the expense many people face when going through a divorce without a prenup to guide them and to keep legal costs down. But price is only part of the story. At its core, a prenup encourages honest communication and trust and offers the opportunity to protect both your hearts and your finances.. Once the wedding invitations are sent and the honeymoon is planned, take a moment to plan for tomorrow as well as today. Having that prenup conversation now is often the most romantic and responsible thing you can do for your marriage.
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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