New York prenuptial agreements, custom for you

Yes. New York does not require either partner to have an attorney. A prenup is enforceable when it is in writing, signed by both partners, and acknowledged before a notary in the same form used to record a deed, with full financial disclosure and voluntary signing. Independent counsel is not required, but New York courts look more favorably on agreements where each partner had the chance to consult their own attorney, so it is strongly advisable, especially when there is a large gap in assets or sophistication between partners.

With First, a New York prenup is a flat fee: $649 for Self-Serve, or $3,500 for Lawyer Review, which includes an independent attorney for each partner. Traditional attorney-drafted prenups in New York commonly run $5,000 to $10,000 per couple, with New York City family law rates typically between $300 and $600 per hour.

You still get a local attorney with First. Lawyer Review at $3,500 includes an independent New York-licensed family law attorney for each of you, drawn from a vetted local network that holds availability for First couples, so you get an attorney on each side without building a shortlist of local firms and calling each one. Hiring two local attorneys separately in New York commonly runs $5,000 to $10,000 for the couple, billed hourly across two firms. Self-Serve at $649 is the option without attorneys.

Yes. Under Domestic Relations Law section 236(B)(3), a New York prenup must be acknowledged in the same manner required for a deed to be recorded. Each partner signs in front of a notary and formally declares that the signature was made freely, and the notary completes an acknowledgment certificate. A standard signature without that acknowledgment language can make the agreement unenforceable.

Yes. Completing a prenup online does not affect whether it holds up. Enforceability depends on the agreement being in writing, properly acknowledged before a notary, supported by full financial disclosure, and signed voluntarily. First is built around each of these.

Self-Serve at $649 is a guided, fully online prenup customized to New York, best when your finances are straightforward and you are comfortable deciding together. Lawyer Review at $3,500 adds an independent attorney for each partner and the ability to edit the underlying language, which is worth it for complex assets or for a spousal maintenance waiver, where New York courts expect careful, specific drafting.

Most couples complete Self-Serve in days, not months. Lawyer Review usually takes days to a few weeks, depending on complexity and how quickly both partners and attorneys review. New York has no statutory waiting period, but courts examine last-minute signings for signs of pressure, so aim to finish several weeks before the wedding.