Getting a prenup is an excellent way to make sure you and your partner are financially protected as you enter into marriage and join your assets. Couples often assume that the only option for creating a prenuptial agreement is working directly with a lawyer, which can be expensive. Fortunately, there’s an affordable online alternative called Hello Prenup that makes the process easy. If you’re wondering if this solution is right for you, here’s what you need to know.
Why You May Want a Prenup
Prenups are often viewed as unromantic because they create a legal plan for how a couple’s assets will be divided in the event of divorce. However, we actually think creating a prenup is an act of love that protects both partners financially. Creating a formal agreement about how to split property during the honeymoon phase ensures that the terms are fair.
You can use your prenup to take care of each other in several ways. If desired, you can specify alimony provisions to ensure the lower-earning spouse will be financially stable post-divorce. Couples can also opt to separate their debt so their spouse doesn’t become responsible for it. Additionally, prenups can specify which assets will remain separate, such as real estate you worked hard to purchase while single.
Although no one enters into a marriage believing that it will fail, even the strongest couples can grow apart over time. Drafting a prenup ensures that if things ever do go sideways, no one will be taken advantage of financially due to hurt feelings.
What Is Hello Prenup?
Hello Prenup is an online platform that was founded by a family law attorney and a software engineer. It’s a simple solution for couples that want a prenup without the cost of paying for a lawyer.
The platform has specific versions of prenups that are designed to meet specific state requirements. Currently, Hello Prenup is available in most states and the District of Columbia. If you’re located in one of the few states that isn’t covered (Alabama, South Carolina, and West Virginia), you can sign up for the waitlist here. That way you’ll be notified when the service becomes available in your area.
How Hello Prenup Works
Hello Prenup is incredibly simple and intuitive to use. After creating an account, you can invite your partner to join you, allowing you to work collaboratively.
You’ll begin the process by completing individual questionnaires that gather information about your assets, including separate and joint property, businesses, bank accounts, inheritances, and more. Completing this disclosure has the added benefit of helping you understand each other’s financial status before tying the knot.
Once the data is collected, you can move on to the negotiation phase, which is all handled inside the platform. This step allows you and your partner to address any inconsistencies relating to answers in your questionnaires, getting you both on the same page formally.
After completing the negotiation, you can download the generated prenuptial agreement. The result is state-specific, ensuring it meets the legal requirements in your area.
Then all you have to do is print the agreement and get it signed and notarized. Hello Prenup even provides online notary services for just $50 in all but two states (Maryland and Wisconsin). Once that’s handled, your prenup is done, allowing you to focus on planning your wedding and future together!
The Benefits of Hello Prenup
Cost-Effective
The biggest benefit of using Hello Prenup is it allows you to create a legal prenuptial agreement for far less than a lawyer costs. Lawyers typically charge between $1,000 to $10,000 for a prenup (Smartasset, Brides.com). In contrast, Hello Prenup charges a flat fee for its services, which comes in at just $599 per couple.
Additional Services Available If Needed
Although the base package is sufficient for many couples, some may realize that they need more support during the process. Luckily Hello Prenup allows you to add attorney services at any stage for an extra fee. You can arrange a 20-minute Q&A session to address any concerns with a qualified attorney for just $49 per partner.
Couples who decide they want a lawyer to sign off on their prenup can add legal representation for $699 per partner. Your lawyer will edit, review, sign off on, and notarize your prenup. This full-service package is a good option for couples with more complex financial situations who need additional guidance.
Digital Convenience
Since Hello Prenup is an online solution, you can complete your prenup on your phone or laptop from anywhere. This makes the process far more flexible than meeting with an attorney locally, while still giving you the state-specific guidance you need.
Hello Prenup’s interactive platform also makes it easy to collaborate with your partner and helps facilitate healthy communication. You’ll have the ability to work together at your own pace and pause at any time if needed.
Clauses at No Additional Cost
Hello Prenup also allows you to customize your agreement by adding a variety of clauses at no extra cost. For example, couples can include a sunset clause that dissolves the prenup on a specific date, such as a milestone wedding anniversary. You can view the full list of clause options on Hello Prenup’s website.
How Long Does the Hello Prenup Process Take?
The entire process usually takes just 1.5 hours to complete, though the exact time may vary depending on the complexity of your financial situations. Luckily you don’t have to finish your prenup in one sitting if you run out of steam.
However, you do need to make sure that your prenup is done quickly enough to align with state law. Some states require both parties to have a minimum amount of time to review the document before signing. For example, California law requires at least seven days for the review process, while New Hampshire mandates 30 days.
Make sure you have a printed version of the agreement ready in time to support the full review period before your wedding day. Following these local laws will help maintain the validity of your agreement.
How to Choose the Right State
When you select a state for your prenuptial agreement on Hello Prenup, you typically need to choose the state where you plan to reside as a couple. That way the document aligns with the state where you’d file if you divorce in the future.
Is a Hello Prenup Agreement 100% Enforceable?
Regardless of how they’re created, all prenups can be contested during a divorce. However, prenups are typically upheld if two conditions are met. Partners must be honest and disclose all asset details during the drafting process. If one or both parties withhold relevant financial information, it increases the odds of the prenup being disregarded. Additionally, both partners must sign the agreement willingly for it to stand up in court.
Is Hello Prenup Right for You?
Hello Prenup is a simple, affordable solution for couples that want to create a prenuptial agreement before marriage. It can work well for any couple that feels confident in their ability to come to an understanding together.
If you and your partner have differing views on what the prenup should state or highly complex financial situations, then you may want to consider hiring attorneys. Hello Prenup’s full-service package could also be a good choice in that case.
Ultimately, whether Hello Prenup is the right solution is a decision that’s up to you and your partner. Remember that both parties have to agree to participate and sign the prenup in time to meet state-mandated review periods. If your partner isn’t on board with using Hello Prenup, then you may have to hire an attorney or mediator.
Get Hello Prenup
If both partners agree that it’s the right solution and are willing to complete the agreement in a timely manner, Hello Prenup is a solid choice. It’s an excellent service that can help you feel more secure going into marriage, set expectations, and protect your assets without breaking the bank.
You can get Hello Prenup by clicking on this link here, or press the button below:
Have you tried Hello Prenup and want to tell others about your experience? Is there a reason you’d be hesitant to use Hello Prenup before getting married? Do you wish Hello Prenup was available before you wed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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