Talking about a prenuptial agreement is rarely anyone’s idea of a romantic evening. But in British Columbia, a prenup is not about expecting the relationship to fail. It is about being clear and fair about money while things are going well.
One of the first questions people ask is: how much does a prenup cost in BC? There is no single number that applies to every couple, because legal fees depend on the lawyer, the billing model and the complexity of your finances. At Cube Law Corporation, our fixed-fee prenuptial agreements start from $1,500. Below is what drives the cost up or down, and how to keep the process efficient.
What is a prenuptial agreement in BC?
In BC, a prenup is legally a “marriage agreement” under the Family Law Act. It is a written contract that sets out how certain financial matters will be handled if the relationship later ends. Couples use it to decide in advance:
- What property each person brings in, and what stays separate.
- How growth in value will be treated.
- How debts will be handled.
- Whether there are agreed rules on support or property division.
- How business interests, investments or family gifts will be dealt with.
An agreement can address property and spousal support. It cannot bind a court on child support or parenting, which are always decided based on the child’s best interests.
Why couples in BC get prenups
Prenups are not only for the wealthy. Many ordinary couples want one because they own a condo in Surrey, hold shares in a family business, have children from a prior relationship, or expect an inheritance.
Under the Family Law Act, family property is generally divided equally when spouses separate, including unmarried partners who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years. Increases in the value of excluded property, such as property owned before the relationship, can also be shared. A written agreement can change those default rules. For many couples, the real value is predictability. The same applies to couples who are not marrying: see our cohabitation agreements.
What does a prenup cost?
At Cube Law Corporation, fixed-fee prenuptial agreements start from $1,500, plus applicable taxes and disbursements. The final cost depends on complexity, and the total usually reflects four layers of work:
- Initial advice and intake.
- Financial disclosure.
- Drafting and revisions.
- Independent legal advice for each person.
A simple agreement where both people agree and finances are straightforward costs much less than a heavily negotiated one involving multiple properties, a corporation or trust interests.
What makes a prenup affordable or expensive?
1. Complexity of assets
Early-career partners with modest savings and no real estate are easier to document. Costs rise with homes, rental or investment properties, a corporation or professional practice, large investment accounts, family loans, expected inheritances, or unequal down payments on shared property.
2. Quality of financial disclosure
Full financial disclosure is central to an enforceable agreement. If records are incomplete or disclosure arrives late, the work slows down and costs more. A large part of the time is often spent organizing information that should have been gathered before drafting began.
3. How far the couple already agree
If both people agree on the basic outcome, the process is efficient. If core terms are still being debated, the lawyer is revising, explaining and redrafting, and fees rise.
4. Timing before the wedding
A prenup started months ahead is calmer and cheaper than one started two weeks before the ceremony. A rushed agreement can also be easier to challenge later if one person says they were pressured to sign.
Why independent legal advice affects cost
A lawyer cannot act for both people. Usually one lawyer drafts the agreement for one party, and the other party gets separate advice from their own lawyer before signing. BC law does not strictly require independent legal advice, but it adds cost for a good reason: under the Family Law Act, a court can set aside a marriage agreement in limited circumstances, such as where a person did not understand it or there was a lack of proper disclosure, and separate advice is strong evidence that each person understood what they signed. Skipping it to save money can undermine the certainty the agreement is meant to create.
Hourly billing vs. fixed-fee pricing
Many people delay a prenup because they worry about open-ended hourly fees. For straightforward, cooperative matters, fixed-fee pricing offers clarity and makes budgeting easier. It will not suit every prenup. A highly customized or heavily negotiated agreement may need a different structure. At Cube Law Corporation, our fixed-fee prenuptial agreements start from $1,500 for suitable matters, with a written quote that sets out what is included. Taxes and disbursements are separate, and if the matter is more complex than quoted, we tell you in writing before anything changes.
How to keep prenup costs under control
- Start early. Do not wait until the month of the wedding.
- Gather documents first. Assets, mortgage and loan balances, account statements and business ownership records.
- Agree on the broad terms before drafting. A shared understanding saves redrafting.
- Ask about billing up front. What is included, and what would trigger extra charges?
Who should consider a prenup in BC?
A prenup is worth considering if you own property before marriage, are bringing significantly more assets than your partner, expect family money, own a corporation or professional practice, are entering a second marriage, or have children from a prior relationship. It can also make sense for couples who simply want clarity. Planning for marriage is also a good time to review your will, since in BC marriage does not cancel an existing will. See when to update your will.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a prenup cost in BC?
It depends on complexity. At Cube Law, fixed-fee prenuptial agreements start from $1,500, plus applicable taxes and disbursements.
Is a prenup legally binding in BC?
Yes, if it is in writing, signed, and made with proper disclosure. A court can set it aside in limited circumstances, such as where it was signed without understanding or without proper disclosure.
Do both people need their own lawyer?
It is not strictly required, but it is strongly recommended, because it makes the agreement much harder to challenge.
Can a prenup deal with child support?
No. Child support and parenting arrangements are decided by the court based on the child’s best interests.
Talk to a Surrey Prenup Lawyer
If you are planning ahead before marriage or moving in together, get a fixed-fee prenup quote from Cube Law.
