Frequently Asked Questions About First

Explore answers to common questions about First. Have a question but don't see it here? Schedule a free consultation with our team, or email us at concierge@thisfirst.com. Our concierge team is available to answer any questions you have about First.

How do I know if a prenup is right for me?

The real question isn’t really whether a prenup is right for you. It’s this: Would you rather have your marriage operate on its own, custom rules, pre-agreed to by you and your spouse? Or, in the case of divorce, do you prefer your state laws to decide how to split your assets? Those are the only two options, and, while we’re a little biased, the former is the smarter way to go. Knowledge is power – and having control over the terms of your partnership will help you understand exactly what you’re getting into with your marriage, before it begins.

What is the purpose of a prenup, and how does it work?

The purpose of a prenup is to detail exactly what happens to finances and assets as you enter into your marriage — and what happens in the case that your marriage ends. A prenup can outline everything you are bringing into the marriage, like property, stock, student loan debt, or savings. You can use it to pre-agree on how you will treat assets and debt down the road, from inheritance to real estate and even one another’s medical bills. A prenup is custom to you and your partner, purpose-built to help protect you and your future spouse from bigger conflicts down the road.

Do I actually need a lawyer to get a prenup?

‍It is generally advisable to consult with a lawyer when creating a prenup, which is why we built First to include review with a lawyer. The role of the lawyer is to make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. This is critical to ensuring your prenup is enforceable. First is the only digital prenup solution with First Prenup Protect, where you can choose and consult a lawyer without ever leaving the platform. We make the process simple, smooth, and seamless for you and your partner.

Should we create a prenup if I have no assets?

Even if you don’t have many assets today, there are still many reasons a prenup is beneficial. Creating a prenup together can help open the lines of communication between partners about everything from your views on money, to financial ambitions, debt, and how you spend or save. Having these tough conversations now can help you start your partnership on the same page. And even if you do not have assets now, you probably will in the future. Think about it this way: prenups do not just protect “today you”, but will protect “future you”, too.

Does a prenup mean I am planning for divorce?

No, a prenuptial agreement does not mean you are planning for divorce. After all, nobody walks down the aisle expecting to part ways down the road. The truth is, a prenup does more than just protect you in the case of divorce. It can benefit your marriage during your actual, well, marriage. Prenups are a positive way to build trust and communication, a perfect launching pad for philosophical financial alignment as you enter into the most important partnership of your life.

Aren't prenups just for wealthy people?

The idea that you have to be rich to get a prenup is a (very popular — and very tired) myth. A prenup is helpful for anyone who wants to plan for their financial future in a proactive and comprehensive manner. In fact, there has been a more than 400% growth in the adoption of prenuptial agreements over the last 20 years. While prenups have often been associated with high net worth individuals, especially in movies, music, celebrity gossip, and pop culture, this type of agreement is beneficial for any couple who wants to clearly define their financial rights and responsibilities in marriage.

Source: Harris Interactive survey data

How much does a prenup cost?

The all-in cost of a prenup can be expensive, in some cases as much as $10k - per partner. The cost typically includes attorney fees for drafting and reviewing the agreement, as well as any necessary consultations and negotiations. Attorneys generally charge hourly, so more often than not, each partner may end up with a surprise bill at the end of the process. When you get a First Agreement, there are no pricey retainers. No bill-by-the-hour. We are a convenient and transparent online platform that can create a prenup with one flat rate — saving valuable time and thousands of dollars in legal fees so you and your partner can focus on the future.

Can I use First if I am outside of the U.S.?

We can help as long as at least one of you is or will be living in the state of California, you understand that the agreement is governed by California law, and you and your partner are both over the age of 18.

Is First just for couples in California?

Our company is founded and built in California. We are quickly expanding to support couples in all states. Sign up here to get on our waitlist and receive an email when we're available in your state.

Will First keep my data safe?

We keep your data safe with our First Protect security policy. Any data you share with us is encrypted. We store, use, and protect your data in compliance with the most up-to-date data privacy regulations. We use a secure payment gateway and do not store payment credentials or card information. We will never sell your information to third parties. For more information, visit our privacy policy.

Does a prenup mean I am planning for divorce?