Marriage is essentially a legal contract between two people. Traditionally, the terms of this contract is regulated in our area by Pennsylvania family law. However, recently couples have been tailoring the terms of their marriage contract by using a prenuptial agreement. This legal instrument which has often been used to predetermine the terms of a potential divorce is now being used more often as a method to regulate behavior during married life.
These terms which can be added to prenuptial agreements are known as 'lifestyle clauses," which act as rules for behavior while the couple is married. A spouse who is afraid that his or her partner will spend too much time watching television can include a clause to limit the amount of time spent watching per week. Even a married couple's sex life can be regulated by setting a required minimum weekly amount.
Couples are also including things like infidelity clauses, which may levy a fine against a spouse who is caught cheating. Another aspect of married life which couples may choose to regulate is physical health, which could also affect a couple's sex life. Some couples may decide to add a clause in where spouses agree to maintain a certain weight.
These clauses in a prenuptial agreement are designed to ensure that couples are on the same page during a marriage. However, many times things do not work out as planned and marriages end in divorce. This is why prenuptial agreements in Pennsylvania and elsewhere should address financial and property issues in the case of a divorce. Doing so may help save money by avoiding a lengthy and contentious litigation.
Source: SILive.com, "Staten Island experts say prenuptial agreements address more than finances," Elise G. McIntosh, Dec. 4, 2012
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