Prenuptial agreements help couples set clear expectations before marriage. In Ohio, you can include many terms in a prenup, but not all are legally enforceable. Lifestyle clauses sound appealing, but courts may not always support them.
What are lifestyle clauses?
Lifestyle clauses set personal rules within a marriage. These may include agreements on social media use, household duties, or even frequency of intimacy. Some couples add weight limits, pet care responsibilities, or travel arrangements. These clauses try to shape behavior rather than protect assets or finances.
Are lifestyle clauses enforceable in Ohio?
Ohio courts focus on fairness and legality in prenuptial agreements. Financial and property terms get the most attention. Judges often view lifestyle clauses as personal rather than legal matters. If a clause seems unfair or hard to enforce, the court may ignore it. Clauses tied to child custody or parenting also won’t hold up if they go against the child’s best interests.
Why include them anyway?
Even if unenforceable, lifestyle clauses can spark important conversations. They help couples align on daily expectations and values. Writing these ideas down can improve communication. Just remember, including them does not guarantee the court will enforce them later.
What should you focus on instead
If you want a prenup that holds up, stick to terms that deal with finances, debts, property, and spousal support. Make sure both people share full financial details. Give each person time to review the agreement without pressure. These steps make the document more likely to be upheld in court.