To protect the rights of a woman, Jewish men have obligated themselves to provide both financial support and possessions in a document signed at the couple's wedding. Because the wife is required to be aware of its location, Jews have traditionally decorated the contract, transforming it from a dry legal document into a stunning work of art. There are variations between Ketubot. Though there is a standard Aramaic text for use outside Israel and a Hebrew text issued by the Rabbinate for use in Israel, couples may write their own provisions into the Ketubah.
Some couples choose an egalitarian version, in which both spouses promise to support each other.
Some couples set a higher sum to be awarded the wife in case of widowhood or divorce. Some include provisions dictating in which court of Jewish law any divorce proceedings will be arbitrated.