Are Short Term Marriage Contracts The New Way To Go?

There are fixed term contracts for cars, insurance and property purchases but what about marriages? Some countries, such as Australia, are considering the concept of introducing fixed term contracts for marriage to help stymie the divorce rates. The fixed term contract would allow couples at the end of a set term- 5 or 10 years-to renew their vows or simply allow their marriage to dissolve without the shame or stigma of divorce.

Now, I’m one for creative solutions to fix a problem but short term contracts with an option to renew for marriage? Come on. I don’t know about you but I really wonder has the institution of marriage really become this devalued? Is a marriage really the same as buying a house or a car? Yes, I know supporters of fixed term marriages believe this concept will solve many problems in marriage because it allows the parties to get out of marriage if it isn’t working. But for me, the question is whether the fixed term marriage concept is more about strengthening marriages or is it an escape mechanism that allows individuals to easily get out of a difficult marriage?

I tend to believe it is an escape mechanism and in a society and generation where marriage is already being devalued we need to continue to instill the notion that marriage is a cherished institution that strengthens the families. As such, it is an arrangement that should be entered into seriously and not one where the parties can merely say if it doesn’t work I just won’t renew in 5 years or 10 years. Certainly, couples can chose to terminate a marriage after 5 or 10 years anyway, but I think we would all agree the process of divorce is much more difficult than simply allowing a contract to renew. But for those who still insist that marriage should have a fixed term contract, I think we should remind them that it does: until death does us a part.

What do you think? Do you think fixed term marriages are a good idea? Are they a good way to lessen the divorce rate?