Here is an idea: marriage with term limits. It isn't really a new idea. Year and a day handfasting has elements of this. Orson Scott Card also uses it as a device in Memory of Earth.
Ponder for a moment. Some people get married, and divorce after a short period of time. Some people never get married, but stay in a committed relationship with one partner for a very long time. The marriage contract in a contract "till death do us part." A very long, indefinate time. Some people can't stick it out. There are, however, some advantages to the legal arrangement.
How about a shorter term contract? Maybe a year, five years, or ten? Provide some (though maybe not all) of the legal advantages of marriage, and some of the responsibilities to boot. There would be the option to renew, of course.
Among the effects this could have are:
1. People prone to divorce (celebrities, for example) could marry for a short term, and stick it out. The marriage would end at it's appointed time with far less drama and acrimony. Why divorce if your contract is up in two years? Granted, some people might do it any way, but there is always someone. (Higher costs to dissolve?)
2. People who are hestitant to legally commit to a partner due to fear of lifelong commitment, divorce, etc. could ease into it. (Marriage training wheels?) Some people live together and act like a married couple to "try it out", but no matter how much trying the do, it still isn't a legal, binding arrangements. The accountabilities and benefits are not the same.
3. It would make the whole "domestic partner" benefits issue easier to deal with and prove.
I think this would be a very good idea.
Of course, it is also after midnight, and I should have been in bed hours ago. Maybe I am just on crack right now. I guess I will have to decide that after a good night's sleep.
