We mainly write about local Texas or nationally interesting divorce and other family law stories on this blog, but an international story related to divorce is so remarkable that it’s worth sharing.
As a country, the United States might think that we are more progressive in terms of family law than other places like Mexico, for example. But just as family law varies from state to state in the U.S., different areas of Mexico are more progressive than others. One of the country’s most progressive cities has a new idea about marriage and divorce.
The Catholic Church definitely has a strong presence in Mexico, but that hasn’t stopped Mexico City from passing some laws that the Church doesn’t like. For example, abortion is legal in the country’s capitol. Also, the government in Mexico City beat even many U.S. states to legalizing same-sex marriage in 2009.
Reuters reports that the newest radical legislative idea would again change the picture of marriage in the city.
Lawmakers propose that temporary marriage licenses should become an option for couples getting married. By entering into the contract, a couple would be married for at least two years but then have the opportunity to decide whether the marriage is working or if they want to split. If they decide that they no longer want to be married, the temporary marriage license would allow a smooth split and already have in it the various details related to ending the marriage, including property division, alimony, etc.
Supporters of the bill see the temporary licenses as a way to save couples from having to go through the traditional divorce process. Its challengers, however, see the proposal as a contradiction to what marriage is supposed to be — a lifelong commitment. Lawmakers will reportedly vote on this controversial issue by the end of the year. What’s your initial reaction to the legislative proposal?
Source
Reuters: “Mexico City lawmakers want to help newlyweds avoid the hassle of divorce by giving them an easy exit strategy: temporary marriage licenses,” Alex Leff, Sep. 29, 2011
