As an alternative to marriage, a marriage contract would be valid for three years, at which time the partners would decide whether or not to renew the agreement. (2) If they did not choose to stay together, no divorce would be necessary. (3) They would simply file a paper stating that they would not be renewing their contract. (4) One advantage to the marriage contract system is that it would force couples to think in practical terms about their marriages. (5) They would have to talk ahead of time about such questions as the handling of money, the dividing of household chores, and the matter of children. (6) In addition, a contract would encourage couples to work harder at their marriages. (7) If they knew their contract was coming up for renewal at a certain point, they would closely consider the reasons why it should or should not be extended. (8) Finally, a renewable marriage contract would make ending a marriage far easier than it is today. (9) A couple would not have to hire expensive lawyers and endure long waits in divorce courts. (10) The simple filing of a paper in the courthouse would close out the contract and end a marriage. (11) The couple would then go their separate ways.