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The traditional marriage vows made by couples on their wedding day contain a promise to stay together "until death us do part."

But a proposed change in the law in Mexico could make that a slightly less binding 'two years' time'. The idea is to cut the divorce rate by creating renewable marriage contracts so lovers can try living with their other half before making a lifetime commitment.

Newlyweds would take a minimum of two years before deciding whether to cement their relationship or split up, under plans to alter the city's civil code.

If it becomes law, the contracts would make clear in advance the responsibility for marital duties, such as childcare, schooling and household budgeting.

Half of all marriages in Mexico City currently end in a break-up. The author of the proposal hopes that being able to renew or dissolve the marital link after a fixed period of time will lead to more harmonious relationships and keep more couples out of the divorce courts.

The custody of dependents in cases where couples decide not to stay together beyond their initial term would also be set out at the beginning.

It's hoped that this would avoid the usual wrangling and emotional turmoil experienced by families going through a divorce.

But not everyone thinks it's a good idea. Family campaigners say it would contribute to a "throwaway culture" which would create more rather than less anguish for the children involved.

Quiz 小测验

1. Have they changed the law in Mexico to allow fixed-term marriages? 

No. It is a proposed change.

2. Do they hope to cut the marriage rate? 

No. The idea is to cut the divorce rate.

3. Would the contract make clear who is responsible for duties such as looking after children and finances? 

Yes. The contracts would make clear in advance the responsibility for marital duties, such as childcare, schooling and household budgeting.

4. Do most marriages in Mexico City end in divorce? 

No. Half of all marriages in Mexico City currently end in a break up.

5. Is divorce often upsetting for families? 

Yes. It creates emotional turmoil.

Glossary 词汇表

marriage vows 结婚誓言 

until death us do part （直到死为止）永不分离 

divorce rate 离婚率 

other half （另一半）配偶 

a lifetime commitment 终生承诺 

newlyweds 新婚夫妇 

to cement their relationship 加固他们之间的关系 

split up 分手 

marital duties 婚姻的责任 

household budgeting 家庭开销 

a break up 分手 

renew 续约 

dissolve 解散 

harmonious relationships 和谐的关系 

divorce courts 离婚法庭 

custody 监护 

dependents 被抚养者 

wrangling 争吵 

emotional turmoil 感情波动 

anguish 苦恼