Lawmakers in the state of Jalisco are considering a proposal to introduce temporary marriages, aiming to modernize civil law and reduce the strain of divorce on courts and couples.
The initiative, presented by Enrique Velázquez González of the Jalisco State Congress, would allow couples to enter marriage contracts lasting two to five years. At the end of the term, couples could renew the contract or let it dissolve automatically — no divorce proceedings required.
The initiative, currently being analyzed by the state’s Legislative Studies Commission, would require a simple majority of the 38-member, unicameral Jalisco Congress for approval.
“The traditional marriage model is no longer the only valid path for many people,” Velázquez said. “We seek for couples to enter into marriage with responsibility, but also with the freedom to evaluate its continuation without unnecessary legal conflicts.”
Velázquez is affiliated with Hagamos, a progressive, center-left local political party that operated only in Jalisco before its dissolution after the 2024 election due to not meeting a minimum vote threshold. In 2023, it joined a state coalition that included the national Morena party.
(One of its final candidates was Yuniur Vázquez Rosalío, whose death in a vehicle crash last August, shortly after he was elected mayor of a small Jalisco municipality, was suspected by many as foul play.)
The “temporary marriage” proposal is inspired by European models such as France’s Civil Solidarity Pacts and German cohabitation contracts. Couples would define property management, child custody and alimony from the outset.
The contract would be formalized before the Civil Registry or a notary public.
Supporters say this offers legal certainty to those who might otherwise opt for informal unions.
They also argue the measure could reduce the workload in family courts by up to 90%. Thousands of divorce cases are processed each year in Jalisco.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico recorded 163,587 divorces in 2023, with 20% percent occurring within the first five years of marriage. Jalisco’s divorce rate stands at 1.32 per 1,000 adults, among the lowest in the country.
The proposal has sparked debate among legislators, legal experts and citizens. Supporters call it a flexible, modern solution. Conservative and religious groups warn it could undermine the institution of marriage.
“The risks are not being discussed,” lawyer Pepe Luis Flota said, according to a social media post by the Grupo Fórmula radio network. “One of the things is the emotional stability of the children.”
If approved, Jalisco would become the first Mexican state to adopt such a model. There is no timeline for a vote.
With reports from El Imparcial, Infobae and Cadena 3
This is a terrific concept. I don’t think it undermines the institution of marriage since divorce rates around the world hover at around 1.8 per thousand, with western and modern economies reaching as high as 2.7 per 1000. It’s almost like after dating for a year, couples get engaged, go into debt celebrating 1 day, and are divorced within 5 years. Marriage should be taken more seriously, especially if considering having children. However, most couples, especially young couples, can’t envision life in 1 or 2 years, let alone 18 years. Many people joke that a 1st marriage is a practice marriage, so maybe a 5 year binding contract, with everything thought out in advance, would be a better way to “practice”. Especially if child support and financial considerations are included ahead of time. We divorced after 23 years, which was longer by at least 10 years, from any of our peers and friends, but it was due to having different ideas of how we wanted to spend retirement. In our late 20’s, living in Mexico was never even a consideration. However, in our early 50s, after having raised our children, made money, and experienced life, we realized we wanted different things that we never imagined possible as young people. Instead of 1 person sacrificing and being unhappy, we split amicably, remain friends, and we both get to enjoy our 2nd lives. If we had an option from the very beginning to re-up every 5 years, I feel it would have worked well for us.
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This system works well in Germany but that is a very different culture. In MX, this would also allow spouses in an abusive relationship a way out with out complicated and expensive legal recourse.
Great idea!
Genuis idea.
I’ve been married almost 27 years and I think this is a fantastic idea. I’m fortunate in my marriage, but many marriages aren’t so happy. The time and expense of divorce proceedings are a burden on more than the courts: they are a burden on couples! Especially if one has a higher income than the other, traditional divorce makes that inequality worse.
But I think the real value of a short-term marriage contract is what the couples have to discuss and decide ahead of time. Every couple needs to talk about the big issues they will face in marriage before they’re in the thick of it. Having to define and agree on certain issues up front can only help people form better unions — or find out ahead of time that their pareja is not ready to take things further.
Marriage is a sacrament before God. Making marriage disposable is a joke.
It’s disposable now…only more complicated and $$$ for a divorce lawyer. Spousal abuse is a huge problem in Mexico, and the abused are often too poor to afford an attorney. Your beliefs are your own, but to generalize them for all others who may be in an insufferable marriage , is self-centered at best.
Why bother at all. Marriage is largely a religous sacrament that also has legal obligations. If people are concerned about staying together why make the commitment to begin with? Love is a choice… not a feeling, but most people get married because of a feeling. Those people are most likely to get divorced once the butterflies wear off. America abandoned religious principles and their society has gone downhill ever since. Unfortunately, it looks like Mexico is making the same mistake. Some people never learn.
What are the “religious principals” that we have “abandoned” ?
The best summary is the ten commandments. Exodus chapter 20. Look them up. They have been abandoned wholesale on both sides of the border.