[Freedjome]

Not necessarily. People divorce after longer.

Not that that's my intention mind you.

[zbckFNlW]

There's the thing: in Australia the de-facto laws are far newer than the marriage laws, and as such afford the parties far greater protection as common-law couples than as legally wed ones.

[Vjwkvkoy]

Specifically, for me and my wife to promise to stay together forever no matter what was and is just speculative.

Oooook. And what makes you think you are required to promise that in a wedding ceremony? I'm sure Australia allows you to have your own vows or to just take each other as wedded in front of a county clerk.

[L8fGLM4d]

Oooook. And what makes you think you are required to promise that in a wedding ceremony? I'm sure Australia allows you to have your own vows or to just take each other as wedded in front of a county clerk.

Sure, but to me that is what the ceremony is really all about, if you look at the vast history of it up until very recently. It is very rare that anyone has it and doesn't make that promise. And if they don't, then why bother?

[Pete789]

The assumption that they are more likely too if they've made a legal committment seems to be fairly sound, especially considering all of the considerations people make when they consider divorce, many which would not be there in absense of legal obligations.

I don't know what the US divorce rate is, but in Oz it's bloody high. Plus, as I said, the legal obligations are greater in Oz if not married.

To pledge a more committed relationship.

Actions speak louder than words. A promise, in my experience, is worth nothing, particularly over a lifetime.

[Buhoutsoupfap]

Let's just agree to disagree, OK? I'm quite happy for you to get married if you want to. I just don't feel the need.