How to Create a Marriage Contract

By eHow Weddings Editor

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Many couples today choose to supplement their states' legal marriage license with a covenant known as a marriage contract. The covenant outlines specific obligations and prohibitions, often based on religious beliefs, to which the couple commits. The following article provides not only the main elements of a marriage contract, but offers suggestions for the details of each element.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Root the contract in the fundamental beliefs of the religion you practice. For each major point of the contract, cite a reference from your religious doctrine such as the Bible or the Koran.

Step2

Describe the benefits and obligations to which the parties will commit through the marriage contract. Shared obligations typically include a monogamous sexual relationship and mutual raising of children. Divide or share financial and household responsibilities. Specify a commitment about where to live and to what standards the parties will maintain themselves and the household.

Step3

Define specific prohibitions such as adultery, abandonment, abortion and criminal or violent behavior.

Step4

Outline the protocol for appealing a violation of the contract. Designate to whom the appeal will be made and in what form to make the appeal. Specify how the accused violator should respond to resolve the situation. Appoint a third party, such as a religious official or panel, to whom the appeal should be escalated if the initial appeal fails to resolve it. Cite that the parties will abide by the ruling of the third party.

Step5

Define the parameters under which separation and/or divorce will be conducted. For separation, define how long it will last and how far apart and far away the parties should stay from each other. In the event of divorce, outline how property will be divided and how custody of children and/or pets will be allocated.

Step6

Sign and date the marriage contract in the presence of a notary.