Jalisco Proposes Temporary Marriages to Ease Divorce Court Load

The state of Jalisco is considering a groundbreaking initiative that would introduce temporary marriage contracts lasting two to five years, aiming to modernize family law and reduce the burden on the court system.

The proposal, presented by Enrique Velázquez González of the Jalisco State Congress, would allow couples to enter time-limited matrimonial agreements that could either be renewed or automatically dissolved at the end of the term without requiring formal divorce proceedings.

Currently under review by the state’s Legislative Studies Commission, the initiative needs approval from a simple majority of the 38-member Jalisco Congress to become law.

Main Features of the Proposal

The temporary marriage system would require couples to define property management, child custody arrangements, and alimony terms at the outset.
These contracts would be formalized before the Civil Registry or a notary public, providing legal protection for both parties.

Supporters of the initiative claim it could reduce the workload in family courts by up to 90%, addressing the thousands of divorce cases processed annually in Jalisco. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico recorded 163,587 divorces in 2023, with 20% occurring within the first five years of marriage.

Inspiration and Debate

The proposal has drawn inspiration from European models such as France’s Civil Solidarity Pacts and German cohabitation contracts.
Proponents argue it offers a flexible, modern solution that provides legal certainty to couples who might otherwise choose informal unions.

However, the initiative has sparked debate across the state. While progressive groups support the measure, conservative and religious organizations have expressed concern that it could undermine traditional marriage values. Critics also worry about potential impacts on children’s emotional stability.

If approved, Jalisco would become the first Mexican state to implement such a marriage model, though no timeline for a vote has been announced.

For more details, you can read the full article here.

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