ABSTRACT
Marr iage contracts have existed at least since the beg inn ing of recorded history. The term is used now to refer to a variety of actual contracts as we l l as to more nebulous "understandings" and assumptions. Anc ient marriage contracts usual ly set forth economic stipulations for the couple as we l l as certain responsibil i t ies and duties. These st i l l exist both in legal and re l i - gious forms. C l ear def init ion and agreement to terms by both parties lessen the l ike l ihood of problems, but such a document cannot deal w i th emot ional reactions, desires, expectations or w i th changed condit ions over a long per iod of t ime. In recent years, recogniz ing their own credo and feelings, some couples have wr i t ten their own marriage contracts, wh i ch may even inc lude a clause prov id ing for reexamination of the contract and an opportunity for redecision regarding maintenance of the marriage after a designated per iod. All these contracts presuppose that it is possible for both mates to know all the terms of their contracts and that there are no secret clauses, fine print or hidden expectations or agendas.
