[Modernman]

Okay, so that would mean no more divorce courts, no court-ordered alimony or child support, no family court, and no government support for dependent familes and children.

"Divorces" would be handled based on the provisions of the contract entered into by the married people, as would alimony. Child support/custody would still be a topic for the courts, as a contract between two (or more) people would not be binding as to any children involved.

Government support for dependent families and children has nothing to do with the marriage relationship.

[FormerLib]

And again, you don't need a marriage license to get married, after all. You only need one to have the government acknowledge that it is a legal and binding contract. Of course, the people of this nation have a say in what contracts their government will and will not enforce.

[longtermmemmory]

Removing children from marriage is EXACTLY what the Mass opinion is based on.

The leftist have to remove children from marriage.

Marriage is an instition not a mere contract.

The recording of marriages is in keeping with the fact that marriage is a PUBLIC act not a private contract. A mere contract can't take into account all the provisions of probate law which is there to protect widows and widowers with regards to children. Alimony and child support tables change over time.

Marriage has EVERTHING to do with children and families.