How is it made easier with a contract?
In the same manner as any other legally-enforceable agreement. For instance, do you rely on written or verbal contracts when buying a home or other large purchase? One is a legally enforceable contract while the other usually is not.
Sorry, I still don't get it. If I have a kid, my name's on a legal document - a birth certificate. If it isn't, or I scoot - the court gets involved. But that's liscensing parenthood - not marriage. Now if I form a financial partnership with someone, sure I draw up papers. Now what has that to do with marriage which is a religious union?