POSITION: The Equality in Marriage Institute advocates that marriage should be a partnership of equals, each partner invested with equal rights and equal responsibilities.

BACKGROUND: Marriage is a social contract with rights and responsibilities established by laws that vary from state to state. It cannot be dissolved except through annulment or divorce, both actions of the court. Any assets compiled by the couple are considered marital assets and divided according to state laws unless the couple has a marital contract. Few people willingly enter into unequal business contracts. Why should a marriage partnership be any different? Roles may change during the course of the marriage, but the principle of equal partnership is constant. For example, one spouse, usually the wife, may leave the job market to take care of their children, but their contributions to the marriage remain equal even if not in dollar terms. Spouses should regularly discuss what each is contributing and respect each other's roles. Couples must prepare themselves for the responsibilities that come with marriage in order to be equal partners. Even if one partner assumes most of the daily duties in any area, the other should understand what they are and be able to assume them if absence, illness, death or divorce should require them to do.

PERSONAL ACTION: If you are considering marriage or are already married, talk to your spouse about equality in marriage and write or update your marital agreement to reflect your mutual commitment to equality. Identify and respect what each of you contributes to your union. Discuss how you can work together to have equal rights and responsibilities. If you are married, make sure you know what marital assets the two of you have. Become an equal partner by educating yourself to assume responsibilities in all aspects of your marriage, including financial.

There are many ways to do this, one way is to review our Commitment Conversation Guide which we designed to help individuals and couples to initiate and carry-out valuable, honest and important conversations to create and maintain equality in their relationship.

SOCIAL ACTION: Encourage your friends and family to seek equality in their marriages. Click Here for How to Achieve Equality in Marriage