Melbourne, Apr 24 : Looks like the age-old cliche- ''til death do us part''-has become absolutely obsolete in today''s date, at least as far as Australia is concerned.

Figures have revealed that fewer couples marry for life-thirty-two per cent of divorces involved separation within the first five years of marriage, and 22 per cent within five to nine years of marriage.

Therefore, the Australian Bureau of Statistics is thinking of introducing fixed-term marriage contracts.

The fixed-term marriage contract will not be a "quick fix" or an "easy out," but would also allow for the celebration of the renewal of vows after a five-year or 10-year term.

Such ceremonies would also encourage partners to work towards maintaining a good relationship, which in turn would open communication similar to a marriage performance review.

In other words, it would allow for the marriage to be dissolved by completing an acceptable contract term, and that too without the shame and stigma linked with the failure of a marriage.

And the process to go about it is simple-all it needs to do is convert a standard certificate of marriage into a five-year contract.

The marriage celebrant would continue to retain a copy for their records; forward the certificate to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the registration of the marriage; and provide the marrying couple with a copy.

The marriage licence would clearly state the start and dissolution date for the five-year term.

However, the marriage contract dissolves if the parties do not "apply again," reports The Courier Mail.

Thus, it could do away with the stress of dissolving the marriage by having to reopen wounds one year later, file papers together and be issued divorce papers.

The marrying couple would be responsible for monitoring the date of renewal, signing the renewal form, having it witnessed by a Justice of the Peace and returning the form to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

And if a couple completes a 10-year marriage term (two five-year consecutive contracts), they could easily go for an "eternity" contract.

Helen Goltz, a writer and marketing consultant, has written a discussion paper on fixed-term marriage contracts. (ANI)