...this is really a long topic so i haven't done through it much but, in my opinion, the high rate of divorce does get one to thinking of why we bother going through all the hassle of a marriage, when it will most likely (according to stats) end in divorce, which costs time, lots of money (usually) and a fair amount of pain..

I think in most countries a couple become husband and wife by default after 'so many' years (I stand corrected), so the law will probably come into it anyway, due to the fact that its been realised that a fair settlement would have to come into play, esp if there were children involved in a 'divorce', and no-one should be on the losing end - it rarely happens though.. and there is always one party (or both) who feel they've lost out on the deal.

Its very idealist of me to say this, but in a perfect world there would always be a win-win... Maybe some people manage this, but bottom line is this: where this is a split in a relationship, whether there is a 'piece of paper' or not, there is usually always pain and heartache, and one needs to realise that their journey together is over, and try be positive about a new future out there somewhere with someone new, or not..