A German politician believes she can fix the problem of high divorce rates with a very controversial solution.

Gabriele Pauli proposed Sept. 18 to make marriage contracts expire after seven years.

“I don’t like the idea – it wouldn’t work at all,” said Megan Murphy, assistant professor of human development and family studies.

One of Murphy’s critiques of this proposal involves instances of domestic violence. She thinks women should be able to leave marriages whenever they like for safety’s sake.

“Relationships are built on trust. To get through the hard times, you have to know you’re in it for the long haul,” said Jennifer Margrett, assistant professor of human development and family studies.

Margrett said she thinks instead of having seven-year marriages, it would be more fruitful to educate people about the selection of a mate.

“I don’t like the idea – I think that marriage should be something that everyone takes seriously,” said Marissa Reese, senior in child, adult and family services.

Pauli proposes that after the seven-year contract is up, couples would have the option of either renewing their marriage [for as many years as they like[ or ending their marriage without calling it a divorce.

Margrett thinks splitting up after seven years wouldn’t differ from an actual divorce.

“If a person opts out of a relationship, you still have all of the implications of a divorce,” Margrett said.

Reese said it wouldn’t be beneficial for couples to be able to easily split up if things aren’t going perfectly.

“I’m not convinced renewing vows makes a big impact – it suggests you forgot your vows to begin with,” Murphy said.

Margrett said she is confused as to why seven years is the magic number.

“The hardest times of a marriage are the first three years and right after couples have children,” Margrett said.

Margrett said there is often a dip in marital satisfaction after having children because there are so many new family issues. She also said many divorces happen from not having clear expectations about marriage.

This proposal is part of Pauli’s manifesto as she prepares to contest the leadership of the south German state of Bavaria’s governing party.

Margrett doesn’t think this proposal would go over very well in the United States.

“I could see people more likely to get married. It could be scary,” Reese said.

Murphy said there are different factions in America that would take this proposal in different ways. Most, she said, will think it is crazy.

Pauli has been divorced twice, and her last marriage lasted seven years.