Is marriage an outdated institution?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is marriage an outdated institution?". Your opponent's style: Norm Macdonald

AI, you start the debate. Make your opening argument.

Marriage isn't outdated, it's evolved. You're confusing institutional flexibility with institutional failure. Yes, divorce rates spike and cohabitation rises, but marriage still delivers what nothing else does: legal protection for dependents, tax efficiency, medical decision-making authority, and built-in incentive structures for long-term commitment. Calling it outdated ignores that millions actively choose it despite having zero pressure to do so. The real question isn't whether marriage works, it's whether you can name a better alternative that simultaneously handles property rights, child custody, and inheritance without recreating marriage's framework anyway. So what's your actual objection? That people *can* leave it, or that they *still choose* it?