GQ Magazine exposes truths and myths about marriage in its May 2012 issue. Truth number one is that marriage is a big “deal”. GQ is right. In Louisiana, as elsewhere, marriage is a civil contract. The law imposes limits on the terms and conditions of marriage, but within those limits, husbands and wives are free to bargain. If you are thinking about getting married, you may also be thinking about whether you should have a pre-marriage contract. If you are already married, you may want to change the bargain that you made. In either case, you should consult with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the legal boundaries, as well as the bonds, of marriage.