Provides relative to notice of certain expenses under the Covenant of Marriage Act
Impact
The modifications brought by HB 738 emphasize the seriousness of the commitment involved in a Covenant Marriage. Couples must now be explicitly informed about the costs associated with required counseling services, highlighting the notion that entering a Covenant Marriage comes with significant responsibilities and potential financial burdens. The changes aim to further engrain the idea of a lifelong commitment within the state's legal framework, while also ensuring that those seeking to dissolve such a union are fully aware of the counseling and legal support they will need to engage in.
Summary
House Bill 738 aims to amend the existing Covenant Marriage Act in Louisiana by establishing requirements for notifying parties about the expenses involved in obtaining marital counseling and possible legal counseling when seeking a divorce or a separation from bed and board under the Covenant Marriage framework. It builds on present law that mandates premarital counseling and encourages efforts to resolve marital conflicts before divorce proceedings. The essence of the bill is to clarify the financial implications that couples may face when navigating the legal processes associated with a Covenant Marriage.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 738 is likely to be mixed. Supporters may view it as a necessary update that protects couples by ensuring they are informed about the challenges ahead when committing to a Covenant Marriage and highlighting the necessity of marital counseling as a preventive measure. Conversely, critics might argue that these requirements could deter individuals from pursuing a divorce if they perceive the counseling costs as prohibitive, thereby unintentionally trapping them in unhappy or ineffective marriages instead of facilitating healthy resolutions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 738 stem from its implications on individual freedoms and personal choice. It introduces additional hurdles for those seeking to dissolve a Covenant Marriage and places a heavier financial burden on couples before they can legally separate. This aspect raises questions about the balance between state intervention in personal relationships and the autonomy of individuals to make decisions about their marriages; hence, the dialogue around the bill often reflects larger societal views on marriage, commitment, and individual rights.
Covenant marriage; creating the Covenant Marriage Act of Oklahoma; establishing requirements for entering covenant marriage; providing tax credit for covenant marriage. Effective date. Emergency.