DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Nancy Landry HB No. 738
Abstract: Provides for required notification of expenses that will be incurred for required
marital counseling and possible legal counseling in the process of obtaining a judgment of
divorce or a judgment of separation of bed and board under the Covenant of Marriage
Act.
Present law provides for the Covenant Marriage Act which establishes special procedures in
order to enter into a covenant marriage and to obtain a divorce under a covenant marriage.
Present law provides for certain declarations and forms required to be used in a covenant
marriage.
Present law requires premarital counseling in order to enter into a covenant marriage and requires
marriage counseling to attempt to resolve marital conflicts prior to obtaining a divorce or a
judgment of separation from bed and board.
Proposed law retains present law and further provides for required notice of expenses that will be
incurred for required marital counseling and possible legal counseling in the process of obtaining
a judgment of divorce or a judgment of separation of bed and board.
(Amends R.S. 9:273(A)(1) and (2)(a), 273.1, 275(C)(1)(a) and (b)(i), and 275.1)