Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages
The Missouri Covenant Marriage Act significantly alters the framework for marital agreements within the state. It establishes rigorous processes for not only entering into but also dissolving covenant marriages. Unlike a standard marriage, a covenant marriage mandates that couples engage in premarital counseling and provides limited grounds for divorce, including the need for proactive measures to preserve the marriage even during disputes. This potentially prolongs the process of legal dissolution, aligning with the bill's intent to encourage couples to work through difficulties.
Senate Bill 1234, known as the 'Missouri Covenant Marriage Act', introduces a new type of marriage license termed 'covenant marriage' in Missouri. This act allows individuals who are legally able to marry to choose a covenant marriage license, which requires a declaration of intent and compliance with specific counseling requirements. The bill emphasizes that a covenant marriage is a lifelong commitment and aims to promote the preservation of marriage through mandatory counseling in case of marital difficulties. Couples are given the option to continue with a standard marriage license as well.
Discussion around SB 1234 centers on the balance between promoting stable marriages and the implications of strictly regulating marital separations. While supporters argue that the bill fosters deeper commitments and discourages hasty divorces, critics express concerns that such regulations might enforce undue hardship on couples facing insurmountable problems. The potential for coercive circumstances arising from the counseling requirements and the ambiguity around what constitutes acceptable efforts to preserve marriage are points of contention that may result in further legislative scrutiny.