Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages
This legislation amends Chapters 451 and 452 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, detailing the new requirements for covenant marriage applications and the process for those who wish to convert a standard marriage into a covenant marriage. The bill emphasizes the seriousness of pursuing a permanent partnership by instituting obligations that focus on reconciliation and counseling, intending to reduce the divorce rate and encourage couples to resolve conflicts amicably. Furthermore, courts will need to follow specific guidelines, such as requiring counseling before filing for dissolution, which could potentially impact how divorce cases are handled in Missouri.
Senate Bill 258 establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages in Missouri. The bill allows couples to declare an intent to enter into a covenant marriage by obtaining a specific license, which would emphasize the lifelong commitment expected in such marriages. The law mandates that both parties receive premarital counseling to understand the significance of a covenant marriage and the limited grounds for dissolution. This form of marriage is designed to create a more robust framework surrounding the commitment, requiring couples to commit to seeking counseling and efforts to preserve the marriage in times of trouble.
The sentiment around SB 258 is generally supportive among those advocating for traditional marriage values and those who believe in promoting stronger marital bonds. Proponents argue that the bill can serve to protect the sanctity of marriage, while it can encourage couples to take marriage more seriously. However, there are concerns among critics about imposing additional barriers on couples seeking divorce and whether requiring extensive counseling could create undue challenges for those in abusive circumstances. The discussions around the bill reflect a broader societal debate regarding the role of government in personal relationships.
Notable points of contention include the implications of requiring marital counseling and the potential for limiting opportunities for dissolution based on specific grounds outlined in the bill. Critics have voiced that such restrictions may not adequately account for situations where immediate dissolution is necessary for safety, such as with domestic abuse or addiction problems. The requirement that a couple must undergo at least forty hours of counseling before obtaining a divorce could be seen as an overreach of government involvement in personal relationships. Additionally, there are concerns about whether the additional requirements might discourage couples from marrying in the first place or place significant stress on relationships already experiencing challenges.