Understanding Covenant Marriage in Arizona: ARS 25-903 Explained

The Importance of Understanding What is a Covenant Marriage in Arizona

Introduction

Marriage is a union between two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together. With so much at stake, it's important to understand different types of marriages to make informed decisions. One of the popular types of marriages in Arizona is a covenant marriage. Covenant marriage is a legally binding agreement between two people who want to commit their lives to each other. This article explains what a covenant marriage is and why it's essential to understand its implications before entering into such a marriage.

History of Covenant Marriage in Arizona

The Covenant Marriage Act was passed in Arizona in 1998 as a response to the rising divorce rates in the United States. A covenant marriage is a legal agreement between two individuals that requires premarital counseling and gives limited grounds for divorce. This type of marriage is meant to encourage couples to work out their problems and stay committed to their marriage for life.

Benefits of a Covenant Marriage

One of the benefits of a covenant marriage is that it requires premarital counseling. This counseling helps couples understand the seriousness of the commitment they are making and prepares them for any challenges they may face in their marriage. Another benefit of a covenant marriage is that it limits the grounds for divorce. In a covenant marriage, a couple can only get a divorce for specific reasons such as adultery, physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, drug addiction, or a felony conviction. This limitation on grounds for divorce is meant to encourage couples to work out their differences, as divorce is not an easy option.

Implications of a Covenant Marriage

While there are benefits of a covenant marriage, there are also significant implications that couples need to understand before entering into such a marriage. One of the implications is that a covenant marriage is challenging to terminate. Couples cannot get a divorce without proper grounds, and even if they do have grounds for divorce, they must prove these grounds in court. This can be a lengthy and expensive process. Another implication of a covenant marriage is that it requires couples to seek counseling before getting married. While counseling is a positive thing, some couples may not want to disclose personal information to a counselor. Additionally, counseling may be expensive, and some couples may not be able to afford it.

Is a Covenant Marriage Right for You?

A covenant marriage is an excellent option for couples who are committed to staying together for life. However, it's not the right choice for everyone. Couples who want the option of getting a divorce easily or who do not want to disclose personal information to a counselor may want to consider a traditional marriage. It's important to understand the implications of a covenant marriage before entering into such an agreement.

How to Enter Into a Covenant Marriage

If you decide that a covenant marriage is right for you, you'll need to follow specific steps to enter into such a marriage. You'll need to obtain a marriage license, complete the premarital counseling requirement, sign a declaration of intent, and file the declaration with the clerk of the Superior Court. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be legally bound by the terms of the covenant marriage.

Conclusion

A covenant marriage is a serious commitment that requires premarital counseling and limits the grounds for divorce. While there are benefits of a covenant marriage, such as encouraging couples to work out their problems, there are also significant implications, such as the difficulty of obtaining a divorce. Couples must understand the implications of a covenant marriage before entering into such an agreement. If you're considering a covenant marriage, it's important to speak to a family law attorney for advice and guidance. Covenant Marriage in Arizona-