What Is a Covenant Marriage in AZ?
Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to love, support, and respect one another. However, in the state of Arizona, couples have the option of entering into a covenant marriage, which takes this commitment even further. A covenant marriage is a legally binding agreement that requires couples to meet stricter requirements for divorce, making it a more challenging process to dissolve the union. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of a covenant marriage and answer some frequently asked questions about it.
A covenant marriage was first introduced in the United States in 1997 by the state of Louisiana. Arizona became the second state to adopt this type of marriage in 1998. The intention behind covenant marriage was to promote stronger and more enduring marital bonds, reducing the divorce rate and preserving the institution of marriage.
To enter into a covenant marriage in Arizona, couples must first obtain a marriage license, just like in a traditional marriage. However, they also need to complete a marriage covenant declaration, which states that they understand the nature and commitment of a covenant marriage. This declaration includes a statement of intent to enter into a covenant marriage and an acknowledgment of the limited grounds for divorce.
Once married, couples must wait at least six months before filing for divorce, except in cases of domestic violence. Additionally, they are required to undergo marriage counseling or education before filing for divorce, aiming to give couples the opportunity to work on their issues and consider reconciliation.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about covenant marriage in Arizona:
FAQ 1: What are the grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage?
Answer: In a covenant marriage, divorce can only be granted based on specific grounds, including adultery, abuse, abandonment for at least one year, substance abuse, a felony conviction, or living apart for at least two years.
FAQ 2: What is the purpose of marriage counseling or education in a covenant marriage?
Answer: The purpose of marriage counseling or education is to provide couples with the tools and support they need to work through their issues and potentially avoid divorce. It encourages spouses to exhaust all efforts to reconcile before proceeding with divorce.
FAQ 3: Can a couple in a covenant marriage get a divorce without completing counseling?
Answer: No, completing marriage counseling or education is a mandatory requirement before filing for divorce in a covenant marriage. However, if one spouse refuses to participate in counseling, the other may proceed with divorce after a waiting period.
FAQ 4: Can you convert a traditional marriage into a covenant marriage?
Answer: No, you cannot convert a traditional marriage into a covenant marriage. Couples interested in entering into a covenant marriage must do so before getting married.
FAQ 5: Are covenant marriages more common than traditional marriages in Arizona?
Answer: No, covenant marriages are less common than traditional marriages in Arizona. Most couples choose the traditional marriage option, which does not include the stricter requirements for divorce.
FAQ 6: Can couples in a covenant marriage file for legal separation instead of divorce?
Answer: Yes, couples in a covenant marriage have the option to file for legal separation instead of divorce. Legal separation allows couples to live separately while still being legally married, offering an alternative to divorce for those who may be considering reconciliation in the future.
FAQ 7: Can couples in a covenant marriage still have a happy and fulfilling relationship?
Answer: Yes, couples in a covenant marriage can still have a happy and fulfilling relationship. The stricter requirements for divorce in a covenant marriage encourage couples to work on their issues and find ways to strengthen their bond, leading to a potentially stronger and more resilient relationship.
In conclusion, a covenant marriage in Arizona is an alternative option for couples who wish to enter into a legally binding agreement with stricter requirements for divorce. It aims to promote stronger marriages by encouraging couples to seek reconciliation and exhaust all efforts before ending the union. While covenant marriages are less common than traditional marriages in Arizona, they offer an opportunity for couples to deepen their commitment and potentially build a more resilient relationship.