Understanding Covenant Marriage in Arizona: ARS 25-903

The Ins and Outs of Covenant Marriage in Arizona

Introduction

Marriage is one of the most important decisions a couple can make in their lifetime. In Arizona, couples who wish to take their marital vows further can opt for a covenant marriage. A covenant marriage is a legally binding agreement between spouses that includes a pledge to work through difficulties in the marriage, as well as requirements for premarital counseling and grounds for divorce. In this article, we will dive into the details of covenant marriage in Arizona and what it means for couples.

What is a Covenant Marriage?

A covenant marriage is a legally binding agreement between spouses that adds an extra layer of commitment to their relationship. In addition to the standard premarital counseling required by Arizona law, couples seeking a covenant marriage must complete an additional counseling session that emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment. Additionally, the grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage are limited to specific circumstances, such as adultery, abuse, or a felony conviction.

Advantages of Covenant Marriage

One of the main advantages of a covenant marriage is that it can help couples work through difficult times by emphasizing their commitment to each other. The counseling sessions required for covenant marriage can also help couples identify potential problems and develop effective communication and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, because the grounds for divorce are limited, couples in a covenant marriage may be less likely to give up on their marriage during difficult times.

Disadvantages of Covenant Marriage

While covenant marriage can offer many advantages to couples, it is not without its disadvantages. For one, the limited grounds for divorce may make it difficult for couples to end their marriage if they are truly unhappy or have irreconcilable differences. Additionally, the counseling sessions required for covenant marriage can be time-consuming and expensive. Finally, because the concept of covenant marriage is relatively new, it may be difficult for couples to find counselors who are experienced in providing this type of counseling.

Who Qualifies for Covenant Marriage?

Not every couple is eligible for a covenant marriage in Arizona. In order to qualify, both partners must be willing to commit to the extra requirements of covenant marriage, including premarital counseling and limited grounds for divorce. Additionally, couples must be at least 18 years old and not already married.

How to Enter into a Covenant Marriage

Couples who wish to enter into a covenant marriage in Arizona must follow a specific process. First, they must participate in premarital counseling that emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment. They must then sign a declaration of intent, stating that they are committed to a covenant marriage. Finally, they must obtain a signed affidavit from a counselor or clergyperson stating that they have completed the necessary counseling.

Ending a Covenant Marriage

While the grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage are limited, it is still possible to dissolve the marriage under certain circumstances. These may include adultery, abuse, abandonment, or felony conviction. If a couple in a covenant marriage wishes to dissolve their marriage and does not meet the criteria for limited grounds for divorce, they must wait two years from the time they separated before filing for divorce.

Conclusion

A covenant marriage is a serious commitment that can provide many benefits for couples who are willing to commit to the extra requirements. By emphasizing the importance of premarital counseling and limiting grounds for divorce, covenant marriage can help couples work through difficult times and develop a deeper relationship with each other. If you are considering a covenant marriage in Arizona, it is important to understand all of the requirements and weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. Covenant Marriage Arizona

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