In reaction to the no-fault divorce movement that made divorce easier, Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana have passed laws that allow couples to choose what is termed a “covenant marriage.” Couples who choose a covenant marriage voluntarily make it more difficult to become divorced, especially without fault. In general, the period of separation required for ending a covenant marriage is at least double that required for standard divorces. As part of getting a covenant marriage, couples attend premarital counseling on the “nature, purposes, and responsibilities of marriage,”[i] and agree to seek further counseling during any marital difficulties.
[i] Arizona Revised Statutes, Marital and Domestic Relations, § 25-901 (B)(1)(A). http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00901.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS.
