SPONSOR: Boggs
This bill establishes the "Missouri Covenant Marriage Act", which shall allow interested parties intent on marriage the option to apply for a covenant marriage license, which will be considered the equivalent of a standard marriage license. The bill outlines the requirements for a covenant marriage which include that it be between a man and a woman and that the parties obtain eight hours of premarital counseling and 40 hours of marital counseling before a dissolution of marriage. The bill outlines restrictions on when a divorce may be granted for a covenant marriage, including that the divorce must not be granted until at least two years have passed since the initial filing for a legal separation.
The bill requires the state to include on its website, a page providing information on the covenant marriage opportunity and requirements.
This bill is substantially similar to HB 732 (2023) and HB 1693 (2022).
Statutes affected: