SPONSOR: Boggs
This bill establishes the "Missouri Covenant Marriage Act", which allows 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.
A covenant marriage requires a notarized affidavit, the form of which is specified in the bill.
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 the marriage.
The bill outlines restrictions on the conditions under which a divorce may be granted for a covenant marriage.
The bill requires the state to include on its website a page providing information on the covenant marriage opportunity and requirements.
This bill is the same as HB 1789 (2024) and HB 732 (2023).
Statutes affected: