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A covenant marriage is a modern concept of marriage considered to be a cultural and political response to no-fault divorce. Couples in a covenant marriage agree to obtain pre-marital counseling before marrying, and accept more limited grounds for divorce. A primary purpose of covenant marriage is to provide both spouses the security and motivation to work hard to make theirs a good marriage, knowing that the other is committed to the same purpose.
A covenant is an unconditional agreement, stronger than a contract. Whereas a contract typically has an exit clause, the traditional marriage covenant commonly stated in marriage vows is "until death do us part." This mutual commitment is promoted as the long-term foundation for marriage and family life, with benefits both for spouses and children.
Legal covenant marriages are currently available in Arkansas, Arizona, Utah, and Louisiana, which became the first state to approve them in 1997. Similar legislation is being considered in Oregon, Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma. It is more difficult for couples who have a legal covenant marriage to obtain a divorce; cause for divorce is typically limited to abuse, a felony with jail time, or adultery.
Opponents of covenant marriages argue that they are too religious in nature, effectively legalizing a religious view of marriage. Some worry that women can become trapped in unhealthy marriages - even in cases of abuse, it can be difficult to prove allegations sufficiently for a judge to grant a divorce. However, it is possible for couples to file for divorce in a state that does not recognize covenant marriages.
External links
References
Gary D. Chapman, Covenant Marriage: Building Communication & Intimacy, Broadman & Holman Publishers (September, 2003), ISBN 0805425764
"Covenant marriage"