Pre-Marital Counseling
A Cure for Divorce?

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Florida recently enacted legislation offering couples reduced prices for marriage-licenses if they participate in pre-marital counseling. This law has influenced other states, such as Minnesota, to introduce similar legislation.

Other states have followed in Florida's footsteps by passing similar marriage reform legislation. In Arizona and Louisiana, the Covenant Marriage legislation offers couples the option to accept stricter divorce regulations. This legislation also requires couples to receive counseling before they divorce; however, it does not require couples to seek any pre-marital counseling. Through its legislation encouraging premarital counseling, Florida sets out to improve society by strengthening the foundation of the family. In order to receive the discount, couples are required to receive four hours of instruction on communication, parenting, financial responsibilities, and conflict resolution. Florida is also the first state to require high school students to take a course in "marriage and relationship skill-based education." Also when a couple with children files for divorce in Florida, they must attend a "Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course." Critics of these types of laws argue that the affects of premarital counseling are unproven and the financial incentives are unfair.

Now tell us what you think. Will marriage legislation work to strengthen society? Will marriage legislation decrease the number of divorces? Which type of marriage reform will have the greatest affect on the divorce rate? How much power should the government have to regulate marriage?

For more information on this and other marriage-related issues, visit these websites: PAIRS, The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, LLC, and The Relationship Enrichment Center, Inc.