When a Covenant Marriage Ends in an Arizona Divorce

No couple plans on a divorce. Unfortunately, not all covenant marriages survive and can leave a wake of devastating emotions of anger and resentment.

About covenant marriages
In 1998, the Arizona Legislature established the "covenant marriage," intending to offer an alternative option for people who want to get married.

Requirements for a covenant marriage
In order for couples to enter into a covenant marriage, they must:

• Complete pre-marital counseling

• Sign an agreement stating that they will make an effort to remain married

When one spouse wants to dissolve a covenant marriage
In the event that one of the spouses wants to dissolve the marriage, he or she must claim and prove that the other spouse committed one or more of the following:

• Adultery

• A felony resulting in prison or the death penalty

• Abandonment of the matrimonial domicile for at least a year

• Physically or sexually abused the other spouse, a child, or relative of the spouse seeking the divorce

• Habitual abuse of drugs or alcohol

• When the spouses have lived apart for at least two years

• When both spouses mutually agree to dissolve the marriage

Call us today to learn more and to order our free book, Arizona Family Law – How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.

If you are facing a divorce, contact one of our experienced Arizona family law attorneys at the law firm of Curry, Pearson & Wooten, PLC by calling 602-258-1000 or toll free at 1-888-9AZLAWCOM (888-929-5292).