In Louisiana, a covenant marriage is a legally binding union that requires couples to undergo premarital counseling and agree to specific conditions for divorce. Unlike traditional marriages, covenant marriages impose stricter requirements for ending the marriage. The point is to promote marital stability and discourage divorce.
To dissolve a covenant marriage, couples must follow a distinct legal process.
Initiating the dissolution process
To end a covenant marriage, couples must first meet certain criteria. Grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage include adultery, abuse, abandonment or a lengthy separation. After establishing the grounds for divorce, either spouse can initiate the dissolution process. Doing so involves filing a petition for divorce in the appropriate court.
Meeting legal requirements
In addition to establishing grounds for divorce, couples seeking to end a covenant marriage must fulfill specific legal requirements. This may include completing a period of separation or attending counseling sessions. It might also include providing evidence to support the divorce petition. Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays or complications in the dissolution process.
Finalizing the divorce
After meeting all legal requirements, the court will review the petition for divorce and any supporting evidence presented by both parties. If the court determines that there are valid grounds for divorce, it will issue a judgment of divorce. This puts an official end to the covenant marriage. The judgment may also address division of assets, spousal support and child custody and support arrangements.
Ending a covenant marriage in Louisiana requires couples to navigate a distinct legal process that differs from traditional divorce proceedings. Understanding the steps involved helps couples navigate the process with greater clarity.