Breaking Free: A Guide on How to Escape a Covenant Marriage

AvatarByKelsey Garrison Marriage

Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, built on love, trust, and commitment. However, not all marriages last forever, and sometimes couples find themselves in a difficult situation where they feel trapped and unable to move forward. If you are in a covenant marriage, you may have limited options for separation or divorce. But don’t lose hope just yet! In this article, we will discuss how to get out of a covenant marriage and provide you with valuable insights on navigating this delicate process. Whether you are looking for clarity or seeking to end your marriage, read on to discover your options and make the best decision for your future.

Understanding Covenant Marriage

Covenant marriage is a special type of marriage contract that differs from traditional marriage in several ways. Unlike a traditional marriage, covenant marriages require couples to undergo premarital counseling and also have stricter rules for divorce. This type of marriage was first introduced in Louisiana in 1997 and has since been recognized by three other states – Arizona, Arkansas, and Kansas.

In a covenant marriage, the couple agrees to enter into the union with a higher level of commitment. This commitment is meant to emphasize the importance of staying together through thick and thin. As such, these marriages are seen as sacred and not easily dissolved. In fact, there are only limited grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage and it can be a challenging process to end the union.

One of the main reasons for introducing covenant marriages was to promote stronger, longer-lasting relationships. It was believed that traditional marriages lacked the strong commitment needed to make them last. However, whether or not covenant marriages have lived up to this expectation is still up for debate.

Forms of Dissolution in Covenant Marriage

As mentioned earlier, ending a covenant marriage can be a complex process with limited grounds for divorce. If you find yourself in a troubled covenant marriage, here are the two main options available for you:

Legal Separation

In some states, couples seeking an exit from their covenant marriages may opt for legal separation rather than divorce. A legal separation is similar to divorce in that couples live apart and have their own finances and living arrangements. However, traditional marital benefits like healthcare coverage still apply as long as you remain legally married.

This option is usually taken when one or both parties need time apart to work on their relationship or evaluate whether they want a permanent split.

Divorce

For couples who have exhausted all other options and decide that they cannot continue with their covenant marriage, divorce is the final step. However, as mentioned earlier, the grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage are limited and may vary depending on the state.

In general, couples can divorce under four main grounds: adultery, felony conviction resulting in imprisonment, physical or sexual abuse, or living separately for a certain period of time (usually 2 years).

The Process of Dissolving a Covenant Marriage

Regardless of which option you choose – legal separation or divorce – dissolving a covenant marriage is not as straightforward as a traditional divorce. Here’s an overview of the process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

As mentioned earlier, not all states recognize covenant marriage. Therefore, the first step is to determine whether your state recognizes it and if your marriage qualifies as one. If you live in Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas or Louisiana and you went through premarital counseling before getting married, then you qualify.

Step 2: Meet Residency Requirements

Next, check if you meet the residency requirements set by your state. Most states require you to be residents for a certain period of time before filing for legal separation or divorce.

Step 3: File Legal Separation/Divorce Papers

Once eligibility and residency requirements are met, you can begin the process by filing papers with your local county court. These papers typically include information about your marriage and reasons for wanting to dissolve it.

Step 4: Attend Counseling Sessions (if applicable)

In some states like Arizona and Louisiana, couples must attend counseling before filing for legal separation or divorce. The purpose of these sessions is to help couples decide whether they should give their marriage another try.

Step 5: If Divorcing – Prove Grounds

If you are going through a divorce, you will need to provide evidence to prove the grounds for divorce. This may include any records or witnesses to support your claims.

Step 6: Reach a Settlement

Before the court approves your legal separation or divorce, both parties must reach an agreement on important matters such as division of property and assets, child custody, and alimony. If both parties cannot agree, the court will make these decisions for them.

Step 7: Finalize the Dissolution

Once all the previous steps are completed, the final step is finalizing the legal separation or divorce with the court. This involves signing the necessary documents and submitting them to the court for approval.

Tips for Getting Out of a Covenant Marriage

As you can see, getting out of a covenant marriage is not an easy process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenge:

1. Communicate Openly with Your Partner

It is important to communicate openly with your partner about your feelings towards your marriage. Discuss your concerns and try to work together towards finding a solution.

2. Seek Counseling

Individual or couples counseling can be beneficial in helping you understand your

Understanding Covenant Marriage

Covenant marriage is a type of marriage agreement that involves a higher level of commitment and responsibility than a traditional marriage. This type of marriage is often chosen by couples who want to strengthen their bond and create a deeper connection with each other. A covenant marriage requires both partners to take certain vows and commitments that go beyond the promises made in a traditional marriage. It is recognized in only three states in the United States: Arkansas, Arizona, and Louisiana.

The main difference between a covenant marriage and a traditional marriage is the added level of difficulty in getting out of it. In many states, couples can easily get divorced for any reason, but in covenant marriages, this process is much more challenging. This is because the couple has committed to working through any challenges or issues that may arise in their relationship before considering divorce. In some states, couples must go through counseling or wait longer before they can file for divorce.

Reasons for Wanting to Get Out of a Covenant Marriage

Although entering into a covenant marriage is supposed to mean a lifelong commitment, there are various reasons why couples may want to end their union. Some of these reasons include:

1. Infidelity: Despite their best intentions, some people cannot remain faithful in their marriages. If your partner has cheated on you and is not willing to work on rebuilding trust in the relationship, you may want to consider dissolving your covenant marriage.
2. Abuse: Unfortunately, abuse can occur even in the most committed marriages. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from your spouse, it may be necessary to seek an end to your covenant marriage.
3. Changing values: Over time, people can change and grow apart from each other. If you find that you and your partner no longer share the same values or goals in life, it may lead to irreconcilable differences.
4. Communication breakdown: Open and honest communication is vital in any marriage. If you and your partner have stopped communicating effectively, it may be a sign that your covenant marriage is no longer working.
5. Financial problems: Finances are one of the most common stressors in a marriage. If you and your spouse cannot find common ground when it comes to money matters, it can put a strain on your relationship and lead to wanting to end the covenant marriage.

Steps to Get Out of a Covenant Marriage

Getting out of a covenant marriage is not an easy feat, but it is possible. Here are some steps you can take if you are considering ending your covenant marriage:

1. Try counseling: Before jumping straight to divorce, it may be helpful to seek couples counseling with a trained professional. This can help you both work through any issues in your relationship and determine if there is a chance for reconciliation.
2. Understand the laws in your state: As mentioned earlier, each state has its own laws regarding covenant marriages and their dissolution. Be sure to research the process for your specific state.
3. Meet the requirements for divorce: In states where counseling is mandatory, make sure you have completed all necessary sessions and waited the required time before filing for divorce.
4. Gather necessary documents: Just like with any divorce, you will need to gather important documents such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements (if applicable), financial records, etc.
5. Seek legal advice: Covenant marriages often have stricter guidelines and requirements for ending them compared to traditional marriages. It may be wise to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
6. File for divorce: Once all steps have been taken, you can officially file for divorce from your covenant marriage.

The Emotional Aspect of Leaving a Covenant Marriage

Ending any type of marriage can be an emotionally taxing experience, and this is especially true for a covenant marriage. The belief and commitment that this type of marriage requires can make it challenging to come to terms with its end. If you are considering leaving your covenant marriage, it is essential to take care of your emotional well-being during this difficult time.

Some ways to cope with the emotional aspect of leaving a covenant marriage include:

1. Seek support: Lean on friends and family who can provide a listening ear and offer emotional support.
2. Take care of yourself: Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
3. Seek counseling: Just as couples may seek counseling to save their marriage, individual therapy can be incredibly beneficial in navigating emotions during the divorce process.
4. Allow yourself time to heal: Ending a covenant marriage does not happen overnight. Give yourself time to process your feelings and grieve the loss of the relationship before moving on.

Covenant marriage is not for everyone, and even those who enter into it with the best intentions may find themselves wanting out eventually. While dissolving a covenant marriage can be challenging, it is possible with proper understanding of state laws and taking necessary steps in the process. Remember also that taking care

Question 1: What is a covenant marriage and how is it different from a traditional marriage?
Answer: A covenant marriage is a type of marriage that requires couples to complete premarital counseling and sign additional documents indicating their commitment to the marriage. It differs from a traditional marriage in the sense that it requires couples to follow specific steps if they wish to dissolve the marriage.

Question 2: What are the grounds for getting out of a covenant marriage?
Answer: The grounds for getting out of a covenant marriage may include domestic violence, adultery, imprisonment, or abandonment by one of the spouses. However, these conditions may vary depending on the state you reside in.

Question 3: Can I get out of a covenant marriage without any valid reason?
Answer: No, you cannot simply end a covenant marriage without valid reasons. The purpose of having a covenant marriage is to ensure that couples understand the seriousness and commitment required in making such a decision. Therefore, you need to prove one of the acceptable grounds to be granted an end to your covenant marriage.

Question 4: Are there any legal procedures I need to follow when trying to get out of a covenant marriage?
Answer: Yes, getting out of a covenant marriage typically involves legal proceedings such as filing for divorce or seeking an annulment. It is highly recommended that you seek professional legal guidance to properly navigate through these procedures.

Question 5: Can I convert my covenant marriage into a traditional one?
Answer: Yes, some states allow couples with a covenant marriage to convert it into a traditional one after fulfilling certain requirements. This decision should be made jointly by both parties after careful consideration and counseling.

Question 6: Will I still be bound by prenuptial agreements if I want out of my current covenant marriage?
Answer: Prenuptial agreements may or may not be valid in a covenant marriage, depending on the state you reside in. It is crucial to seek legal advice and review your prenup document before attempting to terminate a covenant marriage.

In conclusion, a covenant marriage can be a difficult situation to navigate and getting out of it requires careful consideration and understanding of the laws and processes involved. It is important to note that each state has different laws regarding covenant marriages, so it is crucial for individuals to research their state’s specific requirements.

Throughout this discussion, we have highlighted the various ways in which couples can potentially dissolve a covenant marriage, such as seeking counseling, obtaining legal separation, or filing for divorce. We have also discussed the importance of seeking legal advice and understanding any implications that may arise from leaving a covenant marriage.

It is evident that entering into a covenant marriage is a serious commitment and should not be taken lightly. However, in some cases where the relationship has become unhealthy or toxic, terminating the marriage may be necessary for the well-being and happiness of both parties.

Furthermore, communication and honesty are key elements in any relationship, including a covenant marriage. It is crucial for both individuals to openly communicate their needs and boundaries in order to maintain a healthy relationship or make informed decisions about ending the union.

In summary, getting out of a covenant marriage requires careful consideration of both practical and emotional factors. By being aware of one’s rights and options, seeking legal advice if needed, and maintaining open communication with one’s partner

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Kelsey Garrison
Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.