As of August 21, 1998, Arizona incorporated into statute a new type of marriage called "covenant marriage." (The law can be found in Sections 25-901 through 25-906 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.) This pamphlet describes what steps must be taken to enter into a covenant marriage. It also lists the limited reasons available for a legal separation or divorce for those in a covenant marriage. The pamphlet contains only general information. If you have questions about covenant marriage, please ask a member of the clergy, a marriage counselor or an attorney of your choice. The State Legislature has created a type of marriage in Arizona called "covenant marriage." It does not replace the kind of marriage already available. Instead it offers an additional option to couples who wish to marry. The covenant marriage differs both in the steps necessary to get married and the reasons why a legal separation or divorce may be granted by the court. To enter into a covenant marriage, the couple first must have counseling (called "premarital counseling") from a member of the clergy or a marriage counselor. Then, when applying for a license to be married, both persons must show their intention to enter into a covenant marriage by signing a special statement (or "declaration") on the application form. In a covenant marriage, legal separation or divorce (in Arizona, a "dissolution of marriage") may be granted by the court only for specific reasons listed in state law.
For additional information go to:
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/dr/Pdf/covenant.pdf