Bill > SB0737

This bill introduces the Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act, which establishes a new type of marriage with stricter requirements and more limited grounds for divorce. Under this act, a covenant marriage can only be contracted between one male and one female who have reached the age of majority and who understand marriage as a lifelong commitment. To enter a covenant marriage, couples must receive premarital counseling that emphasizes the serious nature of marriage and complete a detailed declaration of intent, which includes a solemn statement about their commitment, an affidavit of counseling, and a notarized attestation. The bill allows previously married couples to convert their existing marriage to a covenant marriage starting July 1, 2025. Divorce or legal separation in a covenant marriage is only possible under specific circumstances, such as adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, physical or sexual abuse, or living separately for an extended period. The bill requires county clerks to note covenant marriage status on marriage licenses and mandates that the secretary of state develop an informational pamphlet explaining the consequences of covenant marriage. The act aims to promote more intentional and enduring marriages by requiring couples to undergo counseling and make a more explicit commitment to their relationship.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0737&ga=114