Bill > HB2548

This bill establishes the Missouri Covenant Marriage Act, which provides an optional alternative marriage framework for couples in Missouri. Under this act, couples can choose to enter into a covenant marriage by completing additional requirements beyond a standard marriage license, including receiving at least eight hours of premarital counseling from a clergy member or professional counselor and signing detailed declarations about their commitment. Couples must acknowledge that covenant marriage is a lifelong commitment and agree to make reasonable efforts to preserve their marriage, including seeking counseling during difficult times. The bill allows existing married couples to convert their standard marriage to a covenant marriage without additional counseling. For couples in a covenant marriage seeking to dissolve their marriage, the bill imposes stricter requirements, including mandatory waiting periods and at least forty hours of marital counseling. Dissolution can only be granted under specific circumstances such as adultery, substance abuse, felony conviction, physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, or continuous separation for two years. The bill aims to promote more intentional and enduring marriages by providing a legally distinct marriage option with enhanced pre-marital preparation and divorce prevention measures.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2548&year=2026&code=R