Understanding Covenant Marriage in Arizona

Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. | Marriage
Scottsdale family law attorneys discuss Arizona covenant marriage
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    In 1998, Arizona’s legislature passed a law to create the option of a “covenant marriage” This option does not affect the standard laws for Arizona marriages, but it creates a separate option for couples who wish to choose it.

    Some of the basics of covenant marriage are discussed below:

    You may also want to speak to an experienced Glendale family law lawyer to learn more about marriage options and how they may apply to your particular situation.

    • Before entering a covenant marriage, a couple must receive pre-marital counseling from a clergy member or a marriage counselor.
    • In addition to the standard marriage license, the couple must also sign a declaration expressing their intent to enter a covenant marriage in Arizona, which must contain specific language required by law.
    • The couple must also complete a signed and sworn statement that they attended the required counseling.

    Already-married couples in Arizona also have the option to convert their marriage to a covenant marriage. Conversion requires the couple to meet the additional requirements for covenant marriage. Consulting a family law attorney in Arizona can help a couple ensure they complete the conversion successfully.

    Covenant marriages may be dissolved by divorce only for specific reasons in Arizona. Some reasons include:

    • Adultery committed by one of the spouses,
    • A felony committed by one of the spouses,
    • Abuse or domestic violence committed by one of the spouses,
    • Drug abuse committed by one of the spouses,
    • Separation of the spouses for at least two years or abandonment of the marital home by one of the spouses for at least one year, or an agreement between both spouses to file for divorce.
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    About the Author

    Zachary Mushkatel

    Zachary Mushkatel is a founding attorney of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., who has practiced law in Arizona since 2004. He also practices before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota Law School, he started his career as a public defender and entered private practice in criminal defense. In 2008, Zachary co-founded a firm dedicated to civil law in addition to criminal defense, and he has since expanded his practice to personal injury, estate planning and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. He serves on the board and faculty of the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, and he is a past president and current member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.