What States Require Marriage Counseling Before Divorce?

Divorce is a difficult situation that many couples go through. However, some states require couples to attend marriage counseling before they can file for divorce. This process is known as “mandatory counseling” or “conciliation.” The goal is to help couples work through their issues and make an informed decision about whether to continue their marriage or divorce.

States That Require Mandatory Counseling Before Divorce

The following states have laws that require couples to attend counseling before they can file for divorce:

• Arizona
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia

It’s important to note that the requirements for mandatory counseling vary from state to state. In some states, couples must attend one or more counseling sessions before they can file for divorce. In others, couples must wait a certain amount of time after attending counseling before they can file for divorce.

Why Do Some States Require Mandatory Counseling?

The goal of mandatory counseling is to help couples work through their issues and make an informed decision about whether to continue their marriage or divorce. Counseling can help couples identify the root causes of their problems and learn new communication and problem-solving skills to improve their relationship.

Some states also see mandatory counseling as a way to reduce the divorce rate and promote stronger families. By requiring couples to attend counseling, the hope is that more marriages will be saved and fewer families will be torn apart by divorce.

Should All States Require Mandatory Counseling?

While mandatory counseling may be effective in some cases, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some couples may not benefit from counseling and may still choose to divorce. Additionally, mandatory counseling can be expensive and time-consuming, which may be a burden for some couples.

That being said, if you’re considering divorce, it’s still a good idea to seek counseling. Even if your state doesn’t require it, counseling can help you work through your issues and come to a mutual decision about your marriage.

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