SB270 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Ben H. BrooksScott BeasonGreg J. ReedPhillip W. WilliamsClay Scofield

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Family law, covenant marriage, requirement when parties choose to enter into, requirements upon dissolution, Alabama Covenant Marriage Act

Summary

SB270 would create the Alabama Covenant Marriage Act, allowing a covenant marriage with required premarital counseling and limited divorce grounds.

What This Bill Does

It lets couples designate their marriage as a covenant marriage by declaring intent on their marriage license application. It requires premarital counseling and a signed declaration of intent with counselor attestations to be filed with the probate office. It sets specific grounds for divorce and requires counseling to be completed before a divorce can be granted. It also requires an informational pamphlet from the Attorney General and outlines recording and reporting steps, with an effective date set after a short waiting period.

Who It Affects

• Couples who choose covenant marriage, as they must complete premarital counseling, sign a declaration, and face restricted divorce grounds.
• Marriage counselors, clergy, probate judges, and the Attorney General's office, who would provide counseling, prepare attestations, process filings, and disseminate the informational pamphlet and required records.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Covenant Marriage Act and defines covenant marriage as lifelong.
• Allows a covenant marriage to be entered by declaring intent on the marriage license application with a declaration of intent.
• Requires premarital counseling and an affidavit from the parties confirming counseling, plus a counselor attestation and a related informational pamphlet from the Attorney General.
• Two separate documents (recitation and affidavit) must be prepared, notarized, and filed with the probate office; minors require parental consent where applicable.
• The judge of probate notes the covenant status on the marriage certificate and forwards the declaration to the Office of Vital Statistics monthly.
• Dissolution of a covenant marriage is limited to specific grounds (adultery, serious crimes, abandonment, abuse, or prolonged separation with timelines; special timelines if minors are involved) and requires counseling before divorce.
• If a spouse refuses counseling, the petitioner can add a sworn affidavit documenting repeated counseling attempts with the divorce filing.
• The Attorney General must publish an informational pamphlet explaining terms, consequences, and counseling needs, available to counselors.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law