They also agree to be available for counseling during their marriage if either spouse re quests it. If couples married under covenant marriage licenses seek divorce, they must follow different guidelines. In Louisiana, couples choosing covenant marriage agree to a cooling-off period of two years before a divorce is granted. Standard divorce law requires only six months. Couples must also go through mandatory marital counseling before a divorce will be granted.
Covenant marriage allows for limited reasons for divorce.
A divorce can be granted if the spouse seeking the divorce presents proof of adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment or physical or sexual abuse of a spouse or child. Counseling is still required in these cases. The Covenant Marriage Law has been hotly debated. Opponents are concerned that the law does not adequately protect women and children in abusive homes. I have some concern with the two-year waiting period when you are dealing with the possibility of abused women and children.