At the government level, many argue for legislation that encourages couples to work harder at their marriages and make marriages harder to terminate. Or the couple can choose a Covenant Marriage certificate, in which the expectation is that the partners will stay together for life. Both partners agree that neither can simply walk away from the marriage for any reason. If their marriage has problems, and either is considering divorce, the couple agrees in advance to seek professional help to save their marriage. A divorce is possible but a person who wants a divorce needs to prove their partner is at fault, due to adultery, conviction of a felony, drug, alcohol or emotional abuse, abandonment or separation for two years.
Opponents contend that schools have too much to do in preparing young people for adult life.
Other Florida legislation encourages couples to take a four-hour course before marriage. Couples who don't take the course would have to wait three days after getting their marriage license before they could take their vows. Community groups can offer marriage preparation and enrichment courses. Some churches require such courses before a marriage within the church. Marriage education courses have been shown to reduce divorce, especially those courses that focus on relationship skills.