Keywords

marriage, divorce, premarital education, legislation, policy

Abstract

Many legislators are wondering whether there is a constructive role that government can play to strengthen marriages and reduce divorces. A handful of states have passed legislation providing incentives for couples to participate in formal premarital education. The purpose of this article is to examine the research that can help answer the question whether legislation to promote premarital education can strengthen marriages and reduce the divorce rate. Of course, there are numerous legal and policy issues related to marriage and divorce being discussed these days. The focus of this article however, is only on one. In the end, I conclude that legislation to promote premarital education is a feasible, cost-effective policy that is likely to strengthen marriages and reduce the divorce rate in states where it is implemented.

Original Publication Citation

Hawkins, A. J. (2007). Will legislation to encourage premarital education strengthen marriage and reduce divorce? Journal of Law & Family Studies, 9(1), 79-99.