Covenant Marriage in Louisiana: What It Is and How to Get a Divorce

What Is a Covenant Marriage in Louisiana?

Louisiana is one of only three states in the United States — along with Arizona and Arkansas — that offers covenant marriage as a legally distinct alternative to a standard marriage. Established by the Louisiana Covenant Marriage Act of 1997, a covenant marriage is a more binding form of marriage that comes with stricter requirements for divorce and a commitment to seek counseling before separating.

If you or your spouse entered into a covenant marriage, the rules governing divorce are significantly different from those that apply to a standard Louisiana marriage. Understanding the distinctions is essential before you take any steps toward separation or divorce.

What Makes a Covenant Marriage Different?

Before entering a covenant marriage, both spouses must:

• Receive premarital counseling from a licensed marriage counselor or religious official;
• Sign a Declaration of Intent affirming that marriage is a lifelong commitment; and
• Agree to seek counseling if marital difficulties arise before pursuing separation or divorce.

These requirements reflect a legislative intent to encourage couples to take marriage more seriously and to exhaust all reasonable options before ending the relationship.

Grounds for Divorce in a Covenant Marriage

Unlike a standard Louisiana marriage — where you can obtain a no-fault divorce after living separate and apart for 180 or 365 days — a covenant marriage divorce requires proof of one of the following fault-based grounds under Louisiana Revised Statute 9:307:

• Adultery by the other spouse;
• Conviction of a felony with a sentence of imprisonment at hard labor or death;
• Abandonment for one year;
• Physical or sexual abuse of the spouse or a child of either spouse;
• Living separate and apart for two years (the extended no-fault option);
• Living separate and apart for one year after a legal separation from bed and board is granted.

Notably, the no-fault separation period for a covenant marriage is two years — compared to 180 days or one year for a standard marriage. This is a significant difference for spouses who do not wish to allege fault.

Legal Separation in a Covenant Marriage

Covenant marriage spouses may also pursue a legal separation from bed and board — a formal court-recognized separation that does not dissolve the marriage but establishes separate living arrangements and can address custody and support. Grounds for legal separation in a covenant marriage are similar to grounds for divorce and must be proven to the court's satisfaction.

Can a Standard Marriage Be Converted to a Covenant Marriage?

Yes. Louisiana law allows couples who are already in a standard marriage to convert it to a covenant marriage by executing a Declaration of Intent and completing the required counseling. Some couples choose to do this for religious or philosophical reasons.

Navigating a Covenant Marriage Divorce in Louisiana

Because the grounds and procedures for ending a covenant marriage are more complex than a standard divorce, it is particularly important to work with an experienced Louisiana family law attorney. The Rhodes Law Firm represents clients in covenant marriage proceedings throughout Southeast Louisiana, including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles Parish, Lafourche, and surrounding parishes.

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.