9-11-804. Content of declaration of intent.

9-11-804. Content of declaration of intent. (a) A declaration of intent to contract a covenant marriage shall contain all of the following: (1) A recitation signed by both parties to the following effect: “A COVENANT MARRIAGE We do solemnly declare that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman who agree to live together as husband and wife for so long as they both may live. We have chosen each other carefully and disclosed to one another everything which could adversely affect the decision to enter into this marriage. We have received authorized counseling on the nature, purposes, and responsibilities of marriage. We have read the Covenant Marriage Act of 2001, and we understand that a covenant marriage is for life. If we experience marital difficulties, we commit ourselves to take all reasonable efforts to preserve our marriage, including marital counseling. With full knowledge of what this commitment means, we do hereby declare that our marriage will be bound by Arkansas law on covenant marriages, and we promise to love, honor, and care for one another as husband and wife for the rest of our lives.”; (2) An affidavit by the parties that they have received authorized counseling that shall include a discussion of the seriousness of covenant marriage, communication of the fact that a covenant marriage is a commitment for life, a discussion of the obligation to seek marital counseling in times of marital difficulties, and a discussion of the exclusive grounds for legally terminating a covenant marriage by divorce; (3) An attestation, signed by the counselor and attached to or included in the parties' affidavit, confirming that the parties received authorized counseling as to the nature and purpose of the marriage and the grounds for termination of the marriage and an acknowledgment that the counselor provided to the parties the informational pamphlet developed and promulgated by the Administrative Office of the Courts under this subchapter that provides a full explanation of the terms and conditions of a covenant marriage; and (4)(A) The signature of both parties witnessed by a notary. (B) If one (1) of the parties is a minor, or both are minors, the written consent or authorization of those persons required under this chapter to consent to or authorize the marriage of minors. (b) The declaration shall consist of two (2) separate documents: (1) The recitation as set out in subdivision (a)(1) of this section; and (2) The affidavit with the attestation either included within or attached to the document. (c) The recitation, affidavit, and attestation shall be filed as provided in § 9-11-803(b).