Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

Divorce and Covenant marriage that may be able to be void?

My husband and I were married under normal marriage in 1997. A year later my sister-in-laws church was having renewing of vows etc for covenant marriage so we went and did that. I was reading on the internet that for Louisiana if you were already married to do a covenant marriage you were suppost to show proof a notarized statement from a counselor that there was counseling before the marriage. We did not do that nor did we have counseling. My husband is now wanting a divorce and I agree. He has started to drink alot and I dont want that around my children. We fight all the time and have nothing in common. I told him we could have joint custody but would that make me get less in child support? We have alot of bills and even with me working after paying them I wouldn't have alot left. I need to know if this the covenant marriage certificate could be not valid because we did not have some of the requirements and the preacher didn't know us from Adam they had about a hundred people there renewing vows that day and there was no one on one with the preacher. Also I need to know how to get this over with asap and do I need to get a lawyer also if I am not contesting it?

Thank You,

Amanda


Asked on 3/09/03, 6:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Divorce and Covenant marriage that may be able to be void?

I would get a lawyer because of the child custody and support issues as it sounds like you already differ there.

As to the "covenant marriage", you need to have the lawyer research the records and see if this is truly registered as a covenant marriage. If it is, you and your husband will have more delays and expenses that neither of you want.

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Answered on 3/09/03, 9:08 am


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