Kern's bill would end most instances of easy, no-fault divorce in Oklahoma based on incompatibility (if minor children are affected and spousal abuse is not an issue). McCullough's bill would require engaged couples to obtain at least eight hours of premarital counseling prior to being married. Rep. Wright's bill, which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee late Monday afternoon, would require estranged married couples to obtain one hour of counseling before they could file a petition for divorce.
All these bills -- rather than being meddlesome -- are intended to strengthen marriages in Oklahoma and help to lessen the incidence of family fragmentation, both prior to and after the marital union is established, and particularly when minor children will be negatively affected.
Patrick B. McGuigan with CapitolBeatOK.com features an account of the Tuesday news conference, which can be read by clicking here.
