Article provided by Kathleen M. Newman & Associates

The Family Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis handles more than 3000 cases each year. With most of these cases being divorces, a study surveying nearly 2500 couples by the University of Minnesota found that about one-third of divorcees are ambivalent about dissolving their marriages. Citing spotty commitment to overcome infidelity or substance abuse problems, Professor Bill Doherty explained to Minnesota Public Radio that many couples would not divorce if they had resources to help them deal with marital issues.

Based on these findings, the Minnesota legislature proposed a bill this session that would provide counseling and other resources for couples about to divorce so that they may consider their options and work toward solutions that will save their relationships. The "Minnesota Couples on the Brink" project was recently signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty. As passed, this program offers couples, on a voluntary basis, resources to help decide whether divorce is appropriate for their situation. The state would pay for these resources by allocating $5 of existing marriage license fees to the project.

The bill would not be an effective solution or a proper use of public money, since many parties contemplating divorce already have clergy, psychologists and other counselors to help them through marital issues. Also, a majority of couples seeking divorce have already considered or completed marital counseling. When a marriage does not survive after counseling, it is commonly because one spouse (usually the one filing for divorce) has already decided that the marriage cannot be saved. To encourage more counseling after the proverbial "point of no return" will likely prolong the emotional difficulties seen in divorces.

Further, there are other critical family-based solutions in need of funding, such as domestic violence prevention programs and programs to assist separated couples parent their children successfully. Because of significant budget cuts, these preventative measures are at risk. Some may also believe that the marriage bill is an improper endorsement of religious or cultural values and abandons the impartial position expected from the courts.

If you are contemplating divorce, or are involved in a pending dissolution, there are a number of existing resources available to help you through your questions. Contact a family law attorney to learn about your rights and options during divorce.