Legislation: New Jersey & California/ On-Line Education/Marriage Friendly - 4/05

Wed Apr 13 23:06:40 EDT 2005

- NEW JERSEY LEGISLATION HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
- CALIFORNIA 'MARRIAGE CHOICE' LEGISLATION
- ON-LINE MARRIAGE EDUCATION
- MARRIAGE-FRIENDLY MFT DEGREE PROGRAM

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- NEW JERSEY LEGISLATION HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
Diane:
This bill, introduced March 11, 2005 in New Jersey, proposed REDUCING the
waiting period for getting a marriage license from 72 hours to 24 hours.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/A3000/2509_I1.PDF
Christina Flockhart

If you're from New Jersey, hope you take the time to raise a protest.
- diane 
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- CALIFORNIA 'MARRIAGE CHOICE' LEGISLATION

This legislation is interesting for a couple of reasons.
1) It's California, origin of "no fault" divorce. Since they started it,
maybe they have to be the ones to end it.
2) It would prohibit all couples w/ minor children from getting a divorce on
grounds of "irreconcilable differences" unless BOTH spouses agree.  Thus
ending unilateral 'no fault' divorce for couples w/ minor children.
3) It presents procedures by which a couple about to marry can choose a
marital contract that gives up the right to a "no fault" divorce. Same thing
a Covenant Marriage contract does, but without the 'covenant' and more
religious-sounding language.

Who helped write this?    - diane

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member DeVore, Feb 2005

        LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

   AB 1236, as introduced, DeVore.   Marriage Choice Act of 2005.
   Existing law establishes the procedures by which parties to a
marriage may seek a dissolution of marriage. Existing law also
governs marital agreements between a husband and wife.
   This bill would enact the Marriage Choice Act of 2005. The bill
would PROHIBIT married parties with children together who have not
completed high school from obtaining a dissolution of marriage on
grounds of irreconcilable differences unless both parties have given
consent, as prescribed.

The bill would also ESTABLISH PROCEDURES by which a couple may enter into a
marital contract rejecting the right to a "no fault" divorce, except in
certain circumstances. The bill would require couples seeking to enter into
this type of marital contract to undergo specified marital counseling and
education before entering into that contract, and also before divorcing. The
bill would require county clerks to develop and make available to the public
choice forms, as defined, in accordance with the act. The bill would also
require a county clerk to file and keep completed choice forms within the
county's permanent records and to establish a directory of marriage
education or skills training providers within its office, as specified. By
placing additional duties on local officials, the bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.

Read the full bill at:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_1201-1250/ab_1236_bill_20050222_in
troduced.html

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- ON-LINE MARRIAGE EDUCATION

Dear Diane, 
A new report from the Sloan Consortium, which investigates the effectiveness
of online learning, has meaningful ramifications for online Marriage
Education programs.  They report that "a majority of academic leaders now
believe that learning outcomes of online education are equal to or superior
to those of face-to-face instruction" with Online classes generating an
unexpectedly high level of motivation, per Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer
University.  (See "Entering the Mainstream:  The Quality and Extent of
Online Education in the United States, 2003 and 2004" at
http://www.sloan-c.org  One reason the learning level is so high, they
report, is that online students have more time to research and reflect on
course content.

This matches our experience with the Marriage Education Institute's online
classes.  Couples get deeply into the material, and as they control the pace
and involvement with the online material, they end up with greater learning
and dramatic improvements in their relationship.  Professionals are equally
involved and amazingly enthusiastic.  We're impressed and thrilled with the
impact!

The Marriage Education Institute's curriculum now includes both Big Picture
Partnering Online by Jan Hoistad and World Class Marriage Online, by Patty
Howell and Ralph Jones -- courses that provide a strong foundation in proven
relationship skills. (30 CE Credits).   Register at
http://www.MarriageEd.org

Patty Howell

Visit the Marriage Education Institute's exhibit and check out their Poster
Session at the Smart Marriages Dallas Conference to learn more about on-line
marriage education opportunities.  And, This same "on-line" effect would be
found with classes available on DVD -- there is lots of time to reflect and
go deep if you're taking the classes in your own home at your own pace.
See the "At A Distance" learning opportunities listed on the Smart Marriages
Directory of Programs at
http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html

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- MARRIAGE-FRIENDLY MFT DEGREE PROGRAM

I've been asked many times where students can go to receive a marriage and
family therapy degree and BE SURE they are attending a program that is
"Marriage Friendly" -- that fits the Smart Marriage's philosophy.  A new
exhibitor at the Smart Marriages 2005 Conference seems to provide such a
program. Here is their description: "The Harding University Graduate School
of Religion¹s MA in Counseling teaches a systems perspective and equips
students with the skills to help strengthen marriages.  The degree equips
students to pursue state licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists. By
studying in a seminary context, students integrate faith and counseling
studies to serve the needs of marriages and families. For more information,
contact hgsadmissions at hugsr.edu or call 800-680-0809."  I know many of you
will visit their exhibit in Dallas, but for the many students that have
inquired, I wanted to get this info to you NOW.  - diane

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