In hopes of diminishing the divorce rate in Texas, the state legislature has come up with an incentive plan."Twogether in Texas" makes its debut presentation 2 p.m. today on the fourth floor of the courthouse.A "new law, passed as House Bill 2685 during the 2007 legislative session, increases the fee for a marriage license from $30 to $60," explains a letter forwarded to Harrison County Clerk Patsy Cox.
The higher rate does not go into effect until next year, and in the meantime, couples hoping to tie the knot may avoid paying the state fee altogether by taking an 8-hour course.A sign has already been posted in the clerk's office regarding the change. It points out, however, that there will still be a local fee of $7.
Costs assessed for keeping permanent records vary from county to county, Ms. Cox explained.Those completing the class may also waive the 72-hour wait now required after a marriage licence is obtained. Couples who complete the course will receive a certificate that remains valid for a year.
Today's overview of the new program will be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation that is expected to last for about an hour and a half, Ms. Cox said.Making the presentation will be Mark English of Longview Wellness Center.The session is open to the public, including anyone who plans to marry soon, pastors, marriage counselors, and judges and lawyers who deal with family matters, Ms. Cox added.
Bill Turner of Texas Health and Human Services Commission is project manager for the Healthy Marriage Program in Region 4, which includes Harrison County.In his letter to Ms. Cox, he notes that, in support of the legislation, the commission named 12 regional intermediaries across the state for the "Twogether in Texas" initiative.
"Regional intermediaries are responsible for providing premarital and healthy marriage education services by capacity-building, service delivery management with community and faith-based organizations .... and service provider registration," Turner says in his letter to Ms. Cox.
"In addition, these (regional intermediaries) are responsible for coordinating and supporting each of the county clerks in their service regions," Turner says.Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office.
Health and Human Services Commission intends to establish a Web site through which individuals may "search for marriage education service providers, learn about Texas marriage license requirements and processes and access other research and information about marriage," Turner's letter states.