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CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE: UPDATES, RESOURCES, AND CONTEXT

New bill, Healthy Marriage Act, could make potential changes to the current divorce laws in NC

Jonata, Wikimedia Commons

It could take longer for a married couple to get a divorce in North Carolina. Instead of a one year waiting period, three senators have introduced a bill -- the Healthy Marriage Act -- that will change it to two years.

In addition to waiting an extra year to be divorced, a couple would have to complete courses on improving communication skills and conflict resolution. These courses would not have to be completed together.

The Healthy Marriage Act would also require completion of a course that’s at least four hours on the impact of divorce on children.  Other changes include allowing a couple to live together during their two year waiting period.

Republican Senator Austin Allran of Hickory is the primary sponsor of the bill, which was filed Thursday.
 

Jessica is a junior at UNCW pursuing a B.A. in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She worked on an audio project similar to NPR's StoryCorps over the summer where she interviewed mentors and their mentees on the UNCW campus. This project inspired her to work more with public radio and the media. She is also a contributing writer for the school's newspaper, The Seahawk. Jessica loves her job as a resident assistant, trying out new restaurants, working out so she can keep eating at new restaurants, and bringing news to the community.