Marriage and Family Courts

Australia’s New Family Relationship Centres and Referral System

As far back as 1999, according to Australian marriage educator Margaret Andrews, “More than one-quarter of all couples marrying in Australia participate in some form of marriage education. … more than 100 agencies and groups throughout Australia offer Marriage  Education programs, many of which are partially funded by the Federal Government.” Marriage education is a truly integral part of Australia’s new comprehensive overhaul of its family court system, the following description of which was condensed  and paraphrased from http://www.familyrelationships.gov.au by John Crouch.

Recently, Australia’s Family Law Act has undergone its most extensive reforms since it was first passed in 1975, with most changes taking effect July 1, 2006, and costing approximately $400 million over four years. The federal government calls this its largest investment in family services ever. The 65 new Family Relationship Centres that will be established across Australia form the core of the Government’s services and will support the reformed family law system. The first 15 opened in July 2006. The remaining 50 will be established in 2007 and 2008.

The Centres are a first port of call when families want information about relationship and separation issues. All family relationship information will be available in one place.

Texas courts give couples a manual and a quiz along with a marriage license

   

When You Get Married is a handbook distributed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, authorized by legislation passed in 1999. It is available in English  and in Spanish. Besides advice on marriage and legal issues and financial issues (including considerable information about dealing with exes, child support from previous couplings, visitation, etc.) the booklet is also a workbook, with spaces for both the bride and the groom to answer the following questions: