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IA SF2172
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/2/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jesse Green
Click for details
AI Summary
- Couples applying for a marriage license in Iowa may jointly elect to waive no-fault divorce by filing a waiver form prescribed by the judicial branch at the time of their license application
- If couples sign the waiver, dissolution of marriage would only be permitted upon proof of specific grounds: adultery, felony conviction with imprisonment, abandonment for one year or more, physical or sexual abuse of a spouse or child, or living separately for two years or more
- The waiver is presumed valid unless a party proves by clear and convincing evidence that it was not executed voluntarily or was obtained through fraud, duress, or coercion
- The bill amends Iowa Code sections 595.4, 598.5, and 598.8 to establish this optional "covenant marriage" framework alongside the existing no-fault divorce system
- Couples who do not file a waiver would continue to have access to standard no-fault divorce based on breakdown of the marriage relationship
Legislative Description
A bill for an act relating to marriage, including the grounds for dissolution of marriage.
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.
2/9/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/2/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available