You might have seen the billboards or heard the radio announcements about a new state law that encourages couples to attend free, marriage-education classes before taking the big plunge through a new state program called the Twogether in Texas program. The new law went into effect this past Sept. 1 and provides couples who complete the eight-hour, skills-based course, with information and skills to help them establish and maintain a strong relationship, while giving them a $60 reduction on their marriage license fee.
The new state law — House Bill 2685 — increases the marriage license fee by $60. But the $60 fee will be waived for couples who complete the class. Couples also can discount the 72-hour waiting period to get married once they complete the course, even though counties may continue to charge up to $12 in local fees for a marriage license.
As a result of HB 2683 and HB 2685 being passed during the 80th Texas Legislature, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) expanded its healthy marriage initiative — Twogether in Texas — to statewide status to provide pre-marital education classes to couples contemplating marriage. The initiative promotes free marriage education classes that offer couples — both married and those contemplating marriage — the tools they will need to manage the challenges inherent in relationships.
Classes include eight hours of training that focuses on communication skills, conflict resolution and other elements of a healthy marriage.
"We hope to empower couples with a new skill set; a marriage skill set based on conflict resolution and communication," said Jeff Johnson, director of HHSC's Office of Family and Community Services. Johnson's group is responsible for setting up a statewide network of marriage classes. "Many people rush into marriage, often overlooking basic necessities like housing arrangements, finances and relationship building."
The free marriage classes are available throughout the state. Couples can find class schedules in their area that meet the qualifications for the marriage license discount at www.twogetherintexas.com or by calling 2-1-1.
Once the class is completed, the couple will receive a certificate to take to the county clerk’s office when they apply for their marriage license. The certificate provides the correct information the clerk will need to provide the marriage license reduction fee. The certificate is good for one year. In the first two and a half months, more than 1,700 certificates have been issued to Texas couples.
Classes are held monthly at Family Network of East Texas by appointment only. To register please call 936-560-6397, visit the website www.twogetherintexas.com or call 2-1-1.
