Oppose House Bill 1684 Irretrievable breakdown of marriage

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1684, which places unnecessary and burdensome requirements on individuals seeking a divorce under the grounds of irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. This bill is particularly concerning as it disproportionately impacts parents of minor children by requiring third-party testimony to substantiate the breakdown of the marriage. While I understand the intent may be to encourage thoughtful consideration in dissolution cases, this bill creates excessive hurdles for families in already challenging situations. The requirement to involve third-party witnesses—particularly licensed counselors—introduces costly, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing barriers for individuals navigating an inherently difficult process. This disproportionately impacts lower-income families and victims of abuse who may not have access to licensed counselors or feel safe publicly disclosing their circumstances. Furthermore, mandating additional steps risks delaying the legal dissolution process, which can intensify emotional strain on all involved—particularly children. Existing legal frameworks already include protections and processes that ensure the dissolution of marriage is approached with care. This bill unnecessarily complicates an already complex and emotional process. Instead of implementing measures that exacerbate stress for families, I urge you to focus on legislation that supports families during times of transition. For instance, increasing access to affordable counseling services or creating programs to assist children and parents in the wake of divorce would provide meaningful and constructive solutions. As your constituent, I urge you to vote against House Bill 1684 and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of families in our state. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.