Introduction
A “successful” marriage and family experience, is one that is: mutually satisfying, psychologically healthy, and one that will stand the tests of time and adversity. In other words, a marriage and family experience that is resistant to the forces of dissolution. Research has shown that to avoid the otherwise natural tendency toward relational disengagement, intentional effort is required by married couples and their children: they must learn to practice more productive ways of relating to each other that will promote physical, Spiritual, and mental, health and well-being (Doherty, 2003; as cited in Giblin, 2004).
Our Goal
Is to provide you with information to help you in make an informed choice about one of the most important decisions you may ever consider: Marriage.
Premarital Education
Florida Premarital Course Information
Both parties must be Florida residents and have taken a 4 hour premarital class within the State of Florida to receive a reduction in the price of the marriage license and WAIVE the 3 day waiting period. To get this reduction you must:
· Bring in an original Premarital Class Providers Certificate or letter when applying for your license.
Cost of the license is $61, (without premarital education class $93.50) payable in CASH ONLY. Premarital preparation courses may include the following [excerpted] lists of qualified instructors as provided by Florida Statutes 741.0305 (3)(a)(1-6):
· An official representative of a religious institution which is recognized under F.S. 496.404(19) if the representative has relevant training.
Source: PASCOCLERK.COM--Retrieved 2-23-2007 from http://www.pascoclerk.com/public-sup-svcs-premarital-classes.asp
LICENSES ARE VALID FOR 60 DAYS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ONLY!
Premarital Counseling
When necessary or requested, premarital counseling helps couples to work on compatibility issues identified by: (a) the couple themselves; or (b) by use of an educational relationship profile such as the PAIR test. Another goal of Premarital Counseling is to bring about an increased awareness of more effective methods for dealing with relational conflict.
Qualifications
All of our above educational services are available in person by appointment only
or online 24/7, and are recognized by the State of Florida as being provided by a:
Licensed/Ordained Minister (02/1990, Community of Christ)
Who is a Registered State of Florida Premarital Course Provider (05/2006)
With a Bachelors degree in Psychology (12/1996, University of Tampa)
A Masters degree in Counseling & Human Relations (08/2006, Liberty University)
Pursuing a PhD in Human Services from Capella University (Expected Fall / 2011)
Reference
Giblin, P. (2004). Marital health and spirituality [Electronic version]. Journal of Pastoral Counseling 39, 43-68.