Starting September 1, 2008, marriage licenses will double in price in the state of Texas, per House Bill 2685, unless a couple has taken a state sponsored marital education course. In Williamson County, if the couple presents their valid state marital education course “Twogether in Texas” certificate, they will only pay $7 for their license. The cost is $67 without a certificate. County Clerks also will be able to access a state sponsored website to verify if a couple has taken the course.
“Twogether in Texas” is a healthy marriage initiative developed by the State of Texas to strengthen marriages with the long-term goal of strengthening families as a whole. The program was designed to provide couples with the skills they need to have a successful marriage through eight hours of pre-marital education. Couples can go to www.twogetherintexas.com website or call 2-1-1 to find out which education course they would like to attend. They can choose either a secular or faith-based provider.
Pastors and clergy can contact richard.welch@lsss.org to become a partner with this program. It is easy and free for them to sign up.
Both partners have to attend the class to get credit for the certificate of completion and be eligible to have the marriage license fee discounted. The certificates are good for one full year although once they get the marriage license, the license is only valid for 30 days. Once a couple earns the certificate they can immediately go get their license and get married without the standard 72 hour waiting period. The certificate is honored in any county in the State of Texas.
For more information contact Tina Zych at (512) 459-1000 or (800) 396-4611 extension 7548 or e-mail at twogether@lsss.org. There will be a list of classes available on the “Twogether in Texas” website or on the Lutheran Social Services of the South website www.lsss.org .
This will not affect common law marriage certificates or their fees.