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Colorado Lawmaker Wants To Make It Harder To Get A Divorce

DENVER (CBS4) - A Colorado lawmaker wants to make it harder for couples to get divorced.

Republican Sen. Kevin Lundberg's bill would require parents with children under 18 take 6 hours of classes on how the separation would impact their children.

"If theres any chance if this marriage finding a solution of staying together we encourage that to occur," said Lundberg, who represents Larimer County.

It would also set a waiting period before couples could file for divorce.

"We're wanting to ensure that parents have every opportunity to consider the long term ramifications of this," said Lundberg.

"We're addressing the issue of divorce when children are present and it's important for everyone to understand the impact that has on those children throughout the rest of their life," Lundberg said.

Not everyone agrees. Psychotherapist Whitney Lockhart believes most couples don't have a change of heart about divorce.

"I think it will just prolong what is already a difficult process," said Lockhart. "I think by the time they've actually made the decision there is really no turning back and so having the waiting period could cause more frustration."

Lundberg's bill would make exceptions in cases of sexual abuse or violence.

"It's a big of a time out, you might say, before proceeding with the normal divorce processes our law prescribes," said Lundberg. "This is intended to give those kids every opportunity for success in their family and success in their lives."

A similar bill failed in 2001.

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