Unlike other faiths, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have a formal program to help couples with issues such as communication, expectations, money management, or other issues that may arise in a marriage. It's left up to the discretion of local bishops and stake presidents to decide what advice to offer, according to Elder LeGrand Curtis, an Area Seventy in the Salt Lake area.

But couples who wish to marry in one of the church's temples are required to meet and obtain a temple recommend with signatures from both a bishop and stake president. The questions for the recommend are standard. In addition, the LDS faith offers a family relations class as part of the curriculum of the church, Curtis said.

Within the Jewish tradition, marriage is also a serious commitment, according to the Rabbi Joshua Aaronson with the Temple Har Shalom in Park City. He doesn't believe it is his role to act as a counselor for issues regarding communication and other dynamics, but has advised couples to go to a professional counselor if help is needed.

Along that line, Carroll, the BYU professor, believes a couple should continue to seek help throughout their marriage life.

"This requires an ongoing commitment — like a booster shot," he said.

Marriage resources

• healthymarriageinfo.org

• marriage.rutgers.edu

• www.engagedencounterutah.org

• www.du.edu/psychology/marriage

• www.utahmarriage.org

• relate.byu.edu

• www.prepinc.com

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com