HELENA (AP) -- Sen. David Wanzenried said he wants Montanans to know what they are getting into before they get married.

The Missoula Democrat presented a bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday that would require couples to certify they know the legal obligations involved in marriage before they got hitched.

The bill would require the attorney general's office to draft a certificate that would be available at District Court clerk's offices for would-be-married couples to sign before getting a marriage certificate.

More Montanans need to realize, Wanzenried said, that "marriage is in fact, besides being a very special spiritual relationship, a legal relationship."

Tara Veazey of the Montana Legal Services Association, a group that offers legal help to low-income Montanans, spoke in favor of Wanzenried's bill. She said many of her clients seeking divorces are surprised to find out they may be responsible for paying off their spouse's debt.

Committee member Sen. Dan McGee, R-Laurel, said he liked Wanzenried's idea and was concerned the state spends an "inordinate amount" on failed marriages. He suggested the bill be amended to include a waiver couples would sign absolving the state of any costs associated in a future divorce.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.

Wanzenried's bill is Senate bill 481.