PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB385

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB385

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

In alimony and support, further providing for alimony pendente lite, counsel fees and expenses.

Impact

The enactment of SB385 is poised to bring significant changes to Pennsylvania's domestic relations law. By altering the eligibility for receiving alimony for those convicted of personal injury crimes, the bill aims to enhance the protection of victims from potential financial exploitation. This bill mandates that courts must carefully evaluate the circumstances of each case, specifically considering the victim's history with the perpetrator before deciding on spousal support. The amendment is designed to ensure that spousal support is awarded meaningfully and justifiably, particularly in sensitive cases of domestic abuse.

Summary

Senate Bill 385 amends Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically relating to alimony and support laws. The primary focus of the bill is to change the existing rules surrounding alimony pendente lite and spousal support for parties that have been convicted of personal injury crimes against their partners. It seeks to prevent individuals convicted of such crimes from receiving spousal support unless the court deems it necessary to avoid manifest injustice. The bill introduces a consideration for any history of harassment or protective orders against the convicted individual during legal proceedings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB385 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for domestic violence victims. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in protecting individuals from financial burdens tied to their abusers. However, there may be some concerns regarding the nuances of justice and fairness; particularly, the bill specifies that spousal support may only be granted under exceptional circumstances which some may interpret as limiting the rights of individuals in complex domestic relations cases. The dialogue around this bill reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the legal frameworks that protect victims of domestic violence.

Contention

One notable contention regarding SB385 is the balance between protecting victims and ensuring justice for those wrongfully accused or those who have reformed. While the bill is celebrated for prioritizing victim safety by restricting spousal support for offenders, opponents might argue that it could limit the rights of individuals who may not pose an ongoing threat. The law outlines a significant focus on the assessment of past behaviors and legal actions, which could lead to heated debates regarding the interpretation of 'manifest injustice' in diverse situations.

Latest PA SB385 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB385

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1329

In alimony and support, further providing for alimony pendente lite, counsel fees and expenses.

PA HB1524

In alimony and support, further providing for alimony pendente lite, counsel fees and expenses.

PA HB149

In alimony and support, further providing for alimony.

PA HB2303

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions, for bases of jurisdiction, for effect of agreement between parties and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, further providing for hearing by master, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to opening or vacating decrees; in property rights, further providing for definitions and for disposition of property to defeat obligations; in alimony and support, further providing for alimony and repealing provisions relating to bar to alimony; and repealing provisions relating to mediation.

PA HB1120

In intestate succession, further providing for forfeiture; in elective share of surviving spouse, further providing for right of election and resident decedent; in wills, further providing for modification by circumstances; in estates, further providing for modification by divorce or pending divorce and for effect of divorce or pending divorce on designation of beneficiaries; in preliminary provisions, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to limitations on attacks upon decrees and to opening or vacating decrees; in alimony and support, further providing for bar to alimony; and, in mediation, further providing for mediation programs.

PA HB1108

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for effect of agreement between parties; and, in property rights, further providing for equitable division of marital property.

PA SB55

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

PA HB1928

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

PA SB1189

In budget and finance, further providing for expenses.

PA HB2342

In budget and finance, further providing for expenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.