Oct. 26, 2018
WEST GROVE – Legislation sponsored by Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster), which would protect victims of domestic violence by changing how alimony is paid during a divorce, was signed into law Wednesday.
Under current law, a victim of domestic violence can be ordered to pay alimony to their abusive spouse, even if the abuser pled guilty to the crime.
Act 102 of 2018, sponsored by Lawrence, ensures that these victims will not have to pay their convicted abuser.
“I appreciate Gov. Tom Wolf’s approval of my bill,” said Lawrence. “I have heard from victims of domestic violence all over the state who have been ordered by a judge to pay alimony to their abusive soon-to-be ex-spouse. This legislation corrects that injustice to ensure that, going forward, people will not have to pay their abuser.”
The new law, which had overwhelming support in both the Houses and Senate, goes into effect in 60 days.
Representative John Lawrence
13th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com
RepLawrence.com