Bill > H3078

This bill modifies South Carolina's alimony law to provide more nuanced treatment of adultery in divorce proceedings. Specifically, the bill changes existing law to allow for the potential award of alimony even when a spouse has committed adultery, depending on the timing of the adultery and subsequent events. Under the revised statute, a spouse who commits adultery before signing a written settlement agreement or before entry of a permanent support order would typically be barred from receiving alimony. However, the bill introduces an important exception: if the spouse filing for divorce subsequently commits adultery before those key events, the original adultery would no longer prevent alimony from being awarded. This change gives courts more discretion in determining alimony, recognizing that relationship dynamics can be complex and that strict adultery disqualifications might not always serve the interests of justice. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving the Governor's approval, potentially changing how South Carolina courts handle alimony determinations in cases involving marital infidelity.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3078&session=126&summary=B