Bill > SB385

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding alimony pendente lite (temporary support during divorce proceedings) to expand the circumstances under which a person convicted of a personal injury crime against their spouse can be denied spousal support. Specifically, the bill adds that when a court is determining whether "manifest injustice" would occur by denying support, it must now review the history of any protection from abuse orders against a party, in addition to reviewing any history of harassment. The existing law already prohibits spousal support for someone convicted of a personal injury crime against their spouse, but this amendment provides additional criteria for courts to consider when making that determination. The bill applies to legal proceedings commenced on or after its effective date, which is 60 days after its passage. The purpose appears to be protecting victims of domestic violence by giving courts more discretion to deny support to individuals with a documented history of abusive behavior, even if their specific personal injury crime conviction might not automatically disqualify them from receiving support.