SD 1855 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to protect survivors of spousal abuse from alimony liability

This bill requires Massachusetts courts to deny or terminate alimony payments to spouses convicted of spousal abuse. It directly protects survivors of abuse (who no longer face alimony obligations from abusive partners) and removes alimony eligibility for abusive spouses. Key provisions mandate courts to automatically refuse alimony in new cases involving abuse convictions and end existing alimony payments if a spouse later receives such a conviction. The law also allows former alimony payers to petition courts to terminate ongoing payments to abusive spouses.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor