S 1261 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Allows for no fault separation

Summary

Allows for no fault separation where the relationship between the spouses has broken down irretrievably for a period of at least six months; requires that issues of support and custody or visitation have been resolved.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

Assembly Passage

Mar 2025

Signed into Law

Dec 2025

Introduced Jan 8, 2025 Signed Dec 19, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S1261 → S1261A · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill amends New York's domestic relations law to modernize language from 'husband and wife' to 'spouses' and clarifies the separation requirements for no-fault divorce. The changes make the law more gender-neutral and streamline the process by confirming the six-month separation period requirement.

Scope change

The bill applies to all matrimonial actions in New York State and does not change the scope of applicability.

DEFINITION

Changed references from 'husband and wife' to 'spouses' throughout the bill to use gender-neutral language.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the separation requirement language to clarify that spouses must live apart for six months or more under either a court decree or written agreement.

TECHNICAL

Added procedural language indicating the bill was amended, discharged from committee, and reprinted as amended.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 5, 2025 · Assembly Mar 24, 2025

How they voted

60–1

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 63

Mar 5, 2025

D Democratic41

39 Yea 2

95% Yea

R Republican22

21 Yea 1 Nay

95% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Dec 19, 2025

Signed into law

SIGNED CHAP.673

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

PASSED ASSEMBLY

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

Feb 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 1261A

upper

Feb 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO JUDICIARY

upper

Jan 8, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor