Bill adds domestic violence provision for divorce #msleg

Bill adds domestic violence provision for divorce

The conference report adds language that details what constitutes abusive physical and non-physical conduct, and standard of proof for judges to consider when ruling on divorce cases.

It also allows the injured spouse to testify and the court consider that spouse a credible witness. Under existing divorce law, an additional witness is required to corroborate testimony from a spouse about abuse.

The report states spouses who send threats or commit acts of intimidation, emotional or verbal abuse, forced isolation, sexual extortion or abuse, stalking or aggravated stalking could be found guilty of physical abuse.

MS Today
3/28/17