California bill and spousal abusers

For those of you involved in an abusive relationship, help is on the way.  A proposed bill, AB-1522, would end spousal support payments for spouses who have been convicted of violent sexual felonies against their former partners.

The bill was initiated by someone who was forced to pay spousal support to her husband after he was convicted of raping her.  She stated, “It wasn’t the money that hurt.  Even if it was one dollar, it’s humiliating and degrading to have a victim pay her own perpetrator.”

AB-1522 is close to becoming a California law.  If the law passes, individuals convicted of violent sex crimes against their spouses would not be able to collect spousal support.  The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature at this time.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and you are ordered to pay support to your abuser, contact an experienced Orange County Divorce attorney who may be able to help you avoid the humiliation and pain of having to pay an abusive spouse.