SENATOR LACHOWICZ SPONSORS BILLS TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Bills would ease divorce requirements for domestic violence victims

AUGUSTA – Senator Colleen Lachowicz (D-Waterville) introduced two measures to protect victims of domestic violence by easing divorce requirements.

“Victims of domestic violence are often focusing on their health and well-being, not filing fees and residency requirements,” said Senator Lachowicz.  “We should make it easier for people to leave abusive marriages, not harder.”

Currently, victims of domestic violence must live in Maine for at least 6 months before seeking a divorce.  Lachowicz’s bill allows an individual to file for divorce without meeting the 6-month residency requirement as long as the individual currently lives in the state and has filed a protection from abuse order against their spouse.

“Last year I met a constituent who had recently returned to Maine to seek safety from her husband,” said Senator Lachowicz. “However, because she had not lived in Maine for the required 6 months, she was unable to get a divorce.  She was trying to rebuild her life and the State wasn’t making it any easier.”

Lachowicz is also sponsoring a bill to waive filing fees for victims seeking divorce.

“Victims of domestic violence have suffered unimaginable experiences,” said Senator Lachowicz. “I believe that we have a responsibility to do all that we can to help them rebuild their lives.”

The public hearings for both bills, LD 869, “An Act to Relax Divorce Requirements for Victims of Domestic Violence,” and LD 871, “An Act to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence by Waiving their Filing Fees in Public Hearing Divorce Actions,” will be held today, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Judiciary Committee in room 438 of the State House.