This bill amends RSA 458:19-a by introducing a new paragraph that mandates the enforcement of alimony waivers unless they are deemed invalid. Specifically, it states that agreements where parties waive their rights to alimony will be upheld unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence. The grounds for invalidating such waivers include coercion, deceit, duress, fraud, mutual mistake, material misrepresentation, supervening illegality, or if enforcing the waiver would be unconscionable or if circumstances have changed significantly since the agreement was made.

The new legal language inserted into the current law emphasizes the importance of upholding alimony waivers, thereby providing clarity and stability in divorce settlements. The bill does not delete any existing legal language but rather adds to the framework governing alimony agreements. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 458:19-a
As Amended by the House: 458:19-a
HB1229 text: 458:19-a