This bill amends RSA 458:19-a to establish that waivers of alimony will be enforced unless proven invalid. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph (VII) that states agreements in which parties waive their rights to alimony—whether past, present, or future—will be upheld unless a party can demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the waiver is invalid due to specific circumstances such as coercion, deceit, duress, fraud, mutual mistake, material misrepresentation, supervening illegality, or if enforcing the waiver would be unconscionable.

The bill emphasizes the importance of upholding alimony waivers, thereby providing clarity and stability in divorce agreements. It is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, allowing time for individuals and legal practitioners to adjust to the new legal framework regarding alimony waivers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 458:19-a
HB1229 text: 458:19-a