Snyder Bill to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence Signed into Law

SB25-116 ensures alimony decisions consider domestic violence and abuse history

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence navigating divorce and spousal support proceedings.

Cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, SB25-116 ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders.

“Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Snyder. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions.”

Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. 

The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings.