North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill to reduce the state's mandatory separation period for couples filing for divorce from one year to six months, revising a law that has been in place since 1931.
The proposed Senate Bill 836 is known as the Domestic Violence Divorce Reform Act. Jen Hamilton, a labor and delivery nurse and content creator, shared her experience with the current law and her frustration with the requirement to remain legally tied to her marriage for a year, stating the current waiting period can create financial hardship for families and may force domestic violence survivors to remain in unsafe situations. "I could not believe that I really had to stay in this situation at least legally," she said.
State Sen. Woodson Bradley, who sponsored the bill, said the proposal is gaining traction. "Now within the walls of the General Assembly, this is not a partisan issue; this is not a one-off issue," Bradley said. "People are understanding." Forsyth County attorney Lena Bowman emphasized the importance of addressing financial matters before filing, warning that without claims for alimony or spousal support, someone could potentially waive their rights. While the bill may not pass before the end of the current session, Bradley highlighted growing awareness among lawmakers.
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Source note: Star News TV · Oct 16, 2026 12:50 AM.
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