IN SR0032

Urges the legislative council to assign a study committee to examine spousal support and educational support issues in Indiana family law.

Directs the committee to explore adding factors for courts to consider when awarding spousal maintenance and allowing courts to award spousal support up to either the duration of the marriage or 40 percent of the payor spouse's annual salary (including child support obligations), whichever is more restrictive.

Notes that Indiana currently prohibits family courts from ordering spousal support in most circumstances, unlike most other states.

Identifies concerns that divorce under current equitable distribution law disproportionately harms stay-at-home spouses and children, particularly women, and that lower-paid spouses cannot afford adequate legal representation.

Passed by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on March 1, 2018, with a vote of 8-0.