NC S772

Waives the required one-year period of separation for absolute divorce in North Carolina when a person in the marriage is a victim of domestic violence as defined under G.S. 50B-1.

Requires divorce applicants claiming domestic violence to submit a statement and evidence of victimization, with evidence including at least two of the following: law enforcement or court records, documentation from a domestic violence program, or documentation from a medical or other professional.

Prevents divorce applications under this provision from being barred by defenses, pleas of res judicata, or pleas of recrimination, and preserves dependent spouse rights to alimony.

Appropriates $15,000 from the General Fund to the Governor's Crime Commission for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to implement an awareness campaign about domestic violence victims' separation waivers.

Becomes effective upon passage for new actions and July 1, 2020 for the awareness campaign funding.