HB1228 Relative to the enforcement of alimony orders and relative to waivers of alimony.
Relative to the enforcement of alimony orders and relative to waivers of alimony.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Obligors who have negotiated alimony waivers gain clearer protection against future claims, while recipients lose potential leverage to challenge waivers later; net financial effect varies by individual circumstances but provides more predictability.
Your Community
No direct impact on community services, schools, or local infrastructure.
Your Freedom
Strengthens contractual freedom by making written alimony waivers enforceable while preserving court authority to void agreements obtained through fraud, duress, or unconscionable circumstances.
Status
Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026; Chapter 159; eff.01/01/2027
Sponsor
Jay Markell (R)
The Short Version
This bill clarifies that past-due alimony orders must be enforced as written and that written agreements waiving alimony rights are binding unless proven invalid through specific legal grounds. It affects how family courts handle alimony disputes and enforcement, with primary impact on divorcing/divorced spouses and their financial obligations.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Obligors (alimony payers) who have negotiated waivers—gains clearer enforceability of agreements
- ▲ Those seeking predictability in family law enforcement—courts must follow agreement terms unless modified by law or mutual consent
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Alimony recipients who might challenge waivers on grounds other than those listed (coercion, deceit, duress, fraud, misrepresentation, unconscionability, changed circumstances)
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.