SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5706

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1991

Brief Description:  Including consideration of marital misconduct in dissolutions.

SPONSORS:Senators Craswell, Rasmussen, L. Smith, Stratton and Hayner.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786‑7190)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Many serious social, educational, economic and personal problems result from divorce.  Some public policy and legal theorists suggest that "no-fault" divorce facilitates a high divorce rate.  It is thought that consideration of "marital misconduct" during judicial determinations affecting economic status after divorce would curtail divorce in marginal cases where the marriage might yet be viable, and would encourage responsible behavior.

SUMMARY:

Consideration of the nature and extent of marital misconduct is made a part of the judicial evaluation of maintenance, property division and child support at the time of marital dissolution. 

Appropriation:  none 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 21, 1991