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Connecticut Divorce Lawyer

The decision to end a marriage is not easy to make, especially if you have been with your partner for a long time or have children together. Anyone considering a divorce or currently navigating the dissolution process can benefit from speaking with an experienced family law attorney.

A Connecticut divorce lawyer can help you understand your legal rights regarding property, alimony, and custody of shared children. Reach out to Dolan Divorce Lawyers to get the dedicated legal representation you need in your case.

Deciding to End a Marriage

Marriage is more than just an emotional commitment; it is a legal union as well. Consequently, a divorce will impact each party’s rights to property, health insurance, retirement accounts, and parenting time.

Whether a couple has been married for several years or a few months, they should take time to consider these essential factors when deciding to dissolve their marriage. Some spouses choose to legally separate as they think about this significant life change. For those still contemplating divorce, a knowledgeable attorney in Connecticut can provide more information about the legal implications of marital dissolution.

What are the Permitted Fault-Based Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut Statute § 46b-40, spouses can choose to end a marriage on multiple fault-based grounds. When filing a petition for a divorce, an individual can cite various reasons for the breakdown of the marriage, such as:

  • Adultery
  • Willful desertion and neglect of one spouse for at least 12 months
  • Intolerable cruelty
  • Imprisonment of one spouse

Though many people seek divorces for specific reasons, there may not always be one at-fault party. Couples whose marriages have irretrievably broken down may file for a no-fault divorce. A skilled attorney can assist spouses with filing for fault or no-fault divorces.

Can Spouses Draft a Settlement for an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms, including the distribution of assets, spousal support, child custody, and child support. With an uncontested divorce, the spouses set the divorce terms in a written agreement.

While negotiating a settlement can facilitate the dissolution process, the court must review the agreement to ensure the terms meet all legal requirements. A lawyer familiar with Connecticut law can review a divorce settlement to ensure it is enforceable.

Division of Marital Property

In Connecticut, everything that either spouse owns is considered marital property and subject to redistribution by the divorce court. Common factors the court will consider when ruling on assets include:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each party’s current income
  • Each party’s earning potential
  • The grounds for divorce cited in the filing paperwork
  • Which party has primary custody of shared children

A dedicated divorce attorney can help fight for a spouse’s rights to marital property.

Child Support and Custody Disputes in a Dissolution Case

When there are children involved, divorce cases become more complicated. Not only must spouses discuss property division and alimony, but they must also negotiate child support and custody. There are two types of custody parents must discuss.

Physical custody refers to which parent the child will live with, while legal custody establishes which parent will make decisions regarding issues such as education and medical care. Even if divorcing parents agree on child custody and support, the court must review the parenting plan to ensure the provisions reflect the child’s best interests. A marital dissolution attorney can represent individual parents during divorce proceedings or mediate both parties as they work to create a parenting plan.

Consult a Connecticut Divorce Attorney

The end of a marriage involves many complicated legal considerations. Dividing assets and determining the bests interests of your children can lead to a host of emotionally charged conflicts.

If you are facing this major life event, it is crucial to seek legal representation. Enlist the help of a Connecticut divorce lawyer to protect your legal rights and interests. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation.

Client Reviews

Title: Professional and Reasonable
N/A Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys 1305 Post Road, Suite 205 Fairfield CT 06824 Phone: (203) 990-1387
Description: I've had the pleasure of working with Matt on several matters. He has always been professional and reasonable - two words not often associated with divorce attorneys. I happily would refer friends and family to him!

Rating: ★★★★★

5 / 5 stars
Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a