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Planning for divorce is a highly emotional and stressful experience, especially when there are children involved. You must think about custody arrangements, property division, and other matters. Preparation for divorce in Fairfield is not easy, but we can help you by advising you of your rights and helping you file the necessary paperwork.

One of our experienced divorce attorneys will be able to advise you on how to divide your marital assets, address custody and child support issues, and any other disputes that may arise. We will listen to your goals and concerns when it comes to your family and negotiate an outcome that protects everyone.

Preparation for Divorce

During the preparation for divorce, couples must navigate a variety of issues in addition to the court system in Fairfield. Working with a family lawyer can save couples time and money during the process. Before filing to dissolve a marriage, there are some things to consider. First, the couple must satisfy Connecticut’s residency requirements and determine the legal grounds for the breakdown of their marriage.

Residency Requirement

In Connecticut, someone can file for divorce at any time after they establish residency. There are three main ways to establish residency for purposes of filing for divorce:

  • Either spouse has lived in the state for twelve months before filing or prior to the divorce being finalized
  • A couple can file for divorce when they move back to Connecticut if they lived there while married, moved, and returned
  • The cause of the breakdown of the marriage occurred after one spouse moved to Connecticut

An attorney can walk you through this part of the process if necessary.

Legal Grounds for Divorce

Couples seeking a divorce must assert the legal grounds for the breakdown of their marriage. Although Connecticut does recognize fault-based divorce related to one spouse’s marital misconduct (such as adultery or abandonment), pursuing a fault-based divorce requires evidence of the alleged misconduct. Gathering such evidence can cost time and money, drawing out the divorce process for couples.

The more common and efficient way to get a divorce in Connecticut is simply to declare that the marriage “has broken down irretrievably,” which means there is no reasonable hope that the couple can address their differences. A no-fault divorce means the couple agrees regarding their separation. Couples who file for an uncontested divorce in Connecticut often experience a much easier, quicker, and less expensive divorce than the contested route.

The Process of Filing for Divorce

Once the Fairfield couple has satisfied the residency requirement and determined the legal grounds for divorce, an attorney can file the paperwork in the appropriate court. After the lawyer files the initial papers, they can help couples prepare for other aspects of divorce, such as dividing marital property, establishing custody and child support, and deciding on alimony.

Deciding how to proceed on these issues is a crucial aspect of preparing for divorce. Couples who attend the first hearing with an agreement can save a significant amount of time and money, as opposed to spouses who opt to battle the issues out in a divorce trial.

Reach Out to a Fairfield Attorney to Start Preparing for Divorce

We understand that the preparation for divorce in Fairfield can be a difficult time for you and your family. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle any legal issue you could face in your divorce proceedings. Likewise, we can help you prepare by filing the necessary paperwork and determining an equitable way to divide marital assets.

We approach family law issues with flexibility so that both parties are happy with the outcome of their case. Contact our office to discuss your options if you are considering divorce.

Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a
1305 Post Road, Suite 205 Fairfield CT 06824 (203) 990-1387