Getting divorced is an emotionally charged experience. Even though the divorce might be the best thing for you and your family, it can still feel devastating. In addition to dealing with emotional concerns, you need to make sure that you address all financial matters, including appraising assets to ensure an equitable distribution.
To make things easier, it is critical to work with a skilled legal team that has had success obtaining a favorable division of assets in Fairfield. A local lawyer who is familiar with Connecticut’s laws and practices can help you pursue a financial agreement that protects your interests.
Connecticut courts apply the equitable distribution standard when dividing a couple’s assets during a divorce. Under the equitable distribution system, each spouse does not necessarily get to keep exactly 50 percent of the marital assets. Instead, the court would seek to divide the couple’s assets in a manner that is fair to both spouses, leaving each spouse with an appropriate share of the marital estate.
Unlike many other states, Connecticut courts consider all assets, regardless of when or how they were acquired, when dividing property in a divorce. In contrast, other states classify certain assets as separate property, meaning they belong solely to one spouse. Separate property typically includes assets obtained before the marriage, such as gifts or inheritances. In those jurisdictions, judges often exclude separate property from division, allowing the owning spouse to retain it.
In Connecticut, judges have broad discretion to determine what qualifies as marital property. Any income, assets, or property acquired jointly during the marriage, or even acquired separately during or before the marriage, could be included in the marital estate. For example, if you purchased property with your own funds and titled it solely in your name, a court could still classify it as part of the marital estate and divide it equitably in a divorce.
Because the marital estate can be so comprehensive, working with a knowledgeable Fairfield lawyer could help you pursue a division of property that protects your interests.
As outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-81, courts in Connecticut look at a wide range of factors when determining how to divide a couple’s assets in a divorce.
Some of the factors are:
Because judges have discretion, they do not need to weigh each factor equally. Depending on the circumstances, a judge could place greater emphasis on certain considerations. To pursue a favorable division of assets, you must present a strong case in a Fairfield court. A skilled local legal team could help you gather and present evidence that supports your position.
Obtaining a favorable division of assets in Fairfield is a serious concern for anyone going through the divorce process. You want to ensure that you will have enough money and other assets to provide for yourself and your family post-divorce. Contact our dedicated attorneys today to learn how we can assist you during a free consultation.
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