Guilford Divorce Lawyer

The decision to get a divorce is one of the most difficult choices you will ever make, but the legal process can be made simpler with the help of a family attorney. Whether you need assistance completing paperwork or presenting evidence in court proceedings, a legal professional can make sure your needs are being represented in your case.

A Guilford divorce lawyer can put your mind at ease by answering any questions you may have about the dissolution process. Whether you are thinking of ending your marriage or currently pursuing litigation, reach out to learn how we can work with you on your case.

Grounds for Marital Dissolution in Guildford

Connecticut is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that spouses only need to state that their marriage has “irretrievably broken down” to file for divorce. It is not necessary to claim one person is at fault, though spouses may cite one or more fault-based grounds for marital dissolution. Some common fault-based reasons to end a marriage include:

• Adultery
• Willful abandonment
• Severe alcohol or drug addiction
• Imprisonment

Regardless of the reason for the breakdown of a marriage, working with an attorney in Guilford is critical when filing divorce paperwork, as they can help individuals protect their rights and interests.

The Difference Between an Annulment and a Divorce

There is one main difference between annulment and divorce. To get an annulment, the marriage must be deemed illegal and void or voidable under state law. After the annulment is executed, the marriage will be declared null and void, as if it had never taken place. Common reasons an annulment might be appropriate include a lack of a valid marriage license, one party to the marriage was already married, the marriage performed by an unauthorized party, or if one or both parties to the marriage are minors.

Marriage annulment is a rare and complex occurrence. Anyone who thinks they may have grounds for annulment as opposed to a divorce or legal separation should seek a seasoned lawyer in Guilford before proceeding.

Determining the Need for Alimony or Child Support

Spousal support, otherwise known as alimony, is a temporary or permanent court-ordered payment from one ex-spouse to another. Several factors are considered when determining whether spousal support is appropriate and how much should be paid. The length of the marriage, the spouses’ respective earning capacities, and the causes for the breakdown of the marriage can influence the court’s ruling on alimony.

If the divorcing spouses have minor children, child support will also be addressed during divorce proceedings. Like alimony, child support is a court-ordered payment from one party to the other, though this money is for the benefit of the minor children as opposed to the ex-spouse.

State guidelines determine how much child support a parent should pay, though there may be grounds to deviate from these standards, such as total family support, extraordinary medical expenses, or shared physical custody.

How a Guilford Divorce Attorney Can Help You

Going through a divorce can be overwhelming, but our firm can help you understand how complex legal statutes apply to your specific situation. Consult with a Guilford divorce lawyer on a variety of topics, including property division, allocation of debts, alimony, child support, or child custody. Contact us today to make sure your rights are upheld as you work to dissolve your marriage.