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Hartford Divorce Lawyer

Whether the breakdown of your marriage was caused by financial miscommunications, religious differences, or lack of commitment, making the decision to divorce your spouse is never easy. If you are thinking of ending your marriage, it may be in your best interest to reach out to an experienced family law attorney. A Hartford divorce lawyer can help you file for legal separation, annulment, or marital dissolution.

Whether you want to petition for divorce following a period of separation or fight for custody of shared children, you should retain legal counsel. Call us today to speak with a legal professional about your case.

Petitioning for Divorce in Hartford

In Hartford, spouses may end their marriage on fault-based or no-fault grounds. Two parties may dissolve their marriage for any of the reasons outlined in Connecticut General Statutes §46b-40, including:

  • Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
  • Adultery
  • Fraud
  • Willful abandonment of more than one year
  • Legal or actual separation for at least 18 months
  • Long-term drug or alcohol dependency
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Life imprisonment or confinement to a mental institution for more than six years

Many couples file for a no-fault dissolution to avoid conflict, but viable allegations of fault can impact one spouse’s right to alimony, child custody, or marital property. A skilled Hartford divorce attorney can help spouses file for a fault-based divorce or defend against allegations of fault.

Common Legal Disputes Associated with Marital Dissolution Proceedings

Many conflicts may arise when spouses petition for divorce in Hartford. Two parties might encounter disputes over property division, child custody, or spousal support. An attorney in Hartford can help divorcing spouses understand their marital rights in these disputes.

If spouses cannot agree on essential financial issues, legal counsel can help one party identify assets and liabilities in the marital estate and fight for a fair distribution. However, if both parties are willing to work together, a legal representative can also act as a neutral meditator during negotiations. Individuals who are financially dependent on their spouses can also fight for spousal support during a Hartford divorce case.

Resolving Disputes During Legal Separation

Divorcing parents of minor children will need to develop a parenting plan and calculate their child support needs. Co-parents are required to complete a parenting education course and work with legal professionals to file additional documentation when requesting a divorce impacting their children. A Hartford divorce lawyer can help spouses resolve their specific disputes.

Negotiating a Divorce Settlement in Hartford

While most divorces take at least 90 days to finalize due to the statutory waiting period, some cases may take much longer depending on the complexity of the couple’s finances or the number of shared children they have. In certain instances, a judge may waive this waiting period upon request if both parties draft a divorce settlement and file it with the court.

Separation settlements typically contain property distribution, alimony, and child-rearing provisions. A judge must specifically find that any proposed child custody plans or child support agreements are in the best interest of the minor children. Parents must also file specific child support worksheets complying with state guidelines in order for their divorce to be approved by the court.

Settlement contracts can substantially reduce the legal fees and stress typically associated with contested domestic litigation. Hartford couples are encouraged to work with an attorney when executing a settlement during a divorce.

Protect Your Rights with the Help of a Hartford Divorce Attorney

Though divorcing spouses are not required to have legal counsel, families with children or substantial joint assets can benefit from hiring an attorney. Errors made during the dissolution process can result in the court denying or delaying the entry of a divorce decree.

Get the support you need by consulting with an experienced Hartford divorce lawyer. Call our office today to schedule a meeting to discuss your case.

Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a
100 Pearl St Suite 1454 Hartford CT 06103 (860) 850-2702