All states now allow couples to file for divorce without alleging that either spouse was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, and some states permit only no-fault divorce. However, Connecticut law gives divorcing spouses the option to file based on fault, and that choice carries real legal and financial consequences.
Whether you are considering alleging fault against your ex-partner or you are facing fault allegations yourself, Dolan Divorce Lawyers is here to help. A Hartford fault-based divorce lawyer from our team is ready to provide the informed, dedicated representation you need. As Connecticut’s largest family law firm, our divorce attorneys have the depth of resources and experience to handle divorce cases of all levels of complexity.
A no-fault divorce filing typically cites irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, while a fault-based divorce requires the filing party to allege specific grounds recognized under Connecticut General Statutes. Recognized grounds include:
A Hartford fault-based divorce attorney can help you understand how fault may bear on the financial determinations in your case, including the division of the marital estate and alimony obligations. Because Connecticut treats all property owned by either party as part of the marital estate and subject to division at the judge’s discretion, the court has broad authority to weigh fault as one factor among many in reaching a final outcome.
Divorce commonly brings intense feelings, and where the breakdown of the marriage involves betrayal or misconduct, the impulse to pursue a fault-based filing can be strong. However, fault-based divorce can involve greater cost, longer timelines, and more contentious litigation than a no-fault proceeding. There are circumstances in which pursuing fault serves a client’s interests well, and circumstances in which it does not. You should speak with your attorney candidly about both the potential advantages and the possible drawbacks before deciding how to proceed.
The stakes in a fault-based divorce are high regardless of which side of the allegation you are on, and working with an experienced fault-based divorce lawyer in Hartford is important in either situation.
If you are alleging fault against your ex-partner, your attorney can help you gather and organize the evidence needed to support your position, articulate the specific grounds for the allegation accurately in the complaint, and ensure that all filings meet court procedural requirements. Your attorney can also present your case in a manner that reflects the full context of the breakdown of the marriage rather than isolated incidents.
If your ex-partner is alleging fault against you, we can review the allegations carefully and identify weaknesses in the opposing party’s position. Where allegations are overstated or unsupported, your attorney can challenge them directly. We can also work to ensure that fault considerations are placed in the proper context before the court, and advocate for a financial outcome that reflects the full circumstances of your case.
At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, our attorneys have handled complex, high-conflict family law matters throughout Connecticut. We bring the resources of the state’s largest family law firm to every case, with a commitment to thorough preparation and clear communication at every stage of the process.
Fault-based divorce requires careful strategy, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of how Connecticut courts approach these matters. If you are facing such a situation, we encourage you to contact Dolan Divorce Lawyers today to schedule a consultation with a Hartford fault-based divorce lawyer from our firm. Whether you are pursuing fault allegations or responding to them, qualified representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
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