Divorce can be both challenging and liberating. It can also lead to unexpected legal disputes when you and your ex try to follow through with your agreements in the proceedings, such as a parenting plan or alimony agreement. When you experience any misunderstandings, it may be time to return to court or to use whatever dispute resolution plan—such as mediation—you and your ex chose in the final decree.
Talking to a seasoned attorney may be in your best interest when you need help resolving issues after a divorce in Southbury. Our legal team has helped dozens of divorcing partners amicably and decisively work through their differences during and after the end of a marriage. We understand what you may be going through during this time and can provide effective and responsive representation when you need it most.
During the divorce process, the spouses must agree on how to divide their assets between themselves, who gets alimony, and how to address child custody and support matters. For example, as explained in Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-81, the court decides how to equitably distribute the spouses’ assets between them by taking into account the length of the marriage, the reason for the divorce, and each spouse’s earning power, income, and assets. Likewise, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82, the court might award alimony to one of the spouses, which may serve to ease the transition from a joint-income to a single-income household.
Another legal issue that may arise during and after a divorce in Southbury is how to arrange for child custody and support going forward. The spouses, their attorneys, and the judge may develop a plan that aligns with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56a and follows the standard of whatever is best for the children.
In an ideal world, the arrangement during the initial proceedings will fit nicely into their lives going forward, and no one will need to make changes. However, often times, the spouses find that they disagree on certain legal issues they thought they had resolved or that they are unable or unwilling to carry out their end of the agreement. As a result, they may have to take action to protect their rights and resolve any misunderstandings they may be experiencing.
When people disagree over their post-dissolution plans, or encounter obstacles, they may try to move through these in a couple of different ways. If there is an immediate safety issue—such as child abuse— they may need to involve law enforcement. If the situation is not as urgent, the spouses may choose to engage in resolution processes outside of court—such as mediation—or by filing an enforcement action.
For example, co-parents experiencing issues with a child support order may go to court to modify or enforce the arrangement under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215. Likewise, a spouse who is having difficulties with having their co-parent follow through on their promises in the custody order may file a lawsuit to resolve any disagreements over this. For many people who are encountering issues after getting divorced, working with a Southbury attorney can be an empowering step toward helping them create workable solutions for themselves and their families.
Ending a marriage can be a difficult decision, but ultimately, it may allow you to reclaim and properly use the space you need to develop healthy relationships with yourself and others. That said, carrying out the agreements you and your ex made during the dissolution process can present many challenges that you may need legal help to address.
Our legal team has helped many individuals and families by resolving issues after a divorce in Southbury. Connect with a knowledgeable family law attorney by scheduling a no-obligation consultation in Connecticut to discuss your specific needs.