Stamford Divorce Lawyer

The decision to seek legal dissolution of your marriage should not be taken lightly. This complicated process can have a significant effect on the division of marital property, court-ordered financial support, and potential child custody arrangements.

If you are in need of legal assistance, consider retaining a Stamford divorce lawyer. An experienced attorney at our firm can guide you through the initial filing and represent you in any court proceedings. Our divorce law firm can help you reach an agreement that protects your rights and satisfies all of your family law needs.

Requirements for Seeking a Divorce in Stamford

Under Connecticut General Statutes §46b-40, a marriage may only end in the event of death of one spouse or a court-issued decree of dissolution or annulment. Those who are filing for divorce must cite the reason they wish to end their marriage. A spouse may file for divorce on one or more of the following fault-based grounds:

• Adultery
• Fraud
• Cruelty
• Imprisonment
• Lengthy periods of desertion or absence

If no party is at fault, spouses may file for divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.” In order to pursue divorce, at least one of the spouses must have lived in the state for more than a year prior to filing a formal complaint. This document should include a claim of relief that dictates the filing party’s wishes in regard to division of assets, child custody, alimony, and other issues.

The complaint will then be delivered to the non-filing spouse along with a summons for them to appear in court. As per C.G.S. 46b-67, a minimum of 90 days must pass before the court can officially grant the requested divorce. A local dissolution of marriage attorney can work on the behalf of a spouse to advocate for their best interests and help them through each step of the divorce process.

Marriage Separations Agreements

In some situations, couples may prefer to separate from each other without formally dissolving their marriage. This may be used as a time to consider divorce while allowing for potential reconciliation. State law permits couples to file for legal separation on the same grounds that could justify a divorce.

Prior to pursuing marital separation, couples must draft an agreement to address all the issues that might come up in a claim for relief. These terms apply throughout the legal separation period and can typically be merged into a decree of dissolution if the couple chooses to pursue divorce later on. A seasoned dissolution of marriage attorney in the area can help a spouse formulate a contract that addresses their specific needs.

Consider Speaking with a Stamford Divorce Attorney

Pursuing a divorce can be an unpredictable and emotionally volatile process. Attempting to initiate the dissolution process without divorce legal help could hinder your chances of achieving your desired outcome. An experienced family divorce attorney can help you draft a legal separation agreement, file for marital dissolution, and protect your rights and best interests in court.

Whatever kind of assistance you need, a Stamford divorce lawyer can help. Call today to find out how a legal representative from a qualified divorce law firm can help you.