Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Connecticut
Important information from an experienced West Hartford legal team
At the outset of divorce, you may have questions about divorce and about your specific situation. Understanding the divorce process and how it applies to you can give you an idea of what to expect in months to come.
Located in West Hartford, The Law Offices of H. Dyke N. Spear, Jr. is a divorce law firm with decades of experience in matrimonial and family law. When your family, finances and future are at stake, we offer reputable, reliable counsel to help you maintain your well-being and your wealth. Following are common questions you may ask today that can help you understand the process in the weeks and months ahead:
We offer skilled legal advice to guide you successfully through divorce and into a new future. When you have questions about family law and divorce, we have answers.
Knowledgeable Hartford divorce law firm provides the answers you need
With more than 30 years of experience, The Law Offices of H. Dyke N. Spear, Jr. is a well-known, highly reputable law firm in West Hartford delivering decisive, cost-effective representation to help you get a good start on the rest of your life. We offer a free half-hour consultation to answer your important questions. Call 860.470.3296 or contact us today.
- How long will this take? After a filing a complaint and serving a process on the other party, there is a 90-day waiting period before any final judgment can be entered. After that time, divorce proceeds in a period that reflects how rapidly parties can reach agreement through negotiation. Most divorce matters settle out of court and take between six months to a year. If your divorce is contested, litigated matters can be substantially longer.
- How is property divided? Connecticut courts divide assets equitably — note that does not mean equally. All assets, property and income acquired by a couple during their marriage are considered their marital estate and are subject to division by the courts or by the parties. If you reach agreement with your spouse about asset division through discussion, or through mediation, be sure to speak to us about the terms. Experienced legal advice is essential during property division to create future financial stability.
- What about my inheritance? If you brought property to the marriage or received specific gifts or assets during the marriage, such as an inheritance, the court may consider it separate property under certain conditions. Proof must be shown that the asset was kept apart from the marital estate, and no maintenance or funds were provided by the marital estate to preserve the asset. If the asset or inheritance was commingled with the marital estate, it is considered part of that estate and subject to equitable division.
- Do I have to pay alimony? Neither party is guaranteed to pay or receive alimony. Awards of alimony are considered by the court based on factors including length of marriage and disparity of income between the parties. Alimony is often awarded for a period as a rehabilitative measure to help the lesser-earning spouse regain financial footing in the workplace.
- What about child custody? Divorce is hard on all children. The best custody arrangements are those made and agreed to between parents. Decisions about children that must be made by parents, or by the court, include whether and how parents will share legal and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make important decisions for your child and physical custody is the right to provide custodial care.
- What are parenting programs? During divorce involving children, each parent must attend a Parent Education program. To help parents support their children through divorce, these programs offer information on developmental stages, conflict resolution, stress management and other tips and resources. These six-hour classes are offered locally at a cost of $125 per parent.
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