At Freed Marcroft Divorce & Family Law, we are proud to advocate for individuals who bravely decide to live life the way they choose, and prioritize their happiness. The decisions you make now will impact your life after your divorce for many years to come, and we’ve seen firsthand the kind of powerful, positive, life-changing transformation that can happen when you have the right legal support on your side.
That being said, we understand that the prospect of divorce comes with a lot of uncertainties, which can be discouraging. That’s why our Bristol divorce lawyers take the time to learn about you – who you are as a person and what sort of vision you have for the future. That way, we can take the lead on the legal strategy and put you in a prime position to accomplish your goals. We want to show you a better, more confident, way to approach divorce.
Ready to get back in the driver’s seat of your life? Call today to book your first meeting with our team and take the first step.
What Kind Of Experience Can You Expect While Working With Our Bristol Divorce Lawyers?
We find that the divorce process can happen much more seamlessly when you’re confident in the legal support you have in your corner – because they’re the right fit for you. Here’s a picture of what working with our team is like:
- As high-achievers, we play all in – That means we go for results. We’re goal-oriented by nature, which means we do everything we can, within the parameters of our roles as lawyers and legal professionals, to help you achieve your goals and achieve the transformation you’ve been yearning for.
- We’re honest, even when it’s hard – We will always tell you the truth, because we believe in you and your ability to decide what’s best. However, we’re skilled attorneys, not magicians; so, you may not always want to hear what we have to say. Divorce involves making a lot of decisions that will impact your future for years to come, so you need all the information, even the kind that may be hard to swallow.
- We’re always working ahead – Because family law is all we do (and we’re really good at it) we’re exceptionally familiar with the Connecticut courts and their judges, as well as the divorce process. This gives us the unique insight to anticipate what needs to be done far in advance. Moreover, you can count on our Bristol divorce lawyers to communicate what is happening with your case early, often, and before you ask.
What Is The Right Way To Approach Your Divorce?
Simply put, there is no “right” way to approach divorce – only what works for you and your situation. We want to craft a legal strategy that reflects your goals, because your goals are what matter. We will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of all 3 divorce options offered in Connecticut, which are:
Litigation
This is often the “default” approach for divorce, and it involves taking legal action through the court. Contrary to popular belief, though, it doesn’t always have to be a contentious process; in fact, many divorce litigation cases are low-conflict situations where both spouses work with their lawyers to reach an agreement. It is also common for couples to reach an out-of-court settlement agreement at some point during litigation.
We’ve helped clients successfully navigate litigation, in both high-conflict and low-conflict cases. No matter what your situation entails, our Bristol divorce lawyers are highly experienced and will be your fierce advocates in the courtroom, dedicated to working for the outcome you desire.
Collaborative divorce
This method of alternative dispute resolution is less common, so there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about what it is and what it is not. There are a few key factors you should be aware of before considering this option. The first is that both spouses must agree to pursue this route, or else it cannot happen. The second is that it is not necessarily an “inexpensive” approach.
Like mediation, it takes place mainly outside of court. Unlike mediation, there is a bit more structure involved, and both spouses have their lawyers by their side through much of the process. Our team can help you fully understand what to expect with a collaborative divorce, so that if you do choose this path, it is for the right reasons.
Mediation
Mediation is a common route that couples choose to work through the issues in their divorce, mainly because they maintain control over all the important decisions at hand, rather than a judge who doesn’t know them or their family’s unique needs. Freed Marcroft’s team of divorce attorneys include many experienced divorce mediators, giving you an advantage.
This process involves retaining a neutral mediator to facilitate discussion that allows you to reach an agreement on everything the court requires before the divorce can be granted. Some couples even choose to hire a mediator while they are in the midst of litigation, to see if they can resolve some of their outstanding issues and avoid a trial.
Whether you’re in the early stages of divorce or deep into litigation, our Bristol divorce lawyers can help you determine if mediation might be a beneficial option for your situation.
How Can Our Bristol Divorce Lawyers Protect Your Kids’ Best Interests?
We understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about custody and visitation if you have children with your spouse. It’s natural to be emotional about your kids, especially when it comes to how much time you get to spend with them. However, it’s important that you don’t make decisions based solely on those emotions, as the impact will be felt long after the emotions have faded.
We help keep you focused on your kids’ well-being and guide you toward a parenting plan that reflects their best interests, so you can move forward with confidence, even after your divorce is over.
Let Freed Marcroft Help You Navigate Divorce Effectively
We exclusively focus our efforts on family law, and it’s what we do best. We’re really, really smart, and really, really focused, so no matter how complex your situation may seem, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will lead you to a solution that meets your expectations.
We commonly work with clients facing:
- Separation
- Divorce (including high-net-worth divorce)
- Alimony
- Division of property (including high-asset cases)
- Custody
- Child support
- Post-judgment modifications
- International, unmarried, and same-sex couples
- And more.
Our Bristol divorce lawyers show you a better way to divorce. If you’re ready to partner with us, book a meeting with our team so we can learn more about your goals, answer your questions, and offer our insights. We look forward to speaking with you – call today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Bristol, CT
Who gets to keep the house after divorce?
Connecticut is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that marital assets are divided fairly upon divorce, but not necessarily equally. You and your spouse have the opportunity to negotiate your financial issues and decide who keeps the house, if anyone. If you cannot reach an agreement, the court will have to decide. A judge will base the decision off of many factors, such as the custody arrangement, child support/spousal support arrangement, and other financial aspects.
Can I get sole custody of my kids?
Family courts in Connecticut generally encourage custody arrangements in which both parents play an active role in their kids’ lives. However, if there are some extenuating circumstances that prove sole custody to one parent would be in their best interests, they will consider the evidence. This may include evidence of abuse, neglect, substance abuse issues, mental health concerns, lack of parental involvement and/or stability, or relocation/distance issues.
How do I prove fault in my divorce?
Connecticut is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you do not need to prove fault in order to be granted a divorce. However, in some cases, proving fault could impact the outcome of your case, especially when it comes to custody, property division, and child/spousal support. You and your attorney will need to gather and present evidence of the fault you are claiming, which could be in the form of photographs, texts, police reports, financial statements, or eyewitness testimony.
