Page Updated: 9/25/2024
HAPPINESS MATTERS.
Divorce and family law are all we do at Freed Marcroft. Our attorneys’ singular focus, without distractions, allows us to go “a mile deep” on all the highly evolving aspects of family law. Our dedicated family attorneys have the qualities you expect from powerful litigators, including a deep bench, legal knowledge, and an aggressive approach.
However, our Connecticut divorce lawyers also have the compassion and conflict resolution skills necessary to provide non-adversarial resolutions for clients. We have extensive experience in all three family law options – litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce – because what is most important to us is designing a divorce individualized to you, your goals, and your family.
NAVIGATING DIVORCE WITH CHILDREN
For families with children, decisions surrounding parenting plans and child custody and parenting are often the most emotional aspects of a divorce. Freed Marcroft offers mediation and collaborative divorce, which allows and supports parents seeking agreement on parenting and child support outside of court.
A non-adversarial method allows for a creative and flexible parenting plan that anticipates the future as your children grow. Plus, you and your co-parent will learn enhanced communication skills, setting you up to reduce the stress on everyone – especially the kids.
CUSTODY AND SUPPORT MODIFICATIONS AFTER A DIVORCE
When the court finalized your divorce, it issued a divorce decree. That divorce decree is a final, enforceable court order. Sometimes, some of that order doesn’t work for you and your family. In other instances, a spouse may not be following the order.
Post-judgment issues deal with property division, child support, alimony, or the parenting plan. The Motion for Modification and the Motion for Contempt are probably the most common motions filed post-divorce in Connecticut. Another common Post Judgment motion is the Motion to Open the Judgment.
Freed Marcroft’s Connecticut divorce lawyers have the depth of knowledge and experience about divorce law, and with the Connecticut courts, to deploy the most strategic Post Judgment motions for you. In fact, filing motions isn’t always a necessary (or even preferable) first course of action.
If you prefer to reach an agreement, rather than litigate, mediation and collaborative law are options to consider. In those cases, we submit the agreement you reach to the court so that it becomes an enforceable court order. There are other creative solutions that may meet your needs.
TYPES OF DIVORCE
There are three ways to approach a Connecticut divorce, traditional (high-conflict) or cooperative (low-conflict) litigation, collaborative divorce, and mediation. Your Freed Marcroft legal team will help you understand the pros and cons of all three divorce options so that you can choose the approach that’s the right fit for you and your family.
Our Connecticut divorce lawyers have extensive experience in all divorce options because what is most important to us is designing a divorce individualized to you, your goals, and your family. The divorce option you choose should be based on you, not your attorney’s partiality (or absence of) training or proficiency.
DIVORCE INFORMATION AND FACTS
Freed Marcroft’s divorce attorneys have a lot of experience helping people through this time, and part of our job is to explain how divorce works in Connecticut. Check out our Divorce Information and Facts for answers to the most common legal questions. Plus, we are always adding new divorce and family law information to both our Divorce and Family Law Blog and YouTube video channel.
If we decide to work together, you will have the opportunity to ask (and we will answer) whatever legal questions are on your mind. Our Connecticut divorce lawyers’ answers will be specific to you, your situation, and your goals.
WHY CHOOSE OUR CONNECTICUT DIVORCE LAWYERS
We’re high achievers that play all in. We do everything we can within the parameters of our role as Connecticut divorce lawyers and legal professionals to help you transform your life.
We put your goals at the center of everything we do. Our legal strategy is rooted in your goals, because your goals are what matter.
Divorce and family law is all we do. A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none.
We tell you the truth, even when it’s hard. We believe in you and your ability to decide what’s best for you. A great attorney will always be honest with you, even when you don’t want to hear it – frankly, especially when you don’t want to hear it.
We anticipate what needs to be done well in advance. Our extensive experience allows us to take action at the best possible time. We communicate with you about your case early, often, and before you ask.
DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION WITH A CONNECTICUT DIVORCE LAWYER
Every day, we are able to witness the powerful, life-altering transformation that divorce can have in a person’s life. With only one life to live, we make it our mission to support people making the brave decision to live it the way they choose. You can confidently trust us with the hardest and bravest things you have ever done. For more information about what could be possible in your case, please reach out to a member of our team and schedule a time to speak about your situation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVORCE IN CONNECTICUT
How is property divided in divorce in CT?
Connecticut is an equitable distribution state, meaning that all property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). To read more on this, check out our blog: https://freedmarcroft.com/blog/what-is-equitable-distribution-in-connecticut/
Do I have to prove fault to get divorced?
In Connecticut, you have the option of filing for either a “for-fault” or “no-fault” divorce; however, it is much more common for couples to file for a no-fault divorce in which neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to be granted a divorce.
What’s the main difference between collaborative divorce and mediation?
Collaborative divorce offers much more structure than mediation, and you also have your attorney by your side throughout the entire collaborative process.
Can a mediator give legal advice during mediation?
No, a divorce mediator is a neutral facilitator whose job is to facilitate discussion and problem solving between spouses as they work to reach an agreement.
Is mediation required in CT?
While many other states require couples to attempt mediation before moving forward to other divorce options, the state of Connecticut does not require this.
How do you start the divorce process?
The divorce process is initiated by filing two forms: Summons Family Actions (form JD-FM-3) and Divorce Complaint/Cross Complaint (form JD-FM-159).
Is there an advantage to filing for divorce before my spouse does?
Legally speaking, the court will not take into account which spouse filed for divorce first, so there is no legal advantage to being the first to file. To read more, see this blog: https://freedmarcroft.com/blog/does-it-matter-who-files-for-divorce-first/
How long does divorce take?
In our experience, typical divorce timelines range from about 4 to 18 months. To learn more, see this blog: https://freedmarcroft.com/blog/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-connecticut/