Navigating Divorce in Hartford County, CT: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are considering or going through a divorce in Hartford County, CT, this comprehensive guide is here to help you familiarize yourself with the family law legal system. From understanding the legal grounds for divorce to navigating child custody and property division, this guide provides a roadmap to help you navigate the divorce process with confidence. Freed Marcroft’s experienced Hartford County divorce attorneys and professionals have compiled a wealth of information to help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
Whether you are just starting to consider divorce or you are already in the midst of proceedings, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to move forward with your life. Let’s dive in and explore the steps you can take to navigate the divorce process in Connecticut successfully.
Read: Understanding the Divorce Process: A Beginner’s Guide to a Smooth Transition
Hartford County Family Courts
Two divorce courts are located in Hartford County, CT. They are the Hartford Superior Court and the New Britain Judicial District courts.
Hartford Superior Court
The Hartford Superior Court for divorce and family law matters is located at 90 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106.
Here are a few important things to know about the Hartford Family Court.
- The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- There is another courthouse located across the street from 90 Washington Street at 95 Washington Street. 95 Washington is not the correct court for divorce and family law cases.
- The Hartford Family Court is a court of equity. In other words, judges rule based on their view of what is fair under the circumstances and what the find to be in the children’s best interests.
For more information: Hartford County Court
New Britain Judicial District
The New Britain divorce court is located at 20 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.
Here are a few key points about the New Britain Family Court.
- The courthouse doors open at 8:30, but they serve people from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Public parking is generally available at the municipal garage on Badalato Drive.
- As with the Hartford Family Court, New Britain is a court of equity.
For more: New Britain Family Court
In Which Court Do Hartford County, CT Residents File for Divorce?
People in Bloomfield, Burlington, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Manchester, Marlborough, Simsbury, South Windsor, Suffield, West Hartford, Windsor, and Windsor Locks file divorces in the Hartford Family Court.
The New Britain Divorce Court covers Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, and Southington.
People who live in Avon, Canton, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, and Wethersfield have options. They may file their divorce either at the Hartford Family Court or the New Britain Family Court. So do people who live in East Windsor, Manchester, or South Windsor — they can file the Hartford Family Court or the Tolland-Rockville Family Court.
People who live in Cromwell may file in Hartford Family Court or Middlesex Family Court.
Finally, Connecticut divorce courts don’t work strictly on county lines. For example, even though Hartland is located in Hartford County, Hartland residents file their divorces in the Litchfield County Court located in Torrington, CT. Additionally, although Plymouth is in Litchfield County, its residents may choose between the New Britain or Waterbury Family Courts.
For more: Hartford Family Court
For more: New Britain Family Court
Freed Marcroft Divorce and Family Law Hartford County Office Locations
Freed Marcroft has two Hartford County Law offices, located in Hartford and West Hartford.
They are:
Freed Marcroft Hartford Office
419 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Freed Marcroft West Hartford Office
45 S Main Street
Suite 201
West Hartford, CT 06107
Understanding Divorce in Hartford County
Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage. The court dissolves the marriage — this is why divorce is technically called “marriage dissolution” in Connecticut. In Hartford County, there are two types of divorce: fault and no-fault. Connecticut courts grant a fault divorce only when one spouse proves that the other spouse has engaged in misconduct, such as adultery or cruelty. On the other hand, Connecticut courts can grant a no-fault divorce even if only one spouse participates and swears that the marriage has broken down with no hope of reconciliation.
Apart from the grounds for divorce, Hartford County has other specific requirements for divorce. For example, typically, one spouse must reside in Connecticut for at least one year before a judge can grant the divorce. Additionally, the divorce complaint must be filed in the Superior Court for the judicial district in which at least one spouse resides.
Navigating the divorce process in Hartford County can be complicated, but with the right information and guidance, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you are able to move forward with your life.
Read: No Fault Divorce vs. Fault Divorce
Read: Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce
Hartford County Divorce Statistics
According to the Census Reporter, in 2021, 8% of men and 12% of women living in Hartford County were divorced. This was about the same as the average across Connecticut.
It’s important to note that divorce statistics can vary from year to year and may not necessarily be indicative of the overall divorce rate in Hartford County.
Hartford County Divorce Process in Hartford County
The Hartford County divorce process typically begins when one spouse files a divorce complaint with the Superior Court for the judicial district where they live. The most basic divorce complaint states the grounds for divorce and identifies any requests for the court to rule on property division, alimony, custody, or child support.
A judicial marshal serves the other spouse with a copy of the complaint and a summons, and has roughly 30 days to respond. There are also “automatic court orders” that take effect in every divorce.
The next stage in a litigated divorce is discovery, which is where the parties gather and exchange information relevant to their case. This often includes financial records, tax returns, and other documents.
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on the issues related to the divorce, such as child custody and property division, the case may go to a divorce trial. At trial, the court will hear evidence and make a decision on the issues in dispute.
Note that not all divorces follow this trajectory. For example, often, spouses who choose mediation or collaborative divorce reach a full agreement on all issues before their divorce attorneys file the divorce with the court.
Hartford County, CT Child Custody and Support
In Hartford County, the courts will consider the child’s best interests when making decisions related to custody and support. They use the same standard when reviewing agreements that you and your spouse reach outside of court.
There are two types of custody in Hartford County: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to where the child lives, while legal custody refers to the right to make decisions related to the child’s upbringing.
Child support in Hartford County is calculated based on a number of factors, including the income of both parents and the child’s needs.
Freed Marcroft’s knowledgeable divorce attorneys can help you manage the complex issues related to child custody and support.
Read: Connecticut Child Custody Laws
Read: How Does Child Support Work in Connecticut?
Property Division
Hartford County courts base property division on the principle of equitable distribution. This means that our courts divide property in a manner that is fair and equitable, but not necessarily equal.
The court will consider a number of factors when making decisions related to property division, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health of each spouse, and their respective contributions to the marriage.
Download: The Comprehensive Connecticut Property Division Guide
Alimony
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment one spouse makes to the other to provide financial support. In Hartford County, courts award alimony based on a number of factors. For example, judges may consider each spouse’s earning capacity, income, and employability.
Resources for Divorce in Hartford County
There are several resources available for those going through a divorce in Hartford County, CT. These include:
Hartford County Connecticut Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a process in which the parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to reach an agreement on the issues related to the divorce, such as child custody, support, and property division. Mediation can be a more efficient and less stressful way to resolve disputes than going to trial.
Even if you choose mediation as your divorce approach, it is important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can give you the legal advice you need.
Read: What Is Mediation in Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce in Hartford County
A collaborative divorce involves specially trained collaborative divorce attorneys. Together with their attorneys, the spouses work to resolve their entire divorce outside of court. Unlike in the typical Hartford County mediation, lawyers and clients are together in collaborative sessions.
Read: ADR & Divorce
Post-Divorce Modifications in Hartford County
After a divorce is finalized, also called “post-judgment,” your circumstances may change. This may require modifications to the terms of the divorce decree. For example, if one spouse loses their job, they may need to request a modification to the child support or alimony payments.
Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Hartford County
Navigating the divorce process in Hartford County can be complicated and emotionally challenging. It is important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that you understand your rights and options.
When hiring a divorce attorney in Hartford County, it is important to look for someone who has experience in family law and who understands the specific requirements of the court system. You should also feel comfortable with your attorney and be able to communicate openly and honestly with them.
Freed Marcroft’s experienced divorce lawyers only practice family law. They will tell you the truth, allowing you to make decisions that move you toward your future goals. They will also negotiate with your spouse’s attorney, and be your advocate in court.
Next Steps
Going through a divorce can be a challenging and emotional experience, but with the right guidance and support, it is possible to achieve a successful outcome. By understanding the divorce process in Hartford County, CT, and working with a divorce lawyer or alternative dispute resolution professional, you can protect your legal rights and ensure that your divorce is handled in a timely and efficient manner.
Please contact Freed Marcroft to discuss working with one of our experienced Hartford County Connecticut Divorce Lawyers.
