“How does property division work in a Connecticut divorce” is a critical question — one of the major focuses in every divorce is how to divide the property. First, we need to debunk two major myths.
Connecticut Divorce Property Division Myths
Myth 1
Connecticut is not a community property state. Connecticut is an “equitable division” or “equitable distribution” state. Head here to learn more about the difference between equitable distribution and community property.
Myth 2
Connecticut’s default is not to divide property 50/50 in divorces.
Read on to learn about how Connecticut actually addresses property division.
Connecticut is an equitable distribution state and an “all property” state, which means that the courts have jurisdiction over all the property that both spouses have, marital and separate. In addition, equitable does not mean equal or even half, but rather what the Court considers fair. Finally, Connecticut’s version of equitable distribution looks significantly different from other states that follow the equitable distribution rule of property division. Learn more about why here.
How Does Property Division Work in a Connecticut Divorce?
When it comes to marital property, Connecticut is an equitable distribution state. This does not mean that the property is split 50/50 between spouses. “Equitable” property is divided fairly between both spouses, and “fairness” could dictate that one of you gets more than the other.
When dividing up the marital property, the Court considers several different factors.
They include but are not limited to:
- How long your marriage lasted
- Reasons why the marriage came to an end
- Respective ages and health conditions of each spouse
- Current income, occupation, and employability of each spouse
- Personal assets and liabilities of each spouse
- Ability of each spouse to be self-sustaining
- Contribution that each spouse made to the acquisition, maintenance, or appreciation of marital assets
What Property Does Connecticut Divide in Divorce?
Connecticut differs from many other states in the way that it regards property and ownership rights. When spouses divorce, practically all property is subject to distribution. This is because Connecticut is an “all property” state.
Property subject to division includes:
- Property that each spouse acquired before the marriage
- Property in the name of one spouse only
- Inheritances and gifts
The Comprehensive Connecticut Property Division Guide
How to divide property is one of the most critical issues in divorces. And, it’s one of the most confusing. Connecticut doesn’t have set formulas or rules on how judges must divide property. The good news is that it creates tremendous flexibility for experienced divorce attorneys to craft an individualized approach. To prepare to make solid and informed decisions, you need to understand how property division works. Our Comprehensive Connecticut Property Division Guide tells you everything you need to know about property division in Connecticut.
Read: Property Division: The Comprehensive Connecticut Guide
Next Steps
Now that you have learned how property division works in Connecticut, you know that it isn’t simple — which means there is a lot of opportunity for creative negotiations, strategy, and solutions. It’s essential to have an experienced divorced legal team be your guide.
Our first step at Freed Marcroft, the Goals & Planning Conference, is designed to get to the heart of your problem and unveil your true goals. Then, we take those goals along with the facts of your case and analyze them to present you with recommendations and options for moving forward.
