Navigating Divorce in New London County, CT: A Comprehensive Guide
Divorce is a big decision, and has a big impact on you and your family for years to come. You want to get it right. You’ll need solid support to steer calmly through divorce’s legal and emotional aspects, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process in New London County, CT. That’s why our team of experienced New London County family law attorneys created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate your divorce.
This guide covers everything you need to know about New London County divorce, from filing for divorce to child custody and property division. We have also included resources to help you find the right divorce attorney, how to cope with the emotional strain of divorce, and how to move forward after the divorce is finalized. Whether you are just considering divorce or are already in the middle of it, this guide will provide the information and resources you need to make smart, informed decisions and confidently move forward.
Read: Understanding the Divorce Process: A Beginner’s Guide to a Smooth Transition
Steps to Take Before Filing for Divorce
Before filing for divorce in New London County, there are several steps you should take to prepare yourself and protect your interests. First, gather all relevant financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, and investment account statements. This will help you and your attorney understand your financial situation and ensure all assets are accounted for during the property division process.
Next, consider speaking with a financial advisor to help you plan your financial future after the divorce. A financial advisor can help you understand the long-term financial implications of various settlement options, such as spousal support and property division. To get the most helpful information, we recommend you consult a financial advisor experienced in divorce and familiar with property division.
Taking care of yourself emotionally during the divorce process is also critical. Consider seeing a therapist or joining a support group to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty of divorce.
Finally, meet with an experienced divorce attorney before you begin so that you understand your options and start on the right foot.
Read: When Should You Hire a Divorce Attorney?
Understanding the CT Divorce Process
The New London County divorce process is governed by Connecticut state law. To obtain a divorce in Connecticut, one of the parties must serve and file a complaint with the appropriate New London County courthouse.
In a traditional, litigated divorce, this is usually the first step. As the divorce continues, you will know whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. Otherwise put, in an uncontested divorce, the parties reach an agreement on all the issues that need to be decided in a divorce. In a contested divorce, the spouses don’t settle outside of court. Instead, a judge rules at a divorce trial.
In a collaborative divorce or mediation, attorneys generally don’t even file the divorce with the New London County court until after there’s a complete separation agreement.
Read: No Fault Divorce vs. Fault Divorce
Read: Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce
Freed Marcroft Divorce and Family Law New London County Office
Freed Marcroft has a New London Family Law office in Mystic, Connecticut. We also offer convenient virtual appointments.
Freed Marcroft New London County Office
3 Water Street
Mystic, CT 06355
New London County Family Courts
There are two divorce and family courts located within New London County, Connecticut.
They are:
- New London Judicial District, located at 70 Huntington Street, New London, CT
- Norwich Judicial District, located at 1 Courthouse Square, Norwich, CT
Both courts are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Residents of Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Montville, Mystic, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stonington, Voluntown, and Waterford can choose between filing in the New London Family Court or the Norwich Family Court. In other words, you can pick either court if you live in New London County.
Freed Marcroft’s team of divorce attorneys practice in both New London County courthouses and can give you the pros and cons associated with each.
For more information: New London Family Court
For more information: Norwich Family Court
Common Issues in Divorce Cases in New London County
Divorce cases in New London County can involve many issues, including child custody, alimony, child support, and property division.
Read: Timeline of a Divorce in Connecticut
Read: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Connecticut?
Custody
In many cases, both parents may want to spend as much time as possible with their children. Joint custody is the norm in Connecticut. This doesn’t mean that the child’s time with each parent will be precisely equal.
When the parents disagree, New London County judges consider various factors when determining custody.
Read: Connecticut Child Custody Laws
Alimony
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is another common issue in divorce cases. Alimony doesn’t exist in all New London County divorces. For example, the court may order one spouse to pay support to the other if there is a significant difference in income or if one spouse gave up a career to support the other during the marriage. Ultimately, the amount and duration of spousal support will depend on a variety of factors.
Download: The Comprehensive Connecticut Alimony Guide
Property Division
Property division is also significant in most New London County divorce cases. In Connecticut, we divide property equitably between the parties. Note that we didn’t say “equally.” Courts can divide any asset or debt that either spouse owns, regardless of when they obtained it or who paid for it. The court considers a variety of factors when they divide marital property.
Download: The Comprehensive Connecticut Property Division Guide
Child Support
There is a formal for child support in New London County primarily based on both parents’ income. The overall standard that courts follow, though, is that child support should be in the child’s best interest.
Read: How Does Child Support Work in Connecticut?
New London County Divorce Statistics
According to the Census Reporter, in 2021, 11% of men and 14% of women living in New London County were divorced. This was higher than the Connecticut Statewide average.
It’s important to note that divorce statistics can vary yearly and may not necessarily indicate the overall divorce rate in New London County.
Divorce Alternative Dispute Resolution Options: Mediation & Collaborative Divorce
In some cases, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) options are better than going to court and having a judge decide. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps the parties negotiate a settlement agreement. In a collaborative divorce, specially trained collaborative divorce attorneys support the spouses in reaching out-of-court resolutions.
Both divorce mediation and collaborative law are intended to be adversarial and keep more control over outcomes with the couple.
Read: What Is Mediation in Divorce?
Read: What Is a Collaborative Divorce?
Divorce Resources in New London County, CT
Many resources are available for people going through a divorce in New Haven County, CT.
Next Steps
Divorce is a major life decision that can have significant consequences for you and your family. Please reach out to discuss working with Freed Marcroft’s team of experienced new London County divorce attorneys.
