Filing for divorce is a significant step that you should take ample time to consider carefully. Even so, many people become paralyzed by inaction and prolong the decision, which can — even though unintentional — hurt everyone involved. If you feel you’ve lost control of your future and have wasted too much time simply letting life happen to you, let us help make the transformation process as straightforward as possible.
At Freed Marcroft, we believe that ending an unhappy marriage is one of the hardest, yet bravest, choices a person can make. Our Tolland divorce lawyers stand for those who actively choose how they want to live their lives. Our legal strategies are deeply rooted in your goals, because your goals are what matter. When you have a legal team behind you that genuinely understands what you want for your post-divorce life, it can make a world of difference in your experience. Call today to book your consultation with a member of our team and learn more about how we can serve you.
What To Know About Filing For Divorce In Connecticut
Many people don’t know there is a residency requirement for filing for divorce in Connecticut. Helpfully, only one spouse has to meet the requirement. The first option for establishing residency is showing that at least one spouse has lived in Connecticut for 12 months before filing or finalization. The second option is available when one spouse lived here when they were married, moved away, and then returned to live in Connecticut permanently. Finally, the least common path to residency happens when the marriage breaks down in Connecticut. Freed Marcroft’s attorneys can explain the various jurisdictional options to you.
Another aspect to be aware of before filing is the grounds, or legal basis, for the divorce. Connecticut offers both fault-based and no-fault grounds. The no-fault ground is commonly referred to as the “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,” meaning that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. It is by far the most common ground because it does not require you to prove any fault or misconduct for the court to grant the divorce.
The grounds for a fault-based divorce include:
- Adultery
- Fraudulent contract
- Willful desertion for one year with total neglect of duty
- Seven years’ absence, during all of which period the absent party has not been heard from
- Habitual intemperance
- Intolerable cruelty
- And more.
There are some significant downsides to filing a fault-based divorce that you’ll want to carefully review with an experienced divorce attorney prior to going forward.
Our experienced Tolland divorce lawyers will explain your filing options based on your circumstances and ensure that you or your spouse meet the residency requirement.
Divorcing With Children
Your custody arrangement and parenting plan will be a part of your final divorce decree. So will other matters, like property division and alimony. You and your spouse may engage in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or collaborative divorce to work to reach mutually beneficial agreements. In more casual settlement discussions, you can voice your opinion more freely than you would if you were in court and create creative solutions that meet your family’s unique needs. Additionally, these methods often save time and protect your privacy.
While our Tolland divorce lawyers often attempt to help you resolve legal issues through non-adversarial means like these, we know this isn’t realistic for every couple. If you cannot reach an agreement on how to share custody and must ask a judge to decide, you can count on us to be your vigorous advocate and leave it all on the floor for you. We are compassionate and skilled negotiators and also assertive when appropriate. We will help you strike the balance.
How Our Tolland Divorce Lawyers Can Help You Start The Next Chapter In The Driver’s Seat
It’s time to get your life back, and our dedicated Tolland divorce lawyers are here to help you accomplish this. Let us empower you with the knowledge and insights you need to make the decisions that will lead you to your vision for the future. Call today to book your consultation, and let us accompany you on your journey to transformation.
