New Haven and Upper Fairfield County Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Divorce Attorney in Connecticut 

When people going through a divorce come to our office, they are often in personal pain. It’s the kind of pain that can make dealing with complex legal questions even more difficult. They need to know that they have a New Haven and upper Fairfield County divorce lawyer that combines a sharp grasp of the law with an iron will when it comes to client advocacy. Here at Hirsch Legal, LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering exactly that kind of strong, empowering leadership.

Our divorce lawyers in Conntcticut cover all of New Haven and upper Fairfield County divorce and family law matters, including cases from the town of Trumbull, Monroe, Milford, and Oxford. Clients come to us because they need someone who will listen to them, advocate for their concerns in court and during settlement negotiations, and are prepared to fight to get a fair and equitable outcome. 

Call the office at (203) 769-7388 or fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation to speak with our experienced New Haven divorce lawyer.

How to file for divorce in connecticut

Filing for divorce in Connecticut involves several steps, and it's essential to follow the state's specific procedures. Here's a general overview of the process:

• Residency Requirements: To file for divorce in Connecticut, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 12 months before initiating the divorce proceedings.
• Grounds for Divorce: Connecticut is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means you can seek a divorce without alleging any specific fault or wrongdoing. The most common ground for divorce is "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage," where the relationship has broken down irretrievably and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.
• File the Complaint: The divorce process begins with filing a "Complaint for Divorce" in the Superior Court for the county where you or your spouse resides. This document outlines the details of your marriage, assets, debts, and any proposed child custody arrangements.
• Serve the Spouse: After filing the complaint, you must serve the divorce papers to your spouse. This can be done through a sheriff, state marshal, or a process server.
• Response and Counterclaim: Your spouse has the opportunity to respond to the divorce complaint. They may also file a counterclaim if they have additional requests or disagreements about the terms of the divorce.
• Negotiations and Settlement: Both parties may attempt to negotiate the terms of the divorce, including child custody, support, property division, and alimony. If an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval.
• Court Proceedings: If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to court. Each spouse will present their case, and a judge will make decisions on unresolved issues.
• Final Judgment: Once all issues are resolved, the court will issue a final judgment of divorce, officially ending the marriage.

It's highly recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified New Haven divorce attorney throughout the divorce process to ensure that your rights and interests are protected and to navigate the legal complexities effectively.

To speak with an experienced Connecticut divorce lawyer, contact us online or give us a call today. 

Issues in a Connecticut Divorce Settlement

Every couple will have different issues to work out, but they generally fall into three broad legal categories. 

Property Division

Connecticut law calls for equitable distribution of property. Two points must be emphasized. The first is that equitable does not mean 50/50. It might end up that way, but “equitable” is an intangible term that leaves considerable discretion in the hands of a judge. Moreover, unlike other states, Connecticut allows for all joint and separate property—that which a spouse owned exclusively prior to marriage—to be placed into the pot to be considered for equitable distribution. 

The broad discretion a judge has in the event of a litigated divorce can make the role of a New Haven and upper Fairfield County divorce attorney even more important. When the stakes are high, the persuasive power of legal presentation can become even more critical. Witness testimony, documentary evidence, and impeachment material, has to be diligently gathered and powerfully presented at trial. That’s what Hirsch Legal, LLC aims to deliver to clients in each and every case

Alimony

The purpose of alimony is to provide a lower income earning spouse with a stream of income to help until they get back on their own two feet. Unlike child support, there are no “alimony guidelines” parties or a judge can look to when determining alimony amount and duration. Therefore, statute and case law play a big part in this critical issue.

Courts will consider the length of the marriage, occupation and station of each party, health issues, sacrifices made by the economically disadvantaged spouse (i.e., devoting their time to raising children or caring for elderly parents), among other important considerations when analyzing how much alimony to award and for how long. Here again, the diligence and advocacy efforts of New Haven and upper Fairfield County divorce lawyer can make a difference. 

Child Custody & Support

The court has two different decisions to make regarding custody issues. The first is to determine legal custody of a child and the second is to determine physical custody of the child. They are distinct issues that must be adjudicated appropriately taking the child’s best interests into consideration. In both areas of custody, courts can choose between sole custody and joint custody. 

Sole legal custody means one parent has the ability to make decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and religious upbringing, while sole physical custody means that a child primarily lives with one parent versus the other. 

In the case of joint legal custody, both parents must confer and consult with each other before making unilateral decisions regarding health, education and religion. A joint physical custody arrangement can look different on a case by case basis.

Regardless of which legal or physical custodial arrangement the court chooses, a judge will issue child support orders including out of pocket medical and unreimbursed daycare costs in accordance with the child support guidelines.

Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Connecticut

In Connecticut, divorce proceedings can be categorized into contested and uncontested divorces, each with distinct characteristics and processes.

• An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues related to the divorce, including division of assets and debts, child custody and visitation, child support, and alimony. 
  • This streamlined process is typically quicker, more cost-effective, and less emotionally taxing. Spouses collaborate to create a mutually acceptable divorce agreement, which the court reviews and, if satisfactory, approves, finalizing the divorce.
• On the other hand, a contested divorce arises when spouses are unable to reach a consensus on one or more key issues. This often necessitates court intervention to resolve disputes. 
  • Contested divorces generally take longer to conclude and can be more expensive due to legal fees and court costs. The court will make decisions on contested matters based on the presented evidence and arguments from both sides.

Connecticut encourages divorcing couples to opt for uncontested divorces, promoting amicable resolutions and reducing the strain on the legal system. However, in cases where disagreements persist, the court's role is to facilitate a fair resolution, ensuring the best interests of any children involved are prioritized.

Ultimately, choosing between contested and uncontested divorce in Connecticut depends on the spouses' ability to agree on critical matters. While an uncontested divorce is often preferable for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the unique circumstances of each divorce will determine the most suitable approach. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced divorce lawyer in Connecticut is crucial to navigate either process effectively and ensure the best possible outcome.

To speak with an experienced New Haven divorce lawyer, contact us online or give us a call today.