Connecticut Divorce Laws and Resources
If you are considering separation or divorce in Connecticut, the following information will help you understand the relevant CT divorce laws and how they might affect your situation. You can also locate divorce lawyers or mediators to help with your case, access do it yourself divorce resources, find divorce support groups, and more. In addition to the resources listed below, you can find more help and information in our divorce article section.
DIVORCE LAWYERS AND FIRMS
Siegel, Reilly & Conlon, LLC
Stamford, Connecticut
Family Law & Divorce Attorney Siegel, Reilly & Conlon, LLC, is one of Connecticut's most respected family law firms. They have a legacy of providing comprehensive legal counsel in all areas of family law with a reputation for excellence in even the most complex and contentious divorce disputes.
The Silva Law Group, LLC
Six Landmark Square, 4th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: 203-504-7515
Fax: 203-612-9796
Website: http://www.thesilvalawgroup.com
email:
Counties Served: Fairfield, New Haven, Hartford
Affordable Divorce Lawyers. Don't let your divorce bankrupt you. Call us today to discuss your options and set up a free consultation.
Need a Divorce Lawyer?
Present your case on LegalMatch and respond only to attorneys who want to help you. You can post you legal issues with Legal Match and receive a reply from qualified attorneys who can handle your case. Legal Match is a good directory that empowers consumers to find and thoroughly evaluate the experience, rating, availability and fees of pre-screened lawyers before deciding who to contact. It's Free & Confidential.
Do It Yourself Divorce Options:
Separation and Divorce Forms - At US Legal, you can download the separation and divorce forms you need. These forms are specific to your state and tailored to whether you have children or not.Online Divorce - Have All of Your Documents Completed For You! This easy to use, accurate, and up-to-date on-line divorce service is a perfect "do it yourself (without a lawyer)" solution for any uncontested divorce (with or without children) that will be filed in the state of Connecticut. You can get "Real Person" customer support by phone & e-mail, plus access to 40 downloadable books (valued at over $750) and a Name Change & Name Change Notification Guide.
Qdro Preparation - QdroDesk is an online service providing divorcing spouses with an instant, easy, accurate, and affordable method for obtaining Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), the appropriate settlement agreement language, and processing instructions to divide a retirement account upon divorce. The service is a result that only 45 years of combined QDRO experience can provide. When combining this expertise with a smart question and answer technology, this is an ideal solution for preparing a QDRO.
MEDIATORS
The Vista Companies
Mediation, Collaborative Divorce
William Donaldson, CFP(R), CDFA
830 Post Road East, Suite 112
Westport, CT 06880
Telephone: 203-557-0890 ext. 300
Fax:
203-557-0892
DIVORCE AND PARENTING SERVICES
Center for Divorce Education
1005 East State Street, Suite G
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740-594-2526
Email:
Online parenting education to keep children out of the middle of divorce.
Christian Divorce Services
1217 Hilltop Ave
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 614-774-3766
Email:
We have locations in every state. When reconciliation has failed, we provide Christian legal alternatives consistent with 1Cor 6: 1-8. Please Contact Michael Wayland at our central office for a referral to a local office.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUPS
The Connecticut United Way has a database of many different types of support groups throughout the state. You can search through the general group categories or by specific separation and divorce support groups by clicking on the + sign to expand the options.
You can also look up other local divorce groups in your area from WomansDivorce.com. There are separation and divorce support groups, groups for children, and organizations that help survivors of domestic abuse.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Connecticut ChapterDomestic Violence Crisis and Support Services in Connecticut
In Connecticut, there is a statewide network of domestic violence programs that can be reached by calling the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-888-774-2900. The programs provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, as well as counseling and other supportive services.
Connecticut Divorce Laws
Copyright Notice: The following synopsis of Connecticut divorce laws is an interpretation by WomansDivorce.com of the General Statutes of Connecticut - TITLE 46b FAMILY LAW regarding issues related to the termination of marriage, child custody, and support. You can read the full text of the relevant laws by viewing the online Divorce Statutes provided by the Legislative Commissioners' Office. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is prohibited and violation of this notice will result in immediate legal action.The legal terminology for divorce in Connecticut is dissolution of marriage; both terms may be used interchangeably in the following discussion.
What are the Connecticut residency requirements for divorce?
To file for a divorce or legal separation, 1) either party must be a resident of Connecticut for at least one year prior to filing for divorce, 2) the grounds for divorce occurred after either spouse moved to the state, 3) at least one spouse was a resident of the state when they got married and returned to CT intending to reside here permanently before filing.
A military spouse who was a resident of the state before enlisting in the military, even if stationed elsewhere, will be considered to have continuous residency and meet the residency requirements for divorce or separation.
Where do you file for divorce in CT?
The Superior Court holds jurisdiction over matters regarding annulment, divorce, legal separation, and all matters concerning custody. The initial petition is filed with the court clerk in the Judicial District court where either you or your spouse lives. There is a minimum 90 day waiting period after the petition is filed, at which time a hearing may be scheduled.
What are the grounds for divorce?
A divorce or legal separation may be granted on any of these grounds:
- Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage;
- The spouses have been separated for at least 18 months and reconciliation is unlikely;
- Voluntary sexual intercourse between one party and a person other than his or her spouse;
- Misrepresenting or concealing facts before the marriage which would affect or prevent the basic purpose of marriage and which would result in a practical destruction of the relationship;
- Willful abandonment for one year with complete negligence of duty;
- Abandonment for 7 years during which time there is no communication from the missing spouse;
- Unbearable cruelty;
- Alcoholism;
- Imprisonment for a life sentence, or for more than 1 year resulting from a violation of matrimonial duty (such as rape, indecent assault, or acts that might damage the morals of a child)
- Mental illness resulting in being institutionalized for at least 5 years
What are the grounds for annulment in Connecticut?
An annulment may be granted if the court finds the marriage void or voidable based on the following conditions:
- One party is still legally married to someone else.
- The parties are close relatives. A person may not get married to his or her parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, stepparent or stepchild.
- One or both parties were under the age of eighteen at the time of marriage and did not have the written and notarized consent of a parent or guardian
- A party was under the supervision or control of a conservator at the time of marriage and did not receive written consent by the conservator to the marriage.
- The marriage was performed without a marriage license.
- The concealment of impotency or sterility by one party.
- The mental incapacity to marry due to excessive intoxication.
- The marriage was entered into fraudulently.
- The marriage was entered into under duress.
Can I get a legal separation in CT?
You can get a legal separation in Connecticut based on the same grounds as divorce as long as you meet the residency requirements. If there are minor children of the marriage, custody, visitation, and support may be ordered. Other issues that may be addressed in a legal separation are division of assets and debts, residence of the marital home, and temporary alimony. Separated spouses can file a "Declaration of resumption of marital relations" to have a legal separation decree dismissed if they wish void the legal separation. Either spouse also has the option to petition the court to have the legal separation converted to a divorce at any time.
Who gets to stay in the family home while the divorce is pending?
Either party may ask the court for exclusive use of the family residence while the divorce or separation is pending. The court will take into consideration whether there are children involved and if there is the threat of possible abuse when making the decision on whether to award exclusive use of the home.
How are assets and debts divided in Connecticut?
If a married couple cannot mutually agree to the division of property and debts, the court will reach an equitable distribution based on the following factors:
- The length of the marriage,
- Marital fault
- The age, health, occupation and employment skills, sources of income, debts, and the probability for future acquirement of capital assets and income or each spouse.
- The contribution of each spouse in the purchase, maintenance, or increase in value of their individual estates.
Generally, all property and debts acquired during the marriage is subject to division. What is interesting is that Connecticut may assign property acquired prior to the marriage when dissolving a marriage, based on the above factors in order to reach an equitable settlement.
Will I be able to get alimony?
The court has broad discretion in awarding alimony and either spouse may be ordered to pay alimony. The court will take the following factors into consideration when determining the level and duration of support payments:
- How long the marriage lasted,
- Marital fault,
- The age, health, occupation and employment skills, sources of income, need of each spouse,
- The custodial parent's capability of securing employment, " How the assets and debts will be divided,
- If a spouse has willfully depleted his or her earnings, the alimony award may be based on the demonstrated earning capacity of that spouse.
Rehabilitative alimony may be awarded to allow the dependent spouse the opportunity to receive further education or employment training or skills in order to become self-sufficient. Upon notification, the court may modify or terminate the alimony award if it is found the receiving spouse is living with another person such that the living arrangements would alter the financial needs of the receiving party. Remarriage generally ends the alimony obligation.
Divorce and changing your name in CT
You can ask the court to restore your maiden or former name when the divorce is entered. You may also petition the court to restore your name after the divorce is entered. The law reads that either spouse may request the resumption of a maiden or former name by the wife, but it will be at the discretion of the court and it is unlikely the court would force a wife to change her name.
Custody laws in CT
If the parents can't reach a mutual agreement concerning the custody, visitation, and care of any children of the marriage, the court can assign parental responsibility either jointly or award custody to either parent (or a third party) based on the circumstances and the best interest of the child. In making this determination, the court will consider the following factors:
- The child's disposition and developmental needs, as well as each parents ability to recognize and meet the needs of the child;
- The child's preference regarding custody and any other relevant information given by the child;
- Each parents wishes regarding custody and his or her ability to be actively involved in the child's life;
- The child's current and past relationship with each parent, his or her siblings, and anyone else who may substantially affect the best interests of the child;
- Each parents willingness to support and encourage the ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent when appropriate;
- Alienating or manipulating behavior by either parent in an effort to draw the child into the parents' dispute;
- The child's adaptation to his or her home, school and community settings;
- How long the child has lived in a stable home environment and the benefits of maintaining the status quo. The court may consider favorably a who parent voluntarily leaves the family home temporarily to ease the stress in the household;
- The stability of the child's existing or proposed dwellings, or both;
- The mental and physical health of all parties involved;
- Whether any domestic abuse has occurred either towards the child or either parent and the effect it has had on the child;
- Participation in a parenting education program as established by the court.
The court may also order either parent to undergo counseling or drug or alcohol screening if it is deemed in the best interest of the child.
How is child support determined in Connecticut?
CT child support is granted for minor children of the marriage until a child completes the 12th grade or reaches the age of nineteen, whichever occurs first. Support may continue until the age of 21 if the child has mental or physical disabilities and is dependent on the residential parent.
In determining the level of support, the court will consider the age, health, employability and earning capability, amount and sources of income of both the parents as well as the child. The court may order health insurance to be carried on the child (either by one or both parents) and require that the obligated parent obtain life insurance to secure child support payments. If child support is not secured by an income withholding order, the court may stipulate the obligated parent execute a bond or post other security to insure the support order.
Child support may be modified at a later date if it is shown there has been a significant change in circumstances of either parent, or if it can be proven the initial support order substantially differs (more than 15%) from the support guidelines established by the state, unless it can be shown that the level of support that would be ordered by following the guidelines would be inequitable.
The court may also order educational support upon the petition of a parent to provide for a child who will be attending a higher education facility for up to 4 academic years for the purpose of receiving vocational training, a bachelor's degree, or other undergraduate degree. This option is not available after a divorce is finalized unless the decree explicitly provides for the option at a subsequent date. Education support ends when a child turns 23 and does not include support for graduate or postgraduate education beyond a bachelor's degree.
In determining whether to order educational support, the court will consider: 1) Each parents income, assets and debts, and duty to support other dependents; 2) The child's need for support while attending the educational facility and his or her ability to earn an income 3) The availability of financial aid; 4) How reasonable it is to pursue higher education given the financial resources available and the child's academic performance, aptitude for, and commitment to attaining further education
A child must be enrolled in an accredited institution or occupational school in order to qualify for the payment of educational support, in addition to maintaining at least ½ the course load required for full-time enrollment, maintaining good academic standing, and ensuring that school records are available to both parents while educational support is being paid. Education support may be paid directly to the educational institution or to a parent who then forwards it to the school.
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