Divorce

203-652-8018

Experienced New Canaan Divorce Lawyer

In Connecticut, divorce is known legally as “dissolution of marriage.”

For many families, divorce is extremely complicated and may involve feelings of sadness, anger, stress, and confusion. At The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann, divorce lawyers in New Canaan work to make the divorce process more manageable and less stressful by thoroughly explaining all relevant legal issues to our clients and responding to each client's individual needs.

Our goal is to help our family law clients achieve the custody arrangements they need, emotional peace of mind, and the necessary financial security to successfully rebuild and restart their lives following a divorce.

As most people are unfamiliar with the legalities surrounding divorce, our divorce lawyers can help you create and execute a plan to effectively manage the difficulties that come with ending a marriage. Some of these difficulties are transitioning to one income, separating households, sharing parental responsibilities, and dividing property accumulated during your marriage. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and guide you through every aspect of your Connecticut family law case.

We Provide Comprehensive Family Law Representation in Connecticut Divorce Cases

Going through a divorce is never easy. There are a number of different complex legal and logistical issues that must be resolved. At The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann, we provide comprehensive family law representation in Connecticut divorce cases. Our New Canaan, CT attorneys can help you with the full range of family & divorce matters, including:

No matter the specific circumstances of your marital separation, our divorce attorneys can help you find the best path forward. We have experience with contested divorces, uncontested divorce, divorce mediation, collaborative divorce, and divorce litigation. Contact us today at 203-652-8018 to set up a fully confidential review of your case.

Do I Need to Prove "Fault" to Get Divorced in Connecticut?

Connecticut recognizes "no-fault" divorce.  This means that a party seeking a divorce is not required to allege "fault" grounds, such as adultery or cruel treatment, in order to dissolve a marriage.  Rather, a person who wishes to divorce must simply allege that their marriage has "broken down irretrievably."

Most divorces in Connecticut are granted on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.  Notably, while fault grounds are not required to obtain a divorce in Connecticut, this does not mean that marital fault has no relevance in a Connecticut divorce.  This is a common misperception.

In fact, the "cause of the breakdown" of the marriage is one of the statutory criteria that courts must consider when assigning property and/or ordering alimony.  If fault is an issue in your divorce, we encourage you to consult with one of our New Canaan divorce lawyers as soon as possible.

Residency Requirements for a Connecticut Divorce

Just like all states, Connecticut has its own set of laws (commonly referred to as “residency requirements”) that dictate whether Connecticut has jurisdiction over a divorce. Connecticut's divorce residency requirements authorize courts here to grant a divorce if any one of the following criteria is met.

  • One of the parties to the marriage has been a resident of Connecticut for at least twelve months immediately prior to the date of the filing of the Complaint;
  • One of the parties to the marriage has been a resident of Connecticut for at least twelve months immediately prior to the date of the divorce decree.
  • One of the parties was domiciled in Connecticut at the time of the marriage and returned to this state with the intention of permanently remaining before filing the Complaint.
  • The cause for the dissolution of the marriage arose after either party moved into the state.

How Does an Action for Divorce in Connecticut Begin?

A divorce action is commenced when one spouse files a legal document, called a Complaint, requesting to end the marriage. The Complaint must be filed in the appropriate Judicial District depending on where you or your spouse lives.  For example, if you live in New Canaan, your divorce case can be filed at either the Judicial District of Stamford or the Judicial District of Fairfield. Once the Complaint is signed, it must be then served upon your spouse by a Marshal and subsequently filed with the Court.

After a Divorce Action is Commenced, What Comes Next?

While Connecticut is a “no-fault” divorce state, this does not mean that divorce is a simple matter.  A divorce judgment can be entered only after various ancillary issues emanating from the marriage have been resolved, including child custody issues, if applicable, and financial issues such as equitable distribution (i.e., division of assets and liabilities), spousal support, and child support. 

Successfully resolving these aspects of divorce often requires highly strategic decisions and a sophisticated understanding of one's rights and obligations.  A resolution of these issues also requires “discovery.”

What is the Discovery Phase of a Divorce?

Discovery is the exchange of financial records of all types (such as tax returns, bank statements, or pay-stubs), which allows the parties and their respective attorneys to gain a full and complete understanding of the parties' respective incomes, expenses, assets, and liabilities.  It can also involve some investigatory work if one party suspects that the other is not “coming clean.” Discovery may also include depositions, which are oral examinations under oath of each party and sometimes of third-party witnesses. 

As part of the discovery process, where there are real properties, businesses, professional practices, or other tangible or intangible assets that are considered relevant to the marriage, professional evaluators are often retained, at the parties' expense, to do the necessary appraisals or valuations.

In the case of contested custody matters, forensic psychological experts may be retained, also at the parties' expense, to evaluate the family situation with an eye to a court decision on custody, visitation, and other parental matters. In contested custody cases, a Guardian Ad Litem may also be appointed to represent the best interests of the children during the case.

Negotiated Settlements and Trials

Typically, once the discovery phase is completed, negotiations can begin between the parties and their counsel with the goal of reaching a comprehensive divorce settlement that is reduced to a written agreement.  It is estimated that more than 95% of divorce cases are resolved by an out-of-court settlement. 

While our New Canaan divorce lawyers are top-rated litigators, we much prefer to resolve cases for our clients by agreement, in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and we take tremendous pride in our ability to negotiate favorable, strategic, and creative settlements on behalf of our clients at this stage of the process. 

When a case cannot settle, it is set down for trial before a judge. Depending on the complexity of the issues, a trial can take days or even weeks to complete.  At trial, the skill, experience, and effectiveness of the attorneys are of paramount importance.

The family law attorneys representing you should possess the ability to clearly educate clients; should have a thorough knowledge of the law and of procedure and evidence, and should have a facility with numbers and the ability to unravel complex financial issues.

In addition, your attorney should be able to authoritatively and convincingly present your case to the court. The family law attorneys at The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann possess all of these skills and are all highly experienced and effective courtroom advocates.

How Our Connecticut Divorce Attorneys Can Help

Divorce in Connecticut can be complicated.  At The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann, our legal team is focused on helping clients navigate the process—so that they are in the best position to find the solution that works for them. We provide proactive legal representation in family & divorce cases. Among other things, our New Canaan divorce lawyers are prepared to:

  • Hear your story and answer your questions during a comprehensive case evaluation
  • Explain your rights and options under Connecticut divorce laws
  • Help you gather all evidence and information and complete the divorce paperwork
  • Represent you in divorce settlement negotiations
  • Represent you effectively in divorce and custody litigation
  • Take all necessary action to protect your rights and help you achieve the best outcome

Family is personal. No two divorce cases are exactly alike. We will always put in the time, legal resources, and attention to the smallest of details. You deserve personalized representation from your legal counsel. With a well-documented record of testimonials from former family law clients, you can rely on our Connecticut divorce attorneys to handle your case the right way.

Connect with One of Our Experienced New Canaan Divorce Lawyers Today

At The Family Law Firm Healy Eliot + McCann, our Connecticut divorce attorneys are experienced, compassionate advocates for our clients. If you have any questions about the divorce process, we are more than ready to help.

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our New Canaan divorce lawyers, please call 203-652-8018 or complete our online contact form. With an office in New Canaan, we provide family & divorce services throughout Fairfield County, including in Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury, Norwalk, Greenwich, Westport, Ridgefield, and Stratford.

The Family Law Firm of Healy + Eliot

The Family Law Firm of Healy + Eliot is a boutique firm devoted exclusively to the practice of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, property distribution, child custody and access, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, modifications and enforcement proceedings.

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