Divorce Questions and Answers
What is involved in starting the process for a divorce or dissolution?
The first step would be the filing of a properly executed complaint with the appropriate court. In order to file a divorce complaint in Connecticut and have the Court decide the matter, the Court must have what is called subject-matter jurisdiction. Simply put, this means that the Court has the ability to make decisions that affect a person because the person has lived in the state of Connecticut for the statutorily required amount of time (typically 12 months).
How long does the process take to obtain a divorce or dissolution?
The time period involved is completely dependent upon the number of issues that the parties do not agree on. If the parties are in complete agreement on all issues, which is quite rare, then the divorce process can be completed in as little as 90 days. However, if the parties do not agree on many issues, it can be several years before the court may resolve all of the issues involved.
How is alimony determined?
In Connecticut, the Court may award alimony to either party. In making an award of alimony, the Court will consider the following factors:
- The length of the marriage
- The cause of the dissolution, annulment or separation
- The age, health, and station of each party
- The occupation, amount and source of income of each party
- The vocational skills and employability of each party
- The estate and needs of each of the parties
- The desirability of a custodial parent obtaining employment
All of the above factors are taken into consideration before alimony is awarded.
How is child custody determined?
In basically all decisions involving children, the Court will consider the "best interests" of the children. This is a fact based decision. In Connecticut, there is a presumption that "joint physical custody" is in the best interests of the children.
How is child support determined?
Connecticut has enacted child support guidelines that assist the Court in determining the appropriate amount of child support. The experienced family law/divorce lawyers at O'Neil & Associates, P.C. can explain the process in detail.
Can alimony, child custody and child support be changed?
Yes. The above family law issues may be modified upon the filing of a motion with the Court. This is a complicated process that the family law/divorce lawyers at O'Neil & Associates, P.C. have experience in doing.
Will my name be changed back to my maiden name after the divorce is finished?
Yes, if requested by the female party, the Court will change it back. Male clients often ask whether they can get their name back from their soon to be ex-wife, however, it is the woman's choice only. If an ex-spouse wants to keep the married name, she's allowed to keep it.
How do I become a client?
The lawyers at O'Neil & Associates, P.C. offer a free half hour consultation to discuss your case. After discussing your case and meeting the lawyer, the client will be quoted a price for a legal fee retainer. Once a fee agreement is reviewed and signed, you become a client.
If you or someone you know in Hartford, Connecticut or a surrounding area needs the assistance of an experienced family law/divorce lawyer, then contact O'Neil & Associates, P.C. to speak to an experienced family law/divorce lawyer at 866-742-2995 or via the contact form in the right column.
