Hartford Divorce and Custody Lawyer

Divorce or dissolution of a marriage can be difficult, especially if it leads to litigation. When you need a skilled Connecticut divorce attorney, the law firm of Frauenglass & Associates, LLC will work with you to develop an acceptable solution to all parties involved, whether through traditional legal channels or through the use of mediation and collaborative law. Contact the Connecticut divorce lawyers at Frauenglass & Associates.

At Frauenglass & Associates, we practice only in the judicial districts in Hartford County (New Britain), Tolland County (Rockville), and Middlesex County (Middletown) and represent clients throughout those counties.

Divorce

In Connecticut, divorce is referred to legally as "dissolution of marriage." Connecticut is technically a no fault divorce state; you don’t need to prove marital fault in order to obtain a divorce.

Grounds for divorce in Connecticut are:

• Irretrievable breakdown 
• Living apart for 18 months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation 
• Adultery 
• Fraudulent contract 
• Willful desertion for one year 
• Seven years' absence 
• Habitual intemperance 
• Intolerable cruelty 
• Life imprisonment or conviction of an infamous crime violating conjugal duty 
• Legal confinement for mental illness for five of the last six years

Marital Property

Connecticut is known as an “all property equitable distribution state.” According to the divorce laws in Connecticut, the state has the power “to assign to either the husband or wife all or any part of the estate of the other.” The court then, regardless of when or how it was acquired, can redistribute any property. Additionally, property acquired before marriage is sometimes considered the separate property of the person who acquired it and would not be subject to the distribution laws under divorce law in Connecticut. The conduct or fault of the parties can also be a factor in determining the division of assets as well as awarding alimony, child custody, and determining child support.

Alimony

Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be a gift that a spouse is not absolutely entitled to, according to Connecticut divorce laws. It is also not awarded with the intent to punish a guilty spouse. It is, however, meant for the spouse to continue a duty to support the other.

Custody

Connecticut divorce law defines sole legal custody as “the right of one parent to make all the decisions with respect to the upbringing of the child.” However, he or she may not be able to permanently take the children from Connecticut without the prior permission of the other parent or the court.

Child custody is generally a decision made in the best interests of the children. This can include consistency of care, time commitment and keeping important appointments, such as with doctors. In the matter of young children, the mother is usually awarded custody. However, according to divorce laws in Connecticut, the father is considered a necessary disciplinary figure in the life of a teenager and therefore has a better chance of receiving custody.

Child Support

Child support (a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income paid to assist with the support of his children) is determined by the “child support guidelines” as set forth by divorce law in Connecticut. A Child Support worksheet and instructions can be found at your local Connecticut Superior Court. Expect to pay child support until at least 18 years of age, known as the age of emancipation, or until high school graduation, which ever occurs first.

When you are faced with issues involving:

• Divorce
• Asset division
• Child support
• Child custody
• Visitation

It is natural to have serious concerns about the future. You need to consult with professional and skilled divorce lawyers. In addition to protecting your rights as a parent and individual, you must consider the emotional impact on your family. It pays to retain the services of law firm that focuses on divorce and family law, since we are better able to understand and appreciate your concerns.  Frauenglass & Associates, LLC offers a personalized approach will help you to obtain a successful result based on your own particular family situation

We practice only in the judicial districts in Hartford County (New Britain), Tolland County (Rockville), and Middlesex County (Middletown) and represent clients throughout those counties. To learn more about our divorce and custody practice, see our main web site.

Frauenglass & Associates, LLC
206 New London Turnpike
Glastonbury, Connecticut 06033
Phone: (860) 633-0300
Fax: (860) 657-4096
E-mail: Contact Us