The Connecticut General Statutes control an individual’s rights in divorce, dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, visitation, division of marital assets, and post judgment cases. The laws dictate the guidelines and protocols that Courts follow in deciding the issues. If you are confronted with a family law issue you should retain the services of an attorney to protect your personal and financial interests. If you would like to discuss your legal options please feel free to contact me at 860.294.6128 or via email at jim@jhalpin-law.com . I offer a free initial consultation, and work with individuals based on either a fixed fee amount or on an hourly rate depending on the complexity and circumstances of the family law issue.
I have many years experience working on family law issues. I have represented numerous individuals in uncontested dissolution matters, and also have worked on many family law matters that required the division of multimillion dollar estates, including one valued well in excess of one-hundred million dollars. Whether your family law matter is small, large, or involves children, I will work closely with you at all times to provide full information as to the applicable laws, options available, and what should be expected as the case proceeds through the Court system.
Once a case is filed with the Court, temporary orders can be put into place while the action is pending. Next, a final judgment will either be entered by agreement or after a trial. The earliest a divorce is available is ninety days following the initiation of the case. Post judgment proceedings are available should there be a change in circumstances of the parties following a dissolution of marriage.
In order to legally end your marriage you need to file a case with the appropriate Court requesting a legal separation or dissolution of marriage. A dissolution of marriage is Connecticut’s term for a divorce. A legal separation terminates some, but not all, marital rights. A dissolution of marriage is required before you are legally entitled to remarry, even if you have previously filed for a legal separation. Individuals sometimes opt for a legal separation for purposes of providing health insurance to their spouse.
In a dissolution of marriage proceeding a Court will decide the division of financial issues, including the percentage or split of the marital assets, real estate, accounts, stock options, debts, etc. The Court also will decide issues of health insurance, child support, spousal support / alimony, custody, and visitation. In Connecticut child support is determined based on the child support guidelines. A Court has several options for child custody, including sole, joint, shared, or split custody. Alimony is based on many factors including the length of the marriage and the respective financial circumstances of the parties.
I also work on prenuptial and antenuptial agreements, paternity matters, and cases involving the termination of parental rights. I accept family law matters from across Connecticut, including clients from Avon, Barkhamsted, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Hartford, Harwinton, Litchfield, New Britain, Plainville, Terryville, Torrington, Southington, Unionville, Waterbury, West Hartford, and Wolcott.