Legal Articles, General Practice
Not So Fast: Connecticut Courts Consider Length of Marriage – Not Courtship or Cohabitation – When Determining Awards in Divorce
At the outset of a divorce proceeding, many clients will ask what they might expect from a court – or in a settlement agreement – in connection with alimony or the division of marital assets. One of many statutory factors a court may consider in fashioning support orders or property distribution is the length of the parties’ marriage. See C.G.S. § 46b-81, 82.
Court Permits Mother to Modify Alimony and Child Support Despite Clear Language Precluding Her from Doing So
In a post judgment divorce action, the Court allowed the ex-wife to modify alimony and child support, despite language in the parties’ separation agreement precluding them from doing so. The parties, who were divorced in 2008, were the parents of one minor child. According to the terms of their separation agreement, the husband was obligated to pay to the wife unallocated alimony and child support in the amount of $225 per week for a period of five years. The parties agreed that at the end of the five year term, they would calculate child support in accordance with the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines. The agreement contained language specifically designating the term and amount of the unallocated order as non-modifiable.
Family Law Update: Postnuptial Agreements Valid and Enforceable in Connecticut
Upon beginning an action for a divorce, many people will disclose to their lawyers that the parties had already contemplated the end of their marriage, sometimes many years before. More often than one would guess, the parties had even mapped out this projected end to their relationship with an agreement written during the marriage itself – maybe hammered out on the family computer, or perhaps scribbled on a restaurant napkin – which was intended by the parties to govern the terms of any divorce that would loom in the future.
Equitable Distribution of Assets in Connecticut Divorce
When it comes to divorce, dividing assets can be difficult. Who is entitled to what property? Who has to pay debts accumulated during the marriage? These are common questions that couples ask when faced with divorce. It is important to note that couples can answer these questions by themselves. Couples are entitled to dividing property and debts out of court, if this is possible. However, if the case goes to court, a judge will divide these assets and debts for you.
600 Motion 10 Year Divorce Case Still Going Strong
It’s a divorce and child visitation case that already has produced nearly 600 motions and rulings and evidence of insider trading that brought down a multibillion-dollar hedge fund.
And as it passes the 10-year mark, the case of former Connecticut investment adviser David Zilkha and his ex-wife, Karen Kaiser, shows no signs of nearing a final resolution. They remain embroiled in disputes over child visitation and fees for hired experts, with more court hearings set for the next two months.
The Engagement Fell Apart . . . Who Keeps the Ring?
The Engagement Fell Apart . . . Who Keeps the Ring?
How to be Validly Married in Connecticut
What are the requirements for a valid marriage ceremony in Connecticut?
Connecticut Courts Allow Limited Scope Representation for Family Law Matters
Connecticut’s court system is beginning a pilot program that will allow people involved in family law cases to hire attorneys on a limited basis. The program begins Jan. 6 and is designed to help people who can’t afford a lawyer to hire one for certain proceedings in their cases. This program is intended to combat the number of pro se litigants in family matters in Connecticut.
When Divorce Mediation May Not be the Best Choice
The process of mediating a divorce can be a great alternative to traditional divorce litigation. For many, a private process that allows them to work through complex financial and child custody issues can be appealing. For others, the financial benefit of mediation which eliminates costly motion practice and costly attorney’s fees are enough to convince them to give mediation a try. Unfortunately, all the benefits aside, mediation is simply not a one size fits all solution to every divorce action.
Divorce & Remarriage: How These Events Impact Your Social Security Benefits
If you’re considering or in the process of divorce, and you’re just shy of your 10th wedding anniversary, you might want to wait a bit and use the time to brush up on all things Social Security before you make the break official.