If you have questions about divorce, legal separation, alimony pendente lite, or alimony in Connecticut, please feel free to call the experienced divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport today at 203-221-3100 or email Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.
This collection of definitions will help clarify some unique characteristics to the Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage laws, process and paperwork which is filed with the court.
Filing Party Title:
Plaintiff
The spouse who will initiate the Dissolution of Marriage by filing the required paperwork with the court.
Non-Filing Party Title:
Defendant
The spouse who does not initiate the Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
Court Name:
Superior Court of Connecticut, County of ____________.
The proper name of the court in which a Dissolution of Marriage is filed in the state of Connecticut. Each jurisdictional court typically has a domestic relations or a family law department or division.
Document Introduction:
In Re the Marriage of:
The lead-in verbiage used in the legal caption or header of the documents filed with the court. The introduction typically prefaces both spouse’s names.
Initial Dissolution of Marriage Document:
Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage
The title and name of the legal document that will initiate the Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage process. The filing spouse is also required to provide the non-filing spouse a copy of this document.
Final Dissolution of Marriage Document:
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
The title and name of the legal document that will finalize the Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage process. This document will be signed by the judge, master, or referee of the court to declare your marriage officially terminated.
Clerk’s Office Name:
County Clerk’s Office of the Superior Court
The office of the clerk that will facilitate the Dissolution of Marriage process. This is the title you would address letters to or ask for when contacting the courthouse.
Legal Separation:
A legal separation may be granted on the following grounds: (1) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage; (2) incompatibility and voluntary separation; (3) adultery; (4) life imprisonment; (5) confinement for incurable insanity for a total of 5 years; (6) willful desertion and nonsupport for 1 year; (7) cruel and inhuman treatment; (8) fraud; (9) habitual intemperance (drunkenness); and (10) commission and/or conviction of an infamous crime involving a violation of conjugal duty and imprisonment for at least 1 year. There is no residency requirement noted in the statute. [Connecticut General Statutes Annotated; Title 46b, Chapter 40].
Property Distribution:
Equitable Distribution
The applicable Connecticut law that will dictate how property and debt is to be divided upon Dissolution of Marriage.
For a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call the experienced family law and divorce attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. in Westport, CT at 203-221-3100. We may also be reached for inquiries by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com.
Source: DivorceSupport
