Heidi E. Opinsky

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What Is a Typical Divorce Settlement in Connecticut?

Getting a divorce is an involved process with a lot of moving parts and factors to consider. What the final settlement for each party will look like is determined by a number of various issues. This is further compounded by the unique way that the state of Connecticut treats property division, which is much different from how even other equitable distribution states handle the distribution of assets in a divorce. 

Greenwich divorce attorney Heidi Opinsky discusses below what a typical divorce settlement in Connecticut includes and how to get in touch with her for experienced, comprehensive legal advice when you need it most. 

What Does a Typical Divorce Settlement in Connecticut Include?

No two divorces are the same and what a typical divorce settlement in Connecticut includes depends on a wide variety of different factors. There are multiple factors to consider in every divorce, and this becomes even more complex in high asset divorces, divorces involving businesses, or divorces between parents with children. However, there are some similarities and general categories that apply to most divorce cases. Here’s what they are. 

Property Division  

If you and your spouse share property or liquid assets, these will need to be divided at the time of your divorce. Connecticut is considered an equitable distribution state, meaning that jointly-owned assets are distributed between two spouses equitably but not necessarily equally. 

For example, if a couple does not have children, the marital home may be sold and the profits split down the middle. If the couple does have children and it makes sense for one spouse to stay in the family home, the other spouse may receive another asset with a worth similar to that of their share in the home’s value. One spouse may take an heirloom piece of furniture, while the other spouse takes cash from the couple’s bank account in the same amount as the furniture is worth. There are many creative ways for Connecticut Superior Courts to divide property equitably. 

The way that Connecticut marital property law works differently from other equitable distribution states is that separate property is generally not recognized. All property obtained during the marriage in CT is considered marital property and subject to equitable distribution. In cases of prenuptial agreements, however, separate property will usually be allocated according to the agreement. 

Child Custody and Visitation   

When couples share children together, the matters of custody and visitation will need to be addressed with the help of a child custody lawyer in CT. Naturally, this will also be included in the divorce settlement. Whether you mediate your divorce and come to an agreement on your own about how to coparent your children, or the judge decides for you, the details about custody will be outlined in your divorce decree. This includes matters such as who and where the child primarily lives, who has visitation, when visitation occurs, and under what pretenses. Both parents are required to abide by this court order unless one or both pursue a child custody or child support modification in CT and the terms of the agreement are formally amended by a judge.  

Alimony or Spousal Support  

A typical divorce settlement in Connecticut also may include alimony or spousal support. This is a monetary payment made from the higher earning spouse to the spouse who had been financially dependent on them for the duration of the marriage. This support is designed to help lesser earning spouses get education or new job skills to reenter the workforce and become financially independent over time. 

Shares in the Family Business 

If you and your spouse owned a business together, this too will be subject to equitable distribution guidelines. An attorney can help you with business valuation in CT so you can protect your interests in a company that you owned and operated during your marriage. 

One spouse may be able to buy the other spouse out, meaning that they purchase their shares in the business in order to become its sole owner. This can be done immediately or over time. Or, the business will be closed, liquidated, and the profits distributed equitably between both spouses. 

Do You Need Help From a CT Divorce Lawyer? 

If you are thinking about getting a divorce or you and your spouse have already discussed separation, you should contact a CT divorce lawyer. Heidi Opinsky is a veteran family attorney with a track record of success helping clients like you explore their options for dissolving their marriages and getting a divorce. Call now for a consultation to discuss your case by dialing 203-653-3542. 

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