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DIVORCE LITIGATION
NORWALK, CT DIVORCE ATTORNEY
Once you’ve decided to litigate your divorce, the next step is one of the most important steps you will take. Choosing the the best Connecticut attorney to represent your interests is a decision that will affect you for years to come.
At The Chalumeau Law Group, we have experience handling all types of divorce scenarios, from highly contested divorces to child custody and child support petitions. Not only are we skilled in handling the litigation aspects of the divorce, but we are skilled in assisting our clients through the emotional toll that a divorce may take.
Knowing that your lawyer has the skill and know-how to handle your divorce while assisting and coaching you through the emotional process will no doubt keep your mind at ease.
Divorce in Connecticut: The Process
Our office philosophy centers on providing the client with as much information about the divorce process to better assist them in making informative decisions regarding case strategy and resolution. Many clients gain their understanding of the procedural aspects of divorce from either television or a friend’s recollection of their own divorce process; however, the reality of Connecticut’s divorce procedure is fairly simple–at least when emotion is removed from the process.
An action for divorce in Connecticut is started by preparing a Summons (a document informing your spouse that they are being sued), and a Complaint (a legal document which provides the court with facts about your marriage and the relief you are seeking from the court). Once the Summons and Complaint have been prepared, these documents are served on your spouse by a Connecticut State Marshal along with a copy of the Automatic Orders (court orders that are in effect at the start of a divorce action).
Connecticut law imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period, also called a “cooling off period,” before you can be granted a divorce. Your first court appearance after this 90-day period is on what is called the case management date. If you have reached an agreement with your spouse as to the terms of your divorce, the court can grant you a divorce that day. However, if you require additional time to resolve your matter, or if you wish to proceed to trial, you will have to complete and submit a case management agreement, financial affidavits, and if applicable, provide the court with a parenting agreement on this date.
If you are unable to reach a settlement by your case management date, the court will place you on a track towards trial. This will include the scheduling of a pretrial conference. If you are unable to reach a settlement by the pretrial date, you will be issued a trial date. If you have represented yourself thus far in the process, we highly encourage you to consult an attorney before entering into an agreement. We are prepared to work with you to prepare your final divorce agreement and ensure your rights are fully protected.