Old Lyme Family Lawyer

Old Lyme Family Attorney

It’s common for Old Lyme residents facing legal family issues to become overwhelmed by Connecticut’s complex laws. When dealing with custody, support, divorce, or protection orders, having an experienced Old Lyme family lawyer on your side can help make the process easier to navigate.

Experienced Family Attorneys

Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law has served Connecticut residents for over 80 years. Each attorney on our team focuses on specific practice areas to better address the legal needs of individuals and families throughout New London County, Windham County, and Middlesex County. We have extensive experience in family law and are committed to protecting the legal rights of our Connecticut communities.

Divorce in Old Lyme

One of the most common reasons clients seek our help is for divorce proceedings. In Connecticut, the divorce rate was 2.8 divorces per 1,000 residents as of 2022. Because of how complex divorces can be, having a skilled lawyer to talk you through all aspects can make the process streamlined. In Connecticut, you can file for divorce for several reasons, including:

1. The marriage can’t be fixed.
2. You and your spouse have lived apart for at least 18 months because you’re not compatible, and there’s no chance of getting back together.
3. Your spouse cheated on you.
4. Your spouse has a serious and ongoing problem with alcohol or drugs.
5. Your spouse has treated you with extreme cruelty, making the marriage unbearable.
6. Your spouse has been in a mental health facility for at least five years within the past six years.

Old Lyme Property Division Laws

When a court grants a divorce in Connecticut, it has the authority to divide property between the spouses. The court can give either spouse part or all of the other spouse’s property. When deciding how to divide property, the court looks at a number of things. These include:

• How long the couple had been married
• Why the marriage is ending
• Each person’s age, health, job, income, and education
• Each person’s ability to earn money in the future, their debts, what they need to support themselves, and what property or money they might get in the future
• What each person contributed to getting, keeping, or increasing the value of their property.

Courts have a lot of flexibility in how they divide property, and their decisions are based on all the information presented by both spouses. Family law cases are typically overseen by the New London County Courthouse, located at 70 Huntington Street in New London. It’s important to hire a family lawyer who can help explain what to expect during your case.

Alimony Laws in Old Lyme

A court can order one spouse to pay financial support, called alimony, to the other during or after a divorce. In Connecticut, alimony can also be ordered after an annulment or legal separation.

The judge looks at several factors when deciding if alimony should be paid, how much it should be, and for how long. Connecticut courts may also consider who was at fault for the marriage ending.

In Connecticut, there are no strict time limits for how long alimony can last. A judge may order it for a specific period or for life, depending on the case. Alimony can be changed later if either person’s financial situation changes a lot. Also, if the person receiving alimony moves in with someone else, the court might reduce or end the payments.

In some cases, the court may also require the person paying alimony to get life insurance to make sure the payments continue even if they pass away.

Hire a Family Lawyer

The team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law understands how deeply personal and incredibly stressful family law cases can be. Clients receive direct access to their attorney, regular case updates, and timely responses to all legal concerns. We offer free consultations to Old Lyme residents who need to discuss the unique details of their case with an empathic legal team.

FAQs

Choose a Trusted Old Lyme Law Firm

When facing family law legal matters, it’s critical to have a skilled lawyer to represent you. Not only can they help secure your future, but the future of your family as well. Let our team take care of the legal side of things so you can focus on you and your family’s well-being. We represent clients throughout Old Lyme and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your first free consultation.

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860-364-6937