FAIRFIELD COUNTY ALIMONY ATTORNEYS
Divorce Law Firm Handling Alimony and Spousal Support Issues
It seems there is no greater issue that can bring tensions to an emotional boiling point in a divorce than alimony. Spouses on both sides are often willing to go to the mat over the money involved and the length of time spousal support will be required. In divorce cases involving high net worth, both parties fight aggressively to protect their long-term financial interests, which may include generational wealth.
Experienced Fairfield County Alimony/Spousal Support Lawyers
Our law firm attorneys have worked their entire careers in the area of Connecticut family law, including cases involving complex financial concerns relating to alimony and divorce. Our Fairfield County alimony lawyers understand the laws in Connecticut and the unique factors considered by the court in determining if alimony or spousal support should be awarded and, if awarded, the amount and duration.
Contact our Fairfield County divorce attorneys to discuss your situation and obtain answers.
Does Your Divorce Case Warrant Alimony or Spousal Support?
No two alimony cases are ever alike. Each must take into account the relationship during the marriage, the circumstances, skills, education, employment and lifestyle of the spouses’ pre- and post-divorce, and what the parties contributed of value during the marriage. More specifically, when alimony and spousal support issues are determined by the courts, a number of factors are considered, such as:
- Length of the marriage
- Cause for the divorce (Was there an issue of fault?)
- Age and health of each party
- Occupation, income and employability of each party
- Desirability of the custodial parent to secure employment
However, because it is not necessary for courts to give equal weight to the factors being considered, it is important to have an experienced Connecticut divorce lawyer who can present your case in a manner that demonstrates the most important factors. We also work diligently to balance implications of child support orders, property division determinations and the tax ramifications of the whole picture.
How Length of Marriage Plays Into Alimony Determinations
In marriages of short duration, alimony is becoming less common, especially when there are no children. When awarded, it can be of very short duration, depending on the circumstances of the parties. In many cases involving younger families, alimony or spousal support can be of significant importance both for the party seeking support as well as the party intended to pay support if it is ordered.
In long-term marriages involving high-net worth families, alimony will often be ordered. Lifetime alimony (alimony of an indeterminate number of years) may be considered in divorce cases involving marriages of considerable length, particularly when the age or ability to re-enter the workforce is an issue.
Changes in Alimony or Support: Modifications and Terminations
As life changes, the need for support and ability to pay support may change. Many people are concerned about how alimony and spousal support may be affected by these life circumstances, including if the party making alimony payments dies unexpectedly. Connecticut laws set forth various provisions to address such issues:
- Securing alimony with life insurance: While not required in all cases, the court may use discretion in ordering the party paying support to obtain life insurance in order to ensure the continuance of spousal support or alimony after his or her death.
- Cohabitation and support: If the party receiving alimony cohabitates with another partner, Connecticut cohabitation laws allow the court to evaluate if the new living arrangements constitute a change in circumstances and, if so, to suspend, reduce or terminate alimony or spousal support payments.
- Modifying or terminating alimony or spousal support: When there is a significant change in circumstances for the party receiving alimony or spousal support or for the party paying support, a motion can be filed with the court to request a modification of support obligations or to request a termination of support. Examples of such changes may include a significant change in financial circumstances affecting one party’s ability to pay support, a change in one party’s employability following a period of vocational rehabilitation, or a change in the marital status or living arrangements of the party receiving support.
Our Fairfield County alimony attorneys carefully evaluate your situation and guide you through the process of addressing complex issues related to establishing alimony in your divorce and addressing long-term post-judgment issues. We can also advise and represent you in contested post-divorce matters involving violation of court orders and contempt actions.
“When it comes to spousal maintenance, we take the time to review your total needs in all areas of your life. When we fight for you, we don’t back down without a solution that makes sense for you. We come prepared with strong evidence and professional resources that tell your spouse we intend to zealously protect your financial interests.” Attorney Beverly Krieger
Trust in Our Connecticut Spousal Support Lawyers
Talk to us about your pending divorce and whether alimony or some form of spousal support will be an issue. We will review your circumstances and give you an honest appraisal of how the judge is likely to view your situation. If we represent you, we will fight to protect your rights and financial interests.
From our offices in Norwalk, Connecticut, our lawyers represent individuals in divorce and family law matters in Greenwich, Stamford, Wilton, Westport and surrounding communities throughout Fairfield County. Call us or contact our divorce law firm by e-mail for a complimentary 30 minute initial consultation with an experienced Connecticut family law attorney.