CT Alimony Attorney: New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford and Fairfield Counties

Family Attorney Renee Bauer helps clients like you to protect their assets when facing division of assets and parenting plans in divorce proceedings. Don't wait, schedule a consultation with CT Family Attorney Bauer today to determine whether alimony is appropriate in your situation.

What is Alimony in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, Alimony, otherwise referred to as spousal support, is money paid by one spouse to another either during the divorce, or upon the divorce becoming final, towards the other spouse's living expenses. It can be limited to a term of years, or payable for a lifetime, depending on the particular circumstances of the case.

How is Alimony determined in Connecticut?

The determination of alimony in Connecticut is not determined by a specific formula. Either party may seek alimony, but neither is guaranteed to receive it. Connecticut courts consider several factors in determining an alimony award:

• The length of the marriage
  
• The causes for the dissolution or legal separation
  
• The age, health, station, occupation of each party
  
• The amount and sources of income of both parties
  
• Vocational skills of each party
  
• Employability of each party
  
• Assets and needs of each of the parties

Periodic alimony is tax deductible to the spouse paying it and is taxable to the spouse receiving it.

How long is Alimony paid in Connecticut?

If the parties to a divorce do not seek alimony and no provision is contained in the divorce agreement, they will not be able to ask for alimony in the future regardless of their financial circumstances. The payment of alimony is usually terminated upon remarriage and may be modified, suspended or terminated upon the cohabitation of the ex-spouse receiving alimony payments. Alimony can be ordered for a limited time on month or time period specified, leaving it to a party to request modification or termination in the future if circumstances change.

Can I Receive Alimony Before the Divorce is Final?

Yes. In Connecticut divorce proceedings, the court may make temporary orders or "pendente lite" orders for the payment alimony. These orders may be modifiable during the divorce process if the financial situations of the parties change, resulting in substantial increases/decreases in the income of the parties, loss of employment or other special circumstances necessitating a change in alimony orders.

How is Marital Property Divided in Connecticut?

Connecticut courts have the power to assign all or any part of the marital estate to either party. Connecticut is not a community property state. Property owned by a party prior to the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage may be considered to be excluded from the marital estate and not subject to division, but that depends on the total financial orders and the courts have wide discretion to determine a fair division of all property owned by either party.

Does Fault Matter in Connecticut Divorce Proceedings?

The cause of the breakdown of the marriage will be considered by the Connecticut courts in making its financial awards. If the fault is substantial and contributes to the breakdown of the marriage, the court may compensate the party not at fault by giving that party a greater portion of the marital assets or more alimony than he/she would otherwise be awarded. The court will try to distribute the assets and available income where appropriate as equitably as possible taking into consideration all of the relevant facts.

Protect Your Assets: Contact Family Attorney Bauer CT's Alimony Attorney Today!