Connecticut Divorce Lawyer

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Divorce Lawyer in Connecticut - Dissolution of Marriage Attorney - Legal Representation for Divorce Cases - Experienced Divorce Attorney- Divorce Trial - Family Law - Family Court

Divorce Litigation

When looking for a Divorce Lawyer across Connecticut, it’s crucial to retain a skilled and experienced attorney. Divorce is a challenging, time-consuming, and very emotional process for all parties involved. At  McConnell Family Law, we guide you through every step of the process and will protect your rights, every step of the way.

  • We will help you understand decisions during the divorce process and how those decisions will affect your finances, taxes, and personal life.
  • We will guide you through each step and help you make difficult decisions on information rather than emotions.
  • If you’re a business owner, we explain how divorce impacts your business.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to better understand the things that are beginning to unfold. Family Law matters can be very stressful and emotional.

Divorce Mediation & Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Divorce mediation allows both parties to identify, negotiate and resolve the issues raised by the decision to divorceThe mediator establishes firm ground rules and a comfortable environment so that emotionally charged issues can be objectively discussed. The mediator helps both spouses gather all necessary information and review it systematically. A mediator often helps formulate a more creative solution than the court could offer. When parenting agreements and financial distribution plans are made by the spouses themselves, there is a much better chance of meeting the needs of the entire family. Contact us today to learn how a mediation approach may be better suited to your family situation.

Schedule a Consultation

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Are you in need of professional legal help?

Don’t hesitate to contact McConnell Family Law. We have helped many people in the same situations that you may be in. We take every individual circumstance very seriously and promise to contact you very quickly. We understand that no two cases are the same. We have offices in Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties as well as have the ability to schedule one on one consultations in our satellite offices.

Meet Our Team of Talented Attorneys

Our Team

Our team of talented attorneys is here for you. We offer service throughout Connecticut and have offices in Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties. With years of experience and thousands of courtroom hours, we are uniquely qualified to help you with your legal needs.

Paul McConnell

Heidi De la Rosa

Attorney Frank Corazzelli

Frank Corazzelli

Client Testimonials

Thomas Angelillo
Thomas Angelillo
Prenuptial agreement client
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Heidi‘s knowledge for prenuptial agreements exceeded my expectations. Her experience in the specialty of prenuptial agreements, was exemplary throughout my whole conversation with her. She’s an absolute asset to the company, and I was lucky enough to have her as a contact.
Willow Dixon
Willow Dixon
Divorce client
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I was in dire need of a skilled family law attorney when going through my divorce, and McConnell Family Law Group truly delivered. Their divorce lawyer provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process. They were not only professional but also empathetic to my situation. I highly recommend their services!
Susan Karpuk
Susan Karpuk
Client
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Frank Corazzelli was very knowledgable, a great listener and very kind. I was very pleased with the outcome. He understood exactly what was needed and took care of everything. I also found the paralegal staff very easy to work with.
Gary Smothers
Gary Smothers
Child support client
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Attorney Heidi De La Rosa’s compassionate counsel ensured my family’s interests were prioritized. Her team at McConnell Family Law Group helped me understand the legalities of my child support case, addressing my concerns thoroughly. I’m very thankful for her work.
Oscar Allen
Oscar Allen
Divorce client
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Divorce is never easy, but having a lawyer who is both knowledgeable and understanding made a world of difference. The attention to detail and commitment to my case provided by the legal team was outstanding. McConnell Family Law Group truly made the daunting process much more manageable.
Robert Montoya
Robert Montoya
Divorce client
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As a business owner going through a divorce I needed a law firm that understood the complexities of my situation. They delivered with exceptional service, protecting my business interests while ensuring a fair settlement. Their expertise is unparalleled.
Marta Productions
Marta Productions
Divorce client
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Heidi represented me in my divorce to my ridiculous ex husband - I would definitely recommend her!! Very knowledgeable and so helpful with every step of the process. So grateful I was recommended McConnell family law!
Leilani Bucknam
Leilani Bucknam
Client
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I had the opportunity to work with Attorney Frank Corazzelli. His adept handling of my case and genuine concern for my family's well-being truly sets this firm apart in the realm of family law.
Taylor Price
Taylor Price
Child custody client
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They exceeded my expectations. Their family law attorney handled my complex child custody case with precision and care. Their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best outcome for my family was evident. I'm grateful for their expertise in family law.
Rebecca Wilson
Rebecca Wilson
Client
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Navigating through the legalities of family law can be overwhelming, but Paul made it seem effortless. The advice given was always in my best interest, and the personal touch he added made me feel like more than just another case number.
Mond Ridpath
Mond Ridpath
Client
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Attorney Heidi’s meticulous approach and deep understanding of family law turned what seemed like an insurmountable challenge manageable, leading to a resolution that honored my family's well-being.
James Davidson
James Davidson
Client
Read More
Frank Corazzelli and his team’s insightful counsel and strategic approach were instrumental in the handling of my divorce case. It really reflects their profound understanding of both the legal and emotional dimensions of family law
Kelvin Spencer
Kelvin Spencer
Client
Read More
At first, I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of hiring a divorce attorney, but McConnell Family Law Group made the process much less daunting. Their experienced staff guided me through every step and ultimately helped me secure an advantageous outcome.
Philosophy

The McConnell Family Law Group is a team of skilled family law and divorce lawyers committed to securing the best possible outcome for your family law needs. Our ultimate goal is to help you successfully transition to the next stage of your life.

Why Us?

If you have any questions regarding our firm, we encourage you to give us a call. We will do everything possible to answer all of your questions to make sure we are the right fit for your case.

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

― Harriet Beecher Stowe

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Family Law

We do not offer financing, but can point clients to lenders who do.

We do offer a Flat Fee Divorce option for “uncontested divorces” where both parties have decided and agreed upon how to divide their property.  We assist with the preparation and filing of required documents to streamline an otherwise difficult and confusing process.

In addition, we offer a low-cost alternative to other types of family law matters (e.g. custody disputes)  that we refer to as “Consulting.”  For further description, read more about low-cost divorce alternatives.  You can further discuss these options with an attorney during an initial consultation.

Sorry to give a lawyer answer, but: It depends.  For divorce matters, we tell “most” of our clients to plan on nine months.  A few cases are completed in as little as three months, while others sometimes last more than a year.

We cover the entire state of Connecticut. We have offices in Hartford, New Canaan, Greenwich, and New Haven and we also accept appointments in Stamford, Groton, and Shelton. Moreover, we frequently schedule consultations and appointments via Zoom when it is more practical for our clients.

The easiest thing would be to visit our practice areas page.

Built on a Foundation of Success

The most important criteria when searching for the right attorney and firm is typically experience and track record of success…We have both.

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Combined Years of Experience
Years of Legal Experience
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Actual Tried Cases
Family Law Cases
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of Success
Positive Outcomes

Divorce Lawyer: Hartford, New Haven, New London & Fairfield Counties

EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF PASSIONATE & COMPASSIONATE ATTORNEYS.

Divorce Attorneys: Connecticut Family Law Firm

Play Video about Divore Lawyers Hartford, CT

When looking for a divorce lawyer, it’s essential to retain a skilled attorney. Divorce is a challenging and emotional process for people. At the  McConnell Family Law Firm, we guide you through the process and will protect your rights every step of the way.

  • A good divorce lawyer will help you understand decisions during the divorce process and how those decisions will affect your finances, taxes, and personal life. We take the time to explain everything and answer all of your questions and address any concerns.
  • We guide you through each step and help you make difficult decisions based on information rather than emotions.
  • If you have a will or trust, we review your documents and suggest actions to protect your assets.
  • If you’re a business owner, we explain how divorce impacts your business.
  • For child support or spousal support, our divorce attorneys have the necessary experience to negotiate terms that will be agreeable to you.
  • We are a full-service family law firm equipped to handle all of your family law needs, including divorce.

Sorry to give a lawyer answer, but: It depends. For divorce matters, we tell “most” of our clients to plan on nine months. A few cases are completed in as little as three months, while others sometimes last more than a year.

Making the decision to contemplate or begin divorce proceedings is a very difficult and emotional one. We always encourage the first step be having an initial consultation. Please see the video above as Attorney Paul McConnell discusses the initial consultation. We are also offering Zoom conferencing in light of current circumstances.

Connecticut is a “no-fault” divorce state.  That means that a spouse does not need to prove “grounds” to obtain a divorce. The court issues a judgment of divorce because the marriage has “irretrievably broken down.”

That said, the court can consider fault in determining the financial orders (alimony and assignment of property). The determination of fault makes a difference in the court’s award when the determining responsibility is substantial and contributes to the marriage breakdown and the loss of marital assets. It plays a much smaller role in today’s divorces than people realize.

In Connecticut, a court may order either of the parties to pay alimony to the other. In deciding the amount of alimony, the legislature has ruled that the court shall consider: the length of the marriage; the causes for the dissolution of marriage or legal separation; the age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate and needs of each of the parties, and any property award which can be awarded to either husband or wife.

In addition, where a parent has been assigned custody of minor children, the court will examine the desirability of the custodial parent securing employment.

Connecticut is an equitable distribution state, which means that Courts are more focused on handling the division of finances and other issues fairly and equitably at the time of dissolution. The goal is to minimize disruption to the family.

A common misconception in divorce is that the marital assets should be divided equally, as in 50% to each partyAnother misconception is that only assets held in joint title by both spouses are subject to distribution. However, equitable distribution is much broader than strict percentages or title.

Connecticut courts may also give either the husband or wife any part of the estate of the other, including real property regardless of title. In making the property assignment, the same standards applied in alimony awards will be used, as will the chance of the husband and wife acquiring future capital assets and income. The contribution of each of the parties to the purchase, preservation, or appreciation in the value of their estates will be considered an integral part of any assignment of property.

Because circumstances may change, support and custody decisions and alimony are always modifiable unless otherwise specified. Property awards are not adjustable.

It is of paramount importance that binding legal documents are prepared with the assistance of experienced Counsel. We are ready and able to assist you.

At least one party must have been domiciled (established residency) continuously in Connecticut for 12 months before the date that the court issues the judgment. You may file for divorce without meeting the 12-month requirement as long as you complete it at the time of the divorce. There are other exceptions to this rule that you can discuss with our office if this is an issue.

The legal standard for custody issues in Connecticut is the “best interests of the child,” which means that the court will assess any parenting agreement, child support, and visitation based on what is in the best interests of the child. There are many factors a court will consider in determining what is in the child’s best interest.

The practical result of this standard is that the Courts favor joint legal custody with relatively equal visitation. It is the general belief that children benefit from having both parents involved in their upbringing. However, every case is different. There are situations where joint legal and physical custody is not in the best interests of the child. At McConnell Family Law, we analyze every case on an individual basis and advise what parenting arrangement would be in the best interests of the child under Connecticut law.

If there are children under 18 from the marriage, both parents must attend a parenting class within 60-days after the divorce is filed.

For more information regarding child custody issues in divorce, see our child custody page and blog post.

In addition to the Residency Requirement listed above. The legal action is started with a formal complaint. This is a document drawn by your attorney, which gives some of the facts of your marriage and the claim for relief. The claim for relief asks for such things as alimonychild custody, child support, a division of property, or Counsel fees.

The complaint is served by a marshal and contains a summons, which directs your spouse or his or her attorney to file a response with the court on a certain day (called the “return day”). The defendant spouse or his or her lawyer should file a form called an “appearance” so that all further information about the case can be mailed to him or her.

There is a 90-day waiting period after the return day before either party can have the marriage dissolved. However, divorce usually takes longer than 90 days.

While waiting for the 90-day period to end, you may ask for temporary orders of custody, support, visitation, or alimony or ask the court to resolve any other disagreements between the parties. It is also possible for you to seek Orders requiring the other to participate in reconciliation conferences. A divorce attorney from The McConnell Family Law Group can assist you in all of these essential matters.

At the end of the 90-day waiting period, depending on whether or not the action is contested, the case can either be assigned for trial as contested  or set for a hearing as uncontested.

If a case is uncontested, the court proceeding may last less than 15 minutes for the Judge to approve the parties’ agreement, provided the court finds it to be fair and equitable.

If the parties cannot agree about money or the children, the case becomes contested, and both parties will appear for trial before a judge or a referee. A referee is a retired state court judge to whom contested divorces are “referred” for trial.

For some marriages, there is the newly adopted non-adversarial divorce process. If you qualify for the non-adversarial divorce, the benefits are obtaining the divorce in less time than the minimum 3-month period and a more peaceful resolution. You may be eligible for the non-adversarial divorce if:

  • You have been married eight years or less
  • Neither spouse is pregnant
  • No children were born or adopted by you before or during the marriage
  • Neither of you has any interest or title in any real property
  • The total value of all property owned by both is less than $35,000
  • Neither of you has a defined benefit pension plan
  • Neither of you has a pending bankruptcy
  • Neither of you is applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits
  • There is no other pending action for dissolution of your marriage
  • There are no restraining or protective orders between you

Suppose you do not qualify for the non-adversarial divorce process but do have a complete agreement on all issues in the divorce. In that case, you may still waive the 90-day waiting period to expedite the dissolution.

For many, full representation by a lawyer is unaffordable. Here at McConnell Family Law Group, we offer alternative representation solutions to provide greater access to legal assistance. Different types of limited scope representation include:

  • legal advice concerning a legal problem or case
  • drafting pleadings or briefs for the client known as “ghostwriting.”
  • legal coaching on how to present evidence in court, cross-examine a witness, etc.

Additionally, Connecticut has adopted limited appearances as of January 1, 2016, where an attorney may file a limited appearance in some issues, including family law matters. An example of a limited appearance would be for an attorney to agree to represent a client on one specific motion or hearing but not the entire family law action. Limited appearances are best for post-judgment motions such as custody modification or contempt for violating a court order.

For more information about family law and divorce in Connecticut, see our Divorce FAQs.

Schedule a Consultation

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Hartford Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Office

Divorce, Mediation, Collaborative Divorce. High Net Worth Divorce, Military Divorce, Flat Fee Divorce & More

Navigating the complexities of divorce can be a daunting experience, especially when dealing with the unique intricacies of Connecticut’s divorce laws. For couples seeking to dissolve their marriage, understanding the legal landscape is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome.

In an effort to provide clarity and guidance, our team of Connecticut divorce lawyers at the McConnell Family Law Group have compiled a list of 7 key facts related to Connecticut divorce laws. These facts will help you understand the specific aspects of Connecticut’s legal framework, as well as address common concerns that arise in divorce cases.

7 key facts about a Connecticut Divorce

1. Connecticut is a no-fault state

In some states, divorcing couples need to show grounds for divorce. Connecticut, however, is a “no-fault” state; Connecticut couples can petition for divorce without the need to set forth the reasons for the divorce. One of the advantages of divorcing in a no-fault state is that it helps to protect the privacy of the individuals involved by not forcing couples to state their reason for divorce in a court document. Despite being a no-fault state, fault can still factor in when the courts consider matters relating to the divorce, such as alimony and the assignment of property.

 2. Connecticut’s residency requirement

Generally, in order to meet Connecticut’s residency requirement, at least one of the parties must be continuously domiciled in the state for 12 months before filing, or meet the 12-month deadline on the date of divorce.

3. Division of property in a Connecticut divorce

The state of Connecticut is an “all property equitable distribution state,” giving the court the power to distribute any and all property, regardless of how it was purchased or acquired, based on the consideration of several factors, to include:

  • How long the couple was married
  • The cause of the breakdown of the marriage
  • Age and health of the parties
  • Education, vocation, income, and earning capacity of the parties
  • Liabilities and needs of each spouse
  • The potential for future acquisition of money and other assets

4. Alimony in Connecticut

When a couple divorces in Connecticut, alimony is available to either party but is not guaranteed to be awarded to either. When alimony is being considered, there are four options for how the money is paid:

  • No award
  • $1.00 annually (this preserves the right to modify later if warranted by the circumstances)
  • Lump-sum payment
  • Periodic payment

In determining whether alimony is appropriate, the court again weighs the same factors as in the division of property.

5. Child custody

As in many other states, to determine custody Connecticut courts consider what custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child. To determine the child’s best interests, the court will weigh a number of factors including the child’s preference and the cause of the divorce.

6. Child support

The amount of child support awarded is calculated according to the guidelines laid out in state law. In addition to the standard calculated amount of alimony, the spouse will also be required to provide for medical expenses, as well as child care expenses that are necessary because of employment. The court does have the power to deviate from the standard calculations in certain cases, such as when there is an extreme expense related to visitation or when the child has an above-average need for financial support.

7. Penalties

All court orders relating to the divorce are enforceable and, as such, carry penalties for non-compliance. A party who violates a court order can be found in contempt, resulting in the payment of the other party’s legal fees or even jail time in extreme situations.

7 Key Facts about Connecticut DivorceDetails
No-fault stateConnecticut is a no-fault state, which means that couples can file for divorce without stating the reasons for the divorce.
Residency requirementTo file for divorce in Connecticut, at least one party must be domiciled in the state for 12 continuous months before filing.
Division of propertyConnecticut is an all-property equitable distribution state. The court can distribute any and all property based on several factors.
AlimonyAlimony may be available, but it is not guaranteed. Four options for payment are available. The court will consider factors such as income, education, and earning capacity.
Child custodyConnecticut courts will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody. Factors such as the child’s preference and the cause of the divorce will be weighed.
Child supportChild support is calculated according to state guidelines. In certain cases, the court may deviate from the standard calculations.
PenaltiesCourt orders related to the divorce are enforceable, and non-compliance can result in penalties such as payment of legal fees or even jail time.

Connecticut Divorce Laws

In Connecticut, there are specific laws that both parties must follow during a divorce. While it can be difficult to comprehend the entire legal framework, understanding some essential regulations can help make the divorce process smoother.

To file for divorce in Connecticut, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for at least 12 months before the end of the divorce proceedings. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if one spouse lived in Connecticut when the marriage took place and intended to stay for an extended period or permanently or if the marriage dissolved after one spouse relocated to Connecticut.

Connecticut recognizes both no-fault and at-fault divorces. In a no-fault divorce, you only need to show that you and your spouse have officially separated for at least 18 months and want to divorce because of irreconcilable differences.

Obtaining an at-fault divorce in Connecticut is more challenging and requires the plaintiff, the person initiating the divorce, to present their case in court. The defendant, or the spouse being served, can respond with a rebuttal or request an extension.

At-fault divorces are typically sought when child custody disputes are likely to be contentious or when property and asset division may be contested. Proving your spouse’s fault could result in receiving a larger portion of the marital assets, and disagreements over alimony could also be a reason to pursue an at-fault divorce.

At McConnell Family Law Group, we understand that divorce is a difficult and stressful time for families, and we are committed to providing excellence in representation for Connecticut residents. For more information on how we can help, please contact us today.

 

Hartford Divorce Lawyers & Family Law

Hartford, New Britain, Middletown, and Rockville

Hartford, Connecticut state capitol

Hartford Divorce Attorneys

Connecticut is a “no-fault” divorce state.  What that means, is a spouse does not need to prove “grounds” to obtain a divorce. The Court issues a judgment of divorce because the marriage has “irretrievably broken down.”

Divorce Mediation in Connecticut

Mediation vs. Divorce

Divorce mediation allows both parties to identify, negotiate and resolve the issues raised by the decision to divorce. The mediator establishes ground rules so that emotionally charged issues can be discussed.

Our Skills & Expertise

When looking for a Hartford Divorce Lawyer, it’s crucial to retain a skilled attorney. Divorce is a challenging, time-consuming, and emotional process for all parties involved. At  McConnell Family Law, we guide you through every step of the process and will protect your rights, every step of the way.

We have offices in Hartford, New Haven, and New Canaan. Additionally, we can facilitate in-person meetings via appointment in Stamford, Greenwich, and Shelton.

Divorce
50 + Years Experience
Mediation
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Hartford Superior Court

95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106

Hartford Superior Court

Hartford Superior Court

95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106

New Britain Courthouse

20 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051

New Britain Courthouse

New Britain Courthouse

20 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051

Middletown Courthouse

1 Court St, Middletown, CT 06457

Middletown, CT Superior Court

Middletown Courthouse

1 Court St, Middletown, CT 06457

Rockville Courthouse

20 Park St, Rockville, CT 06066

Rockville, Connecticut Courthouse

Rockville Courthouse

20 Park St, Rockville, CT 06066

Hartford Office

638 Prospect Ave. Hartford, CT 06105

  • Note: Saturday and Sunday are phone-in only as well as 5:00pm – 9:00pm Monday – Friday

We can represent you no matter what town you are from, but if your case requires multiple office visits then we recommend selecting our office with the closest proximity. The following non-comprehensive list of towns are probably best served from our Hartford office.

  • Hartford
  • East Hartford
  • West Hartford
  • Glastonbury
  • Farmington
  • Wethersfield
  • Newington
  • Rocky Hill
  • New Britain
  • Bloomfield
  • South Glastonbury
  • East Glastonbury
  • Manchester
  • Windsor
  • South Windsor
  • Berlin
  • East Berlin
  • Cromwell
  • Granby
  • Avon
  • More

Yes, we do. We also have offices in New Haven, New Canaan, Greenwich, Gorton. Additionally, we offer online Zoom meetings.

Monday
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

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