New Haven Contested Divorce Attorney

Experienced Contested Divorce Lawyer Serving New Haven County, CT

At Hirsch Legal, LLC, we recognize that divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when it involves contested issues that spouses cannot amicably resolve. A contested divorce arises when disagreements exist on key matters such as asset division, alimony, child custody, and support. Our seasoned New Haven contested divorce attorneys are dedicated to guiding clients through this intricate legal process with compassion, expertise, and unwavering advocacy.

To speak to an experienced New Haven contested divorce attorney, contact us online or call (203) 769-7388.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

When a couple decides to divorce, they must resolve several issues before the court will grant the divorce. If the couple can agree on these issues, the divorce is considered uncontested. If the couple cannot agree on one or more issues, the divorce is considered contested. Contested divorces are more complex and take longer to resolve than uncontested divorces. They also tend to be more expensive.

Issues that must be resolved in a divorce include:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony

When a couple cannot agree on these issues, the court will decide them. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding child custody and support. The court will consider the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the parties’ employability, and the parties’ contributions to the marriage when deciding alimony. The court will consider the parties’ contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, the parties’ employability, and the parties’ needs when deciding property division.

When the court decides these issues, it will issue a final judgment of divorce. The final judgment of divorce is a legally binding order that both parties must follow. If a party does not follow the final judgment of divorce, the other party can ask the court to enforce the order. If a party cannot follow the final judgment of divorce, the party can ask the court to modify the order.

Common reasons for modifying a final judgment of divorce include:

• Change in income
• Change in employment
• Change in health
• Change in the child’s needs
• Change in the child’s health
• Change in the child’s school
• Change in the child’s extracurricular activities

When a party asks the court to modify a final judgment of divorce, the court will consider whether there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the final judgment of divorce was issued. If the court finds that there has been a substantial change in circumstances, the court will modify the final judgment of divorce.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in CT?

Contested divorces take longer to resolve than uncontested divorces. The length of a contested divorce depends on the complexity of the issues that must be resolved and the parties’ willingness to cooperate. If the parties cannot agree on any of the issues that must be resolved, the court will decide them. The court will schedule a hearing to decide the issues. The court will consider the evidence presented at the hearing and issue a final judgment of divorce. The court will issue the final judgment of divorce within 120 days of the hearing.

If the parties can agree on some of the issues that must be resolved, the court will decide the remaining issues. The court will schedule a hearing to decide the remaining issues. The court will consider the evidence presented at the hearing and issue a final judgment of divorce. The court will issue the final judgment of divorce within 120 days of the hearing.

If the parties can agree on all of the issues that must be resolved, the court will issue a final judgment of divorce. The court will issue the final judgment of divorce within 90 days of the hearing.

Grounds for Contested Divorce: Fault vs. No-Fault

Connecticut recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. In a contested divorce, fault grounds may include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or substance abuse. Alternatively, couples can pursue a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, indicating an irreparable breakdown of the marriage. Our attorneys provide strategic counsel to help clients choose the grounds aligning with their unique situation.

To speak to an experienced New Haven contested divorce attorney, contact us online or call (203) 769-7388.