Connecticut Alimony Lawyer

In many households, one spouse will earn a substantial portion of the couple’s income while the other spouse will contribute to the marriage in other ways. When a marriage in which the parties earn disparate wages end, the lesser earning party may face significant financial difficulties. Thus, the law allows the courts to order people to provide financial support or alimony to their former spouses. If your marriage is ending, it could have a dramatic impact on your finances, and you should speak to an attorney regarding your options. Westport spousal support attorney, Kevin L. Hoffkins, is a capable spousal support lawyer adept at helping people navigate the complexities of ending their marriages, and if you hire him, he will fight to help you protect your rights. He regularly represents people in family law cases in Westport and other cities in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.

Alimony Under Connecticut Law

In Connecticut, the financial support one spouse pays to another following a divorce is referred to as alimony. While there is no absolute right to alimony under Connecticut law, either party can request alimony in a divorce action. Alimony must be requested before the divorce is final, however, and if it is not, the parties waive the right to seek it in the future. Alimony can be awarded at two different stages in a divorce action. The first stage is a pendente lite award of alimony, and the other is an award at the final divorce trial.

Alimony pendente may be granted to provide financial support to one spouse while the divorce and ultimate distribution of assets are pending. Essentially, it provides them with the means to pursue or defend a divorce action.

The second stage for an award of alimony is in the final divorce decree. The philosophy behind alimony in the final stage is known as rehabilitative alimony. Rehabilitative alimony, as the name suggests, may be granted to help a person gain the capacity to become financially self-sufficient by acquiring education, work experience, training, or redevelopment of prior credentials or skills. It is not limited to such purposes, however, and can be granted for other reasons.

The court has discretion regarding whether or not to award alimony at either stage, and it is not automatic. You need a skilled spousal support lawyer who can help you prove the elements necessary to convince a court that spousal support is necessary. Speak to Westport Attorney Kevin L. Hoffkins, a skilled spousal support attorney, to seek the assistance you need to get spousal support.

Factors Weighed in Evaluating Whether to Grant Alimony

Connecticut courts will assess several elements in evaluating whether to grant alimony and, if so, which type of alimony is appropriate, and for what duration. Primary factors courts weigh include the length of the marriage and the reason for the divorce. They will also consider the amount and sources of income of the parties, and their earning capacities, education, and vocational skills. Additionally, they will assess their emotional and physical health, their needs, and if they have minor children, which impacts whether it is feasible or desirable for the parent to work. Finally, the courts can consider the parties’ stations in life and how marital property will ultimately be divided via equitable distribution. In cases in which a court grants permanent alimony, it must set forth the basis for doing so in its order. Note that alimony could be ordered in a lump sum rather than in periodic payments, and that Connecticut courts even have the authority to order a party who is not a resident of Connecticut to pay alimony to their spouse, provided the court has proper jurisdiction.

Meet With a Trusted Connecticut Family Law Attorney

The end of a marriage can present both emotional and economic challenges. If you and your spouse are contemplating filing for divorce, it is important to understand how the decision may affect you financially, and you should speak to a Westport attorney. Kevin L. Hoffkins, a skilled spousal support attorney who possesses the knowledge and resources needed to help you seek a fair and efficient resolution, will work tirelessly on your case. Westport spousal support attorney Kevin L. Hoffkins frequently assists people in family law matters in Westport, Norwalk, and cities in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. You can reach him via our online form to schedule a confidential and free conference.