If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

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Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

Attorney Anthony A Piazza & Laura A Simmons

Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

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Spousal Maintenance In Connecticut

Divorce is always complicated, and other than concerns related to child custody, financial issues are typically the most complicated and stressful component. While financial concerns obviously come in many forms, the issue of spousal support can be one of the most difficult to understand. Connecticut’s laws directly address spousal maintenance (also known as alimony or spousal support), and it can help to familiarize yourself with the basics.

What It’s All About

Connecticut courts can order either spouse to pay spousal maintenance – either in addition to the division of property or in lieu of the division of property. There is, however, no absolute right to spousal maintenance. Further, such maintenance isn’t meant to keep the recipient at the same standard of living that he or she enjoyed while married. Generally, the court will predicate spousal maintenance on the payee’s reasonable ability to pay. In the end, the court has wide discretion when it comes to whether it awards spousal maintenance and to its duration and scope.

The Elements Involved

Generally, the court will evaluate the same elements of your marriage for both property division and spousal maintenance.

  • Your marriage’s length
  • The cause of the dissolution of the marriage
  • Both of your ages
  • The health status of each of you
  • Your individual occupations
  • Each of your employability (including education and vocational skills)
  • Each of your estates
  • Your individual needs
  • The station (or social standing) of each of you
  • How the property is to be divided (in determining spousal maintenance)
  • How important it is for the custodial parent to secure employment
  • Other mitigating factors

It’s a lot to consider. If you’re facing divorce, you need an experienced Connecticut divorce attorney. Your financial future is far too important to leave to chance.

Spousal Maintenance Comes In Many Forms

Depending on your situation, a court can award different kinds of spousal maintenance. For example, sometimes a spouse will receive temporary spousal maintenance during the pendency of the divorce. Divorce is stressful, disruptive and (often) costly. What’s more, the process can leave one spouse at the extreme disadvantage of not having the funds to move forward purposefully and thus being forced to accept a low settlement offer. Temporary spousal maintenance can help mitigate this discrepancy. Periodic spousal maintenance references temporary support (paid after the divorce) in a specific amount and for a specific amount of time to help the divorced spouse with fewer resources regain financial footing. Finally, permanent spousal maintenance is maintenance that continues until one of the parties dies or until the payee remarries.

Facing Divorce? Contact An Experienced Connecticut Divorce Lawyer Today.

Divorce is complicated, stressful and emotionally wrought. Typically, finances are one of the most critical issues involved. If you’re facing divorce, seek experienced legal counsel to help protect you and your children’s financial future. The skilled divorce attorneys at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC, in Stamford, Connecticut, are committed to aggressively advocating for the spousal maintenance to which the law entitles you. Our dedicated legal professionals are here to help, so please contact or call us at 203-936-6772 today.