If you want to end your marriage, it’s wise to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney who is well-versed in family law. A seasoned lawyer will evaluate the situation so you can determine how to proceed in your particular circumstances. In the meantime, below is some general information on the subject so you can enter your consultation with confidence. 

3 Facts to Know Before Filing for Divorce 

1. Residency Requirements 

Although you don't have to file for divorce in the same state where you got married, you’ll have to meet certain residency requirements before proceeding. To end a marriage in Connecticut, for example, at least one party must have lived in the state for the past 12 months. If you don't meet this requirement before submitting the complaint, the court will wait for a year to pass before entering a final decree.

Because there are exceptions to the residency requirement, it’s wise to seek legal advice if your situation is unique. For example, the one-year requirement does not apply if you lived in Connecticut at the time of your marriage, moved away, and then moved back with intentions to reside there permanently following the divorce. 

2. Grounds for Filing 

Every state has some version of a no-fault divorce, which essentially means you may file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Because no-fault divorces do not require any proof of the opposing party’s transgressions, they're the easiest to pursue.

Connecticut allows married individuals to file on traditional grounds as well, including adultery, addiction, willful desertion, intolerable cruelty, fraudulent contract, incarceration, and confinement in a mental institution for at least five years within the past six years. 

3. Financial Implications 

In Connecticut, there is a $350 fee for filing the initial complaint and a $50 fee for serving the court papers. There is also a $125 fee for the mandatory class that divorcing parents must take. Additional expenses may apply for attorneys, mediators, and other experts.

Additionally, Connecticut allows alimony payments when warranted. These arrangements can be temporary or permanent, and they depend on factors, such as the length of the marriage, the reason for the divorce, and each spouse’s health, age, and earning capacity. 

If you share children with your spouse, you can expect the court to order child support payments as well. In Connecticut, such obligations are determined by the Income Shares Model, which means each parent’s earnings will play a role in the calculations. 

For legal advice about ending your marriage, turn to Greene Law PC in Farmington, CT. For more than 25 years, this firm has provided advice to individuals, financial institutions, and business organizations in a variety of areas. From estate planning to bankruptcy, they assist with a broad range of arrangements. To learn how their family law team will help you navigate your divorce, visit their website or call (860) 676-1336.