Divorce Overview

In Connecticut, there are many events that have to take place in order to effectuate a dissolution of marriage. This may be complicated even further if the couple is of moderate to high net worth and/or if there is a professional practice or small business involved. When a couple has spent many years accumulating assets, there are many complications with the division of this property. In addition, a high net worth couple with weekly income in excess of $4,000.00 will face a special review of the revenue in order to determine child support payments.

Some of the issues that arise in divorce include:

• The division of property – it is important to take inventory of all marital property, in order to have a fair and equitable division. In Connecticut, the court will consider separate property during the distribution analysis.
• Alimony payments – a divorce court will consider the education and career of each spouse, earning potential, and any special needs when calculating support payments. There are times when a court will award more property to the spouse who has less income-earning potential and/or greater needs. There may also come a time when these agreements need to be modified due to familial or income changes in either party.
• The custody, visitation, and  support of any minor children – the court will make a decision that is in the best interests of the child, which may include sole or joint legal custody, sole of shared physical custody, and a visitation schedule intended to foster a meaningful relationship between the child and a non-custodial parent.
• Other factors – including the behavior of the parties that may have contributed to the divorce. Although a divorce will be granted as long the parties assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken, a court will consider whether there was any adultery or abuse in the relationship, among other factors.

If the couple has moderate to high net worth, there may be issues surrounding:

• The division of real property, including primary and secondary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties;
• The valuation of any professional practices or businesses;
• The divisions of vehicles, furniture, antiques, artwork, and rare collectibles; and
• The allocation of retirement benefits, deferred compensation, stock option plans, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and other financial assets.

Contact Connecticut Family Law Attorney Sheila Cascio Today

Attorney Sheila Cascio has developed her practice over more than a decade to address the needs of her clients in obtaining an efficient divorce in order to minimize the emotional turmoil. Individuals in the Norwalk, Danbury, and upper Fairfield County areas should contact The Law Offices of Sheila S. Cascio. Call (203) 939-9411 to reach the Norwalk office or (203) 885-0042 to schedule an appointment in New Fairfield. Attorney Cascio is licensed to practice in both Connecticut and New York.