Westport Alimony Lawyers
Practical Assistance for Clients Throughout Fairfield County
Understanding the role of alimony can help you prepare for the financial implications and decisions ahead when navigating divorce. Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another during or after a divorce or legal separation.
Unlike some states, Connecticut does not have alimony guidelines, leaving its determination largely to the court’s discretion. This means you need skilled legal representation in seeking or contesting alimony during your divorce or in a post-divorce situation or dispute.
At Ferro, Battey & Eucalitto, LLC, we practice family law exclusively; our attorneys have extensive knowledge and court experience. We take the time to discuss your individual needs, explain your options, and help you strategize for the future.
Contact Ferro, Battey & Eucalitto, LLC by email or at (475) 264-4362 to consult a Westport alimony attorney. We also serve clients in Darien, Norwalk, Wilton, and New Canaan.
How Is Alimony Determined in Connecticut?
The court may order either party to pay alimony to the other, but the decision to award alimony and the amount and duration are based on several factors.
These generally include:
- The length of the marriage
- The causes for the marital breakdown
- The age, health, station, and occupation of the parties
- The parties’ income sources, vocational skills, employability, and estate
- The needs of both parties
- Property awards issued during the divorce
When minor children are involved, custody considerations can impact the court’s decision. Judges have broad discretion in weighing all factors based on your specific circumstances.
For example, poor health may take precedence in one instance, while in another, the primary focus may be on income disparities. No two cases are alike; courts tailor their decisions accordingly.
If alimony is not awarded during the divorce, it cannot be added or enforced later.
Modification of Alimony
Alimony awards are generally modifiable when either party's financial circumstances substantially change. This could include a significant increase or decrease in income, loss of employment, or other unforeseen financial shifts.
Alimony may also be modified if the recipient begins living with another person and his or her finances change.
Spouses can agree to make alimony non-modifiable or to limit the circumstances under which modifications can be made.
Contact Ferro, Battey & Eucalitto, LLC for Legal Guidance
Whether seeking alimony, contesting a request, or negotiating terms, we offer insightful counsel and the professional skills you need to pursue favorable results.
Call (475) 264-4362 or reach us online to consult a Westport alimony attorney.
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“I had a fairly complex case which involved adultery. Janet & Olivia were able to dissect the issue in a stepwise, logical manner, delivering ample rewards during the actual trial.”- Former Client
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“I know Ferro Family Law provided me the very best outcome I could hope for. Since then, I have retained them to represent me in some post judgment actions.”- Former Client
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“From the first time I met Janet & Olivia, through the end of my case, I knew I was in great hands. I cannot thank Ferro Family Law enough.”- Former Client
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“Aggressive, compassionate, cost-effective. I regularly refer Janet & Olivia to some of my most sensitive divorce cases. They are results-focused and responsive.”- Attorney Referral
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“This compassionate group of knowledgeable attorneys helped me and my children. I have and will continue to refer this firm to anyone in need of counsel for divorce.”- Former Client
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“Not only did Janet & Olivia quickly help me secure all protections for my daughter, they also ingeniously found a way to impel my spouse to get proper treatment.”- Former Client
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“Janet & Olivia genuinely care about all aspects of the client’s case and pay close attention to the client’s concerns, goals, and finances.”- Former Client
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“I have worked on several matters with Janet and Olivia. They are amazing attorneys. Smart, thorough and practical.”- Former Client
Have Questions?
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Who is entitled to custody of the children in a divorce case?The court may assign custody of a child to either parent, jointly to both parents, or in very rare situations, to a third party, depending on the facts of the case and the best interests of the child.
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Does Connecticut have no-fault divorce?Connecticut has no-fault divorce, meaning that neither party needs to establish that the other is at fault to get divorced. Instead, to get divorced, one party must show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down with no hope of reconciliation. However, no-fault divorce does not mean that the fault of one or both parties is irrelevant. The court may still consider fault when making awards of alimony or dividing property.
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What is the difference between a divorce and a legal separation?Both a legal separation and divorce will change the status of your relationship. However, a divorce will end your marriage, and a legal separation will not. Both terms are similar but the outcome in each is different. In both, the court will divide the parties’ property and enter alimony and child support orders. Unlike divorce if spouses are legally separated, they are not free to remarry. Spouses may elect a legal separation over divorce for religious reasons or to keep certain financial benefits. A legal separation can always be converted into a divorce. Converting a legal separation into a divorce effectively requires the parties to repeat the process they went through to get legally separated. For that reason, legal separation is rare; divorce is far more common.
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What is alimony?Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one party to another. There are several factors that come into play when determining if one party should be granted alimony including, but not limited to, the length of the marriage, the amount and sources of income, and the causes for the breakdown of the marriage. Connecticut does not have alimony guidelines, which means that the decision to award alimony, including the duration and the amount, is entirely in the judge’s discretion.
