Family Law

WOERMER LAW FIRM

1037 Main Street, Watertown, CT 06795
(860) 274-9212

Family Law

Connecticut is a “no fault” state. This means that regardless of fault, you may get your divorce in the State of Connecticut, assuming that residency requirements are met. That does not mean that fault doesn't matter! It means that whether there is fault or not, if one party to a marriage seeks divorce, the other party can't stop it. Fault may play a significant role in the financial orders in a divorce if the acts considered fault were what broke down a marriage. Whether you seek a simple or complicated divorce, require modification of your divorce decree, or have other family law issues that require legal assistance, Matthew P. Woermer, Esquire can help you with all of your family law legal needs. The cost of divorce, custody battles or financial matters vary depending upon the case. Many of our family matters are resolved in the $3,000-$5,000 range, however, depending upon the issues and negative energy a case can have, the costs can really escalate.

Connecticut imposes a 90-day “cooling off period” before a party who has filed for divorce or legal separation can actually get divorced or legally separated. Once a divorce or legal separation is filed a virtual freeze on assets occurs. Neither party is allowed to incur unnecessary expenses, close financial accounts or terminate the other spouse's interest in any accounts or insurances. We strongly urge people contemplating divorce or a legal separation to come and see us for a free consultation prior to filing. Our preference is to actually prepare a financial projection for the client prior to filing the papers.

Child Support

Ø A child support obligation runs until a child reaches the age of 18 or until the time when they graduate high school. The amount is determined by guidelines established by the State of Connecticut. This amount will also determine the amount of child-care and un-reimbursed medical expenses that will have to be paid by each party.

Educational Support Orders

Ø An educational support order is an order of educational support for a child to attend an institution of higher education or a private occupational school for up to four academic years or until the child attains twenty-three years of age, whichever is sooner.

Parenting Education Program

Ø If you have children you must participate in a court approved parenting education program. The goal of this is to explain how divorce affects children and how you and your spouse can help your child adjust to changes in your family life.

Alimony

Ø Alimony is set up to assist a party after divorce. Factors that affect the duration and amount of alimony payments can be financial resources of the parties, the standard of living during the marriage, how long the marriage lasted, the time necessary for a party to find appropriate employment, your contribution to the marriage and each party’s separate amount of assets.