When your marriage ends, the stakes are personal and financial in equal measure. The home, the retirement accounts, the business interests, and your time with your children -- everything you have built is on the table.
For many New Canaan families, divorce also raises concerns about privacy, high-value real estate, executive compensation, school routines, and how to protect children from unnecessary conflict.
The attorney who represents you can help protect what matters most as your divorce moves forward.
Connecticut Family Law Group's New Canaan divorce lawyers bring the experience and discretion that families in Fairfield County need. Our team has guided more than 800 Connecticut families through divorce, custody, and post-judgment disputes. Call our New Canaan office at (203) 344-7007 for a confidential consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONWhy Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer in New Canaan, CT?
A New Canaan divorce attorney protects your financial future, your parenting time, and your privacy. Divorce is one of the most consequential legal processes you will face. Going through a Connecticut divorce without experienced counsel can put you at risk of outcomes you cannot undo.
Connecticut is an "all-property" equitable distribution state. A judge can divide anything either spouse owns, including assets acquired before the marriage. In New Canaan, where household wealth often involves real estate portfolios, executive compensation, and business ownership, the financial stakes in property division are significant.
Divorce cases for New Canaan residents are filed in the Stamford-Norwalk Judicial District. Hearings take place at the Stamford Superior Court at 123 Hoyt Street. Our attorneys know the judges, the local procedures, and how cases move through that courthouse.
What Sets Connecticut Family Law Group Apart for New Canaan Divorces?
Divorce for Fairfield County couples often involves financial complexities that general practice firms may not be equipped to handle. Our team focuses exclusively on Connecticut family law, bringing that depth of knowledge and skill to every New Canaan case we handle.
Experienced Attorneys Focused on Family Law
Attorneys Paul McConnell, Frank Corazzelli, and Heidi De la Rosa lead our practice across five offices statewide. Our team has guided more than 800 Connecticut families through divorce, custody, mediation, and post-judgment disputes. We handle over 100 family law cases each year, giving us deep familiarity with how Fairfield County judges approach property division, alimony, and custody.
Recognized by the Legal Community
Our attorneys have earned honors that reflect consistent performance and peer recognition across the profession:
- Super Lawyers® selection, an honor reserved for attorneys who demonstrate excellence through peer nominations and independent review
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, recognizing top attorneys based on leadership, reputation, and results
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating, the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards
- A+ BBB Rating, reflecting a strong record of trust and client satisfaction
- ThreeBestRated® Best Business Recognition, awarded after a detailed review of reputation, history, and client feedback
- 10.0 Avvo Rating, the highest possible score based on experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct
These credentials are earned over time and reflect how our peers and clients view our work.
Active in the Community
Beyond client work, our team supports the American Cancer Society, the Marine Raider Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project. We are also active with the VFW and American Legion. We are part of the communities we serve, and we take that seriously.
Offices Across Connecticut
We serve families from five locations throughout the state:
- New Canaan — 71 Elm St #201, New Canaan, CT 06840
- Hartford — 638 Prospect Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
- New Haven — 157 Church St, 19th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510
- Greenwich — 500 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
- Groton — 500 Bridge St, Groton, CT 06340
How Does the Divorce Process Work in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 12 months before the court will finalize a divorce. You can file the complaint before reaching that threshold, but the judge will not enter a final decree until the residency requirement is met.
After filing, Connecticut law sets timing rules before the court can proceed. In contested divorce cases, trial generally cannot begin until at least 90 days after the return date, though agreed or default matters may move differently depending on the circumstances.
Both spouses must exchange financial affidavits during that window. These sworn documents lay out income, expenses, assets, and debts. If you have children under 18, both parents must complete a Parenting Education Program within 60 days.
Most cases also include a Resolution Plan Date early in the process. You meet with Family Services to explore whether a settlement is possible before the case moves deeper into litigation.
An uncontested divorce in Connecticut typically wraps up in four to six months. Contested cases can take 12 to 18 months or longer, especially when complex assets or custody disputes are involved.
What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on every major issue before going to court. A contested divorce means at least one issue, whether it is property, custody, or alimony, remains unresolved and requires a judge's decision. Here is how they compare.
| Factor | Uncontested Divorce | Contested Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement Required | Both spouses agree on all terms | At least one issue is unresolved |
| Timeline | Typically 4 to 6 months | 12 to 18+ months |
| Cost | Lower, fewer attorney hours | Higher, more discovery and hearings |
| Court Involvement | Brief final hearing | Multiple hearings, possible trial |
| Privacy | Less public exposure | More court filings become public |
| Emotional Impact | Generally less stressful | Can increase conflict between spouses |
Many divorces begin as contested and settle before trial. Mediation, collaborative divorce, and skilled negotiation often help spouses reach agreements without a full courtroom battle. Our New Canaan family law attorneys pursue the approach that fits your goals and your family's needs.
How Does Connecticut Divide Property in a Divorce?
Connecticut courts divide property based on fairness, not a strict 50/50 split. The law gives judges broad discretion to assign assets. Everything either spouse owns is potentially subject to division, regardless of whose name is on the title.
Judges weigh several factors under Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-81. Those include the length of the marriage, each spouse's age and health, earning capacity, contributions to the household, and the overall economic picture.
In New Canaan, property division cases often involve assets that require specialized valuation. A few common examples include:
- Homes and investment properties with significant equity
- Restricted stock units, deferred compensation, and executive bonus plans
- Closely held businesses or professional practices
- Retirement accounts, pensions, and 401(k) plans
- Trust interests and inherited wealth
Accurate valuation is critical. Our team works with forensic accountants and financial experts to make sure complex assets are properly identified and appraised before any division is negotiated.
Property division is also closely tied to alimony. A spouse who receives a larger share of assets may receive less in ongoing support. Your attorney helps you see how these pieces fit together so one concession does not quietly undercut another.
How Is Alimony Determined in a Connecticut Divorce?
Alimony in Connecticut is not based on a formula. Judges weigh factors listed in Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-82. Those include the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living during the marriage.
Connecticut is one of the few states where marital fault, like adultery, can influence an alimony award. The court also considers the needs of the custodial parent and whether staying home to raise children affected a spouse's career.
Alimony can be temporary, rehabilitative, or long-term depending on the facts. Either party can later seek a modification if circumstances change substantially.
How Does Custody Work During a New Canaan Divorce?
Connecticut courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges can award joint legal custody (shared decision-making) or joint physical custody (shared residential time). The court may also grant sole custody to one parent with parenting time for the other.
The 17 statutory factors (Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-56(c)) judges consider include each parent's relationship with the child and the child's developmental needs. The stability of each home and the willingness to support the other parent's relationship also play a role.
If both parents agree on a parenting plan, the court will generally approve it as long as it serves the child's interests. When parents cannot agree, the case is referred to Family Services for mediation. If mediation fails, a judge will decide after a full hearing.
Our New Canaan child custody lawyers build parenting plans that reflect how your children actually live, not just a standard template.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONAsk Connecticut Family Law Group About Your New Canaan Divorce
Q: How much does a divorce cost in New Canaan, CT?
A: The court filing fee and associated costs for a Connecticut divorce are about $400, subject to change. Attorney fees depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and how complex the financial issues are. An initial consultation lets you discuss costs and fee structures before committing.
Q: Can my spouse and I use the same lawyer?
A: No. One attorney cannot represent both spouses in a divorce because it creates a conflict of interest. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps both sides, but each spouse should have their own attorney review the final agreement.
Q: Will my divorce be public in New Canaan?
A: Divorce filings in Connecticut are public records. However, financial affidavits can be sealed to protect sensitive information. If privacy is a concern, your attorney can request a sealing order from the court.
Q: Can I keep the house in a Connecticut divorce?
A: It depends on your financial situation and the overall property division. One spouse may buy out the other's equity, or the court may order the home sold. In some cases, the custodial parent stays in the home until the children reach a certain age.
Q: How long does a divorce take in New Canaan, CT?
A: An uncontested divorce in Connecticut typically takes four to six months after filing. Contested divorces with property disputes, custody disagreements, or alimony issues can take 12 to 18 months or longer. Your timeline depends on the complexity of your case and both parties' willingness to negotiate.
Q: Does Connecticut require a reason for divorce?
A: Connecticut allows no-fault divorce based on "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage. You do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong. Most Connecticut divorces are filed on no-fault grounds because it is simpler and less expensive.
Q: Where do New Canaan divorce cases go to court?
A: New Canaan falls within the Stamford-Norwalk Judicial District. Divorce cases are heard at the Stamford Superior Court at 123 Hoyt Street.
Q: What if my spouse owns a business?
A: The business will need to be valued as part of the property division process. Connecticut courts can consider business interests when dividing assets. Valuation methods vary, and the approach used can significantly affect the outcome. In some cases, we work with financial experts to protect our clients' interests.
Q: Is mediation required before going to trial in Fairfield County?
A: Connecticut courts strongly encourage settlement, and most cases go through a Resolution Plan Date with Family Services early in the process. If custody is disputed, the court may order mediation through Family Relations. Full trial is typically a last resort after settlement efforts have been exhausted.
Q: Can I get temporary support while my divorce is pending?
A: Yes, Connecticut courts can order temporary alimony (called "pendente lite" support) and temporary custody arrangements while the divorce is in progress. These orders stay in effect until the judge issues a final decree.
Q: How does a high-net-worth divorce differ from a typical divorce?
A: High-net-worth divorces involve more complex asset identification, valuation, and division. Executive compensation, business ownership, real estate holdings, and tax consequences all require specialized analysis. The legal process is the same, but the financial preparation and expert involvement are more intensive.
Take the Next Step with a New Canaan Divorce Attorney You Can Trust
You deserve a legal team that treats your family, your finances, and your privacy with the care they require. Connecticut Family Law Group is available 24/7 because the concerns keeping you up tonight should not have to wait.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a New Canaan Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is difficult enough without wondering whether your attorney can handle the financial and emotional challenges of your case. Connecticut Family Law Group's New Canaan team is here to give you honest answers and a clear plan for what comes next.
Call (203) 344-7007 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation. We are available 24/7 because the concerns keeping you up at night should not have to wait. Our offices are located at 71 Elm St #201, New Canaan, CT 06840.
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