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There are three different models that divorcing couples have available. One is mediation, where the parties meet with a mediator who guides the couple through the divorce process and assists them in reaching an agreement regarding financial and parenting issues. The second model is the traditional idea of divorce where each party is represented by an attorney and depending on the level of cooperation and complexity of the case, could result in a divorce trial or negotiated settlement. The third model is a collaborative divorce. In a collaboration, both parties are represented by counsel but everyone agrees to use their best efforts to avoid court action and settle the case amicably with the assistance of the collaboratively trained attorneys.

Attorney Taylor has been practicing family law for over 35 years. He is a trained mediator as well as collaborative attorney. Please contact him today if you are contemplating a divorce, and he can help you explore the right model for you.

Connecticut law provides that a court may order one of both spouses to pay for the post-majority education of one of the children of the marriage. There are specific factors that the court examines when making such an order. Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-56c sets out the criteria that a court will use to determine the level of responsibility that a parent may have for the college education of their children. The court has to determine that if the family had stayed intact the child would have likely gone to college and that the parent(s) may have contributed to the college expenses of that child. While the court has the ability to order a spouse to pay for college, in most cases the family has saved very little for college and after a divorce there is often not enough money available to pay for the necessities of life. Attorney Taylor can help answer any questions regarding post-majority support and give you realistic advice concerning your ability to have your spouse pay for the college education expenses of your children.

The answer to this questions is…it depends. If you and your spouse have an agreement as to financial and custodial issues when the divorce is filed, then the divorce can be obtained in as little as 30 days. If, however, there are issues of custody and parenting, valuation of a family business or the hiding of assets, a divorce could take as long as 18 months. The court puts pressure on couples to complete their divorce within 12 months and provides help to try to settle your case if you are unable to reach an agreement on your own even if you are represented. If you are contemplating a divorce and need to know the approximate timeline to obtain a final judgment, call Attorney Taylor and he will be able to give you a good estimate as to how long it might take from start to finish.