Waterford Family Lawyer

Some of the most difficult and emotionally challenging legal cases involve disputes that arise between members of a family unit or people in intimate relationships with one another. During these difficult times, it is prudent and vital that you retain the legal counsel and representation of a Waterford family lawyer who can assist you through all the legalities of your case. Let the team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law fight for you and your rights.

For over 80 years, the lawyers at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law have been working to secure our clients the most favorable outcomes possible in their family law cases. Family law is a complicated practice area, and you deserve an attorney who understands all the nuances that play into these legal situations. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law, our family law attorneys include Jeffrey W. Hill, Jillian Miller, and Michael A. Blanchard. Let them advocate for you.

Areas of Family Law We Practice

Between 2023 and 2024 alone, Connecticut saw 23,164 new family law cases filed within the state court system. These cases stem from a wide variety of issues but most commonly include the following areas of legal practice:

• No one enters a marriage with the full knowledge that one day, that marriage will end in divorce. However, these cases happen every day. In 2022 alone, there were 2.8 divorces per every 1,000 residents of Connecticut. In a divorce case, the attorneys at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can help you understand your legal rights regarding many of the various topics involved, such as child support and property division.
• Legal separation. For some married couples in Connecticut, divorce could impact their rights to retirement benefits, health insurance, and property, making a legal separation more attractive to allow them to live separate lives. Still, even in a legal separation, many important decisions must be made, and it is wise to proceed with the assistance of an attorney.
• Child support. In Connecticut, both parents owe a duty to be financially responsible for their children, no matter the status of their relationship with one another. In a divorce, separation, or issue of paternity, one parent may be required to pay the other parent a certain sum of child support. The amount of child support involved in a case is determined by factors like the age of the child and the needs of the child.
• Child custody. During a separation, divorce, or paternity case, one of the primary concerns will be the custody of the child. Connecticut recognizes both physical custody (where the child will primarily reside) and legal custody (or the parents’ abilities to make decisions regarding the welfare of their child). Factors for determining what arrangement is in the best interest of the child can include the child’s age and needs.
• Alimony, otherwise known as spousal support, can be a vital aspect of your divorce and future financial stability. When making a determination on the topic of alimony in a family law case, the involved courts will take the following factors into account: the length of the marriage, the ages of the parties, the reasons for the breakdown of the marriage, the sources of income for both parties, and the amount of income brought in by each of them.
• Property division. In a Connecticut divorce, you and your spouse will need to reach an agreement regarding the shared or marital property you own together. These items may include homes, vehicles, furnishings, bank accounts, income tax refunds, and pension plans. While this will not be a perfect 50/50 split, the courts try to ensure that the division is as fair as possible.
• Prenuptial agreements. Some couples in Connecticut may wish to seek a prenuptial agreement. This contract will be legally binding and will work to detail how a couple will divide their assets and debts in the case of a future divorce. These contracts can also speak to the limits of potential alimony and offer details on child support.
• Court order modifications. In a family law case, if one party believes a change in life circumstances has arisen that gives them cause to seek a modification of an already existing court order, they may do so with the help of an attorney. A sudden job loss or income reduction may warrant a change to a child support order, while cohabitation with a new partner or a loss of employment may warrant a change in alimony.
• Domestic violence. In 2021, 78% of the state’s total arrests for domestic violence incidents in Waterford were Intimate Partner incidents (IPs). Domestic violence is a serious issue and should be addressed with fierce legal advocacy. If you have suffered violence at the hands of a family member, loved one, or someone you used to be in a relationship with, there are legal options available to you. The attorneys at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can help.

Family Law Mediation vs. Litigation

When individuals find themselves facing a family law issue, they will need to make a decision whether to proceed with mediation or litigation. Both options offer several advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature of your case and the communication styles of those involved in the case.

In mediation, an attorney from Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can act as a neutral third party and help the parties involved reach a quick and calm resolution through effective communication and discussion. There are several key benefits to mediation, including control over the decision-making, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, as mediation allows for quicker timelines than traditional litigation.

It can also, however, have its limitations if the parties involved are not willing to cooperate or communicate in an effective manner.

On the other hand, litigation may be a possibility for your family law case. Litigation involves handling and resolving your legal dispute with the help of the court system. Your attorney from Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can represent you and advocate for your side of the issue. Litigation has its advantages, including the legal representation and protection of an attorney who is there to serve you and no one else. However, litigation can be costly and time-consuming.

Facing an Issue of Family Law? Contact Our Attorneys Today

If you are facing an issue of family law in Waterford, contact the attorneys at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law today. We are here to serve you.

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