One of the most difficult things an individual can face is a legal dispute involving members of their family. These cases are often rife with conflict and emotional tension, and the complications involved have the ability to do intense amounts of damage to you and your loved ones. Instead of trying to tackle these cases yourself, it is time to put your trust in an experienced Groton family lawyer like those at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. We are here to offer legal guidance.
If you find yourself in the midst of a divorce, child custody battle, or a legal issue regarding alimony or child support, our family law attorneys, Jeffrey Hill, Jillian Miller, and Michael A. Blanchard, are here to help you. Taking your desires and the best interests of your children into account, we can seek the most favorable outcome available in your case through litigation, trial, or mediation, depending on the exact nature and circumstances of your Groton family law issue.
Common Areas of Groton Family Law
Groton is a beautiful area in Connecticut, with many households having a median income of $64,611. This wealth can add to the difficulty often involved in many family law cases. From 2023 to 2024 alone, over 6,000 cases were filed in the state of Connecticut. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law, we have experience handling several areas of family law, including the following:
- The most common cases of family law in Groton involve divorces. If you and your spouse have been married for 9 years or less, have no children and neither spouse is pregnant, there is no interest in property, the property you own is valued below $80,000, there are no pensions or pending bankruptcy proceedings, or there are no pending restraining or protective orders in place, you may be able to seek divorce without a judge.
- Legal separation. In some cases, a married couple may wish to seek a formal end to their marriage without actually seeking a divorce. This might have financial benefits for the couple, including the stability of certain benefits and insurance coverages. However, in a legal separation, you and your spouse will still need to make determinations regarding issues like child support, custody, property division, and spousal support.
- Child support. In Connecticut, both parents, whether married or not, are financially responsible for their children. When parents seek to resolve an issue of child support, there are certain factors involved in these determinations when being made by a judge, including the income of both the parents, the number of children involved, and the age and needs of the children. Your attorney can help you secure this support when needed.
- Child custody. One of the most contentious issues involved in a family law case includes child custody and visitation. In Connecticut, the courts will aim to make their decisions regarding custody based on what they believe to be in the best interests of the child. Factors involved in these determinations can include the developmental and emotional needs of the child and the parents’ abilities to care for and provide for their children.
- Spousal support. Otherwise known as alimony, spousal support is a kind of payment made by one spouse to another following a legal separation or divorce. These payments work to help the spouse receiving them maintain the standard of living they grew used to during the duration of their marriage. Factors involved in these determinations can include the duration of the marriage, the earning capacity of the spouses, and their needs.
- Property division. Connecticut operates as an equitable distribution state, meaning that the courts will review all shared property between the divorced or separated couple and seek to divide this property fairly, though not perfectly equally. Factors involved in these determinations can include the length of the marriage, the income of both spouses, whether the couple shares children, and the contributions of both spouses in the marriage.
- Domestic violence. One of the most serious issues that can involve family law is that of domestic violence. Domestic violence can have a huge and lasting impact on all individuals involved. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options when facing domestic violence from a family member or someone you have been or are currently in a relationship with.
How Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law Can Help You and Your Loved Ones
For over 80 years, the firm at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law has been assisting clients across eastern Connecticut through their family law matters. In Groton, when you hire our team, we are ready to fight for you and protect your interests, whatever your case entails. When you retain our services, whether in the event of litigation, mediation, or a trial, you can expect us to provide you with the following benefits:
- Strong negotiation skills
- Protection of your rights
- Trustworthy legal representation
- Legal support and guidance
Your Family Law Case and Mediation
At Suisman Shapiro, Attorneys-at-Law, one of the family law services we offer is that of mediation. In some family law cases, such as divorce, you may be able to seek mediation over a lengthy courtroom battle or litigation. Hiring our law firm to act as a mediator in your family law case can have several benefits, including the following:
- Conflict reduction. When two parties enter into a family law case, conflict and tension are common. With the help of a mediator, this conflict can be avoided thanks to collaboration and encouraged communication.
- Quicker resolution. Without the help of a mediator, family law matters can quickly become complex, leading to lengthy courtroom battles. With mediation, both parties can work together and make decisions more quickly, allowing a faster resolution to their case than is typically possible in traditional litigation.
- Cost-effectiveness. Because mediation is typically quicker than litigation or a court trial, it is also more cost-effective as there are often lower and fewer legal fees and court costs.
In Need of High-Quality Family Law Services? Contact Our Offices Today
Whether you are seeking the mediation of a Groton divorce or are dealing with an emotionally wrought child custody court battle, the team of family law attorneys at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law is here to help you. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we may be of service to you.
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