Spousal Support Lawyer in Hartford, CT

Navigating Alimony Matters with Experienced Legal Guidance

Spousal support, known as alimony, is among the most important financial considerations in many Connecticut divorce cases. At the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson, Attorney Emerson provides trusted legal support to clients across Hartford, West Hartford, and surrounding communities seeking or responding to spousal support requests. 

With over 30 years of exclusive experience in Connecticut family law, Attorney Emerson understands the financial and emotional weight of alimony decisions and helps clients pursue fair and lasting outcomes through negotiation, mediation, collaborative divorce, or in court. 

Request a phone, in-person, or virtual consultation with a Hartford spousal support attorney by contacting our office online or at (860) 750-9686. 

Requesting Spousal Support 

Spousal support is a financial payment from one spouse to the other after a divorce. It is designed to help the lower-earning or non-earning spouse maintain a standard of living that is as close as possible to what they experienced during the marriage. 

This support is not automatically granted in every divorce. Instead, it must be either agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the court based on a detailed evaluation of their circumstances.

Types of Spousal Support in Connecticut

Connecticut law recognizes several types of spousal support.

• Temporary (pendente lite): Support paid while the divorce is pending to help cover immediate financial needs.
• Rehabilitative: Short-term support meant to help the recipient become self-sufficient through education, training, or employment.
• Permanent: Ongoing support, usually reserved for long-term marriages or situations where the receiving spouse cannot become financially independent. It generally terminates when either party passes away or the recipient remarries.
• Lump-sum: A one-time payment in place of ongoing monthly payments.

The type, amount, and duration of spousal support depend on various factors and are tailored to each case's unique circumstances.

Can Spouses Decide Alimony Themselves?

Many couples can reach a private agreement about whether alimony will be paid, how much, and for how long. These agreements can be made through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative divorce, and then submitted to the court for approval. As long as the agreement is fair and reasonable, the court will likely accept and incorporate it into the final divorce decree.

Spousal support can also be predetermined through valid prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Even when couples can agree, an experienced attorney is critical to creating a legally sound agreement that protects your rights and future financial security.