What are the marital property laws in Connecticut?

Under the marital property laws in CT, the court aims to divide up marital property in an equitable manner. This equitable distribution system is distinct from a community property state, where marital property is divided on a 50-50 basis. Equitable distribution of property does not mandate that property be distributed equally. Instead, the court looks at a number of different factors in order to determine how to fairly divide up the property. 

There are numerous factors considered in dividing up property in Connecticut. These factors include:

• How long the parties were married
• Why the couple is getting a divorced
• How old each spouse is
• The health of each of the spouses
• What each spouse does for a living and what his or her income is
• The earning potential of each spouse
• What each party contributed to the marriage, both financially or otherwise. 

A Connecticut court can also award the entire estate to one spouse or the other, if there is reason to do so. Further, the court has the right to order the sale of real estate or real property in order to generate assets that can be split among the two parties involved in the divorce. The court may order this sale of property, or the transfer of title, without the consent of either spouse if the court deems it appropriate to do so. 

The myriad of different rules that are in place are all designed to make sure the law is fair to both parties. If you want to make sure the law works for you, it is a good idea to have a lawyer on your side protecting your rights.