Is marital fault considered in CT alimony laws?

As with all states Connecticut family courts do not require that one partner in a marriage relationship prove that the other partner is at fault to grant a divorce. No fault divorces are granted when one party believes that the relationship is irretrievable broken. However, if one spouse's actions had a direct bearing on the reasons that the relationship broke down and the marriage cannot be sustained the court does take this into consideration under CT alimony laws.

In most cases the issue of marital fault is very minor. When one person in the relationship caused hardship to the marriage through being at fault or through causing a significant loss in the marital assets then alimony can be ordered as a way to compensate the other spouse after the divorce. There is no specific percentage or formula that is used in Connecticut family courts to determine the percentage or amount of alimony that will be required. Typically each case is evaluated by the judge with the fault component, if present, factoring into the decision. It is important to realize that alimony is not a punitive measure, it is only ordered when the court feels there is a spousal duty for support, not as a punishment to the paying spouse. Even in cases where there one spouse that is clearly at fault alimony may not be ordered based on financial status of both spouses.

Speaking with a qualified family law attorney about alimony in your divorce case is important. You need to know your options before mediation or going to court so you can make the best decision as to how to proceed.