Dividing your assets after a divorce can be overwhelming. Preparing for what comes next can be difficult, especially if you put your career on hold to raise a child. Fortunately, the state has rules to help each spouse receive a fair split of property. Understanding how Connecticut allocates your assets in a divorce can help you estimate your potential share.
What equitable distribution means in Connecticut
In Connecticut, courts split your property using equitable distribution. This refers to a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of your assets during a divorce. A fair distribution can help financially vulnerable spouses maintain their pre-divorce lifestyle.
Connecticut follows an all-property approach when dividing assets. This means the court may divide any assets that either spouse owns. This includes assets you owned before marriage or received as gifts.
How do judges decide what is fair?
To determine fairness when dividing assets, courts examine each case individually. Many factors can affect the judge’s final ruling, including:
- The duration of your marriage and the reasons for its dissolution
- The age, health, education and ability to work of each spouse
- The income, occupation and earning ability of each spouse
- The ability of each spouse to acquire new assets or income
- The assets and debts of each spouse
- The contributions each spouse made to acquiring or maintaining assets
How a judge splits property is different for every marriage. For example, you might receive a larger share if you sacrificed your career to support your spouse’s. On the other hand, you might receive a smaller share if you earned more than your spouse throughout your marriage.
Moving forward after a divorce
Understanding Connecticut’s divorce process and the role equitable distribution plays can help you secure a fair share of property. This makes it easier to maintain a good standard of living after separating from your spouse. By staying informed, you can plan for the future and start anew after a divorce.