Effective October 1, 2015, couples may file a joint petition for divorce, which the Statute has labeled as “non-adversarial dissolution”. A non-adversarial divorce is intended to be a quick and simple procedure for eligible couples to divorce within thirty-five (35) days.

The eligibility requirements are:

1. The marriage has broken down irretrievably;
2. This marriage is less than eight (8) years;
3. Neither party is pregnant, and no children were born to or adopted prior to or during the marriage
4. Neither must have an interest in real estate (land);
5. The combined fair market value of all property owned by the parties is less than $35,000.00;
6. Neither must have a defined pension plan;
7. There is no pending bankruptcy petition(s);
8. No other divorce action is pending in this or any other state;
9. No restraining order or protective order is in effect; and
10. Neither must be a recipient of state or local assistance – or benefits under
11. Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

I will be accepting qualifying cases on a flat-fee basis.  Please contact me for further details.

Joseph E. DePaola, Esq.
97 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
Tel 203-239-5844
Fax 203-234-8042
Email ask@jedepaola.com

A recent amendment to Connecticut’s 90 day waiting period rule for a final divorce has been changed so as to allow a divorce to be finalized before the 90 days if certain conditions are met. The parties must file, on an approved form, the request with the Court.  The judge will review and rule on the request.  Ideally, copies of all other documents necessary for the granting of a final divorce should also be filed along with the request. This new provision may save some divorcing couples time, money, stress and inconvenience.

If you would like to learn more, please contact me.

Joseph E. DePaola, Esq.
97 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
Tel 203-239-5844
Fax 203-234-8042
Email ask@jedepaola.com