What you should know about abandonment in marriage in Connecticut is that it can be a fault ground for a divorce. Abandonment (desertion) happens when someone leaves their spouse without justification for at least a year with the intent to end their marriage. In a fault divorce, desertion can impact a family court’s decisions on asset division, child custody, and alimony.
A divorce is incredibly stressful, but abandoning your marriage will not resolve the differences between you and your spouse. Talk with a New Haven divorce lawyer if you are considering desertion or if your spouse has abandoned your marriage. At this point, your attorney will explain your legal options and what you can do to get through this difficult time in your life.
What Is Abandonment in Marriage in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, marital abandonment, also referred to as willful desertion, occurs when one spouse intentionally leaves their marital home. The spouse does this without a valid reason and with no intent to return. In addition, this spouse fails to provide financial support to their partner for a minimum of one year.
Reasons why people file for divorce based on abandonment include:
- Physical Abandonment: A spouse no longer resides at their marital home.
- Economic Abandonment: A spouse does not support their partner financially.
- Constructive Abandonment: A spouse continues to live at their marital home, but they refuse to provide support or perform other marital duties. Because of these things, they are doing things to force their partner out of the relationship.
Seek legal help when in doubt about whether to file for a divorce in Connecticut. Your family attorney will handle your legal matters with care. They will teach you about the divorce process and what it entails. If your spouse has decided to abandon your Connecticut marriage, your attorney may advise you to submit the required paperwork for a fault divorce.
For a legal consultation, call 203-288-7800
Abandonment in Marriage in Connecticut: Why This Matters in a Divorce Case
Fault and no-fault are two of the divorce options available in Connecticut. Statewide, most divorces are no-fault. In a no-fault divorce, there is an irretrievable breakdown between the spouses, with no hope of reconciliation. Comparatively, in a fault divorce, a spouse blames their partner for the end of their marriage due to wrongdoing.
Abandonment is considered a form of marital misconduct. Thus, if your spouse abandons your marriage in Connecticut, you may have grounds for a fault divorce. Due to this, a family court will consider the abandonment as it decides on things like property division, custody of your children, and spousal support.
Trust a family attorney to teach you about fault and no-fault divorce in Connecticut. If your spouse has abandoned your marriage, your lawyer will likely encourage you to proceed with a fault divorce. By doing so, you can protect yourself financially during your divorce proceedings and set yourself up for a successful next chapter of your life.
What to Do if Your Spouse Abandons Your Connecticut Marriage
As far as abandonment in marriage in Connecticut and the things you need to know, remember, care for yourself as you deal with the ramifications of this emotionally taxing situation. Along with focusing on self-care, follow the steps below to finalize your divorce in Connecticut.
1. Ask for Legal Help
Choose a divorce attorney who has received dozens of positive client testimonials to serve as your legal advocate and representative. Your lawyer will give your case their undivided attention. As your litigation moves forward, they will help you make informed legal decisions.
2. Document Everything
Gather financial records highlighting how you and your spouse have been living in different residences, written communications that illustrate your partner’s intent to leave your marriage, and other evidence to strengthen your case for a fault divorce.
3. File for Divorce
Submit your request for a divorce on the ground of desertion. Your lawyer will help you prepare and file the necessary paperwork. They will make sure that your spouse is served with your divorce papers in alignment with Connecticut law. Plus, they will attend court hearings with you and protect your legal rights and best interests throughout your divorce proceedings.
Continue to care for yourself as you go through your divorce. Meanwhile, your lawyer will remain on your side during your litigation. Any time you have legal concerns or questions regarding abandonment in marriage in Connecticut or other case topics, your attorney will address them promptly.
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The Bottom Line on Abandonment in Marriage in Connecticut and What to Know
Before you abandon your Connecticut marriage, think about the short- and long-term consequences of what will happen if you do. Alternatively, if your spouse has deserted your marriage, do not let them off the hook for their actions. In this situation, meet with family lawyers, as they can help you separate from your spouse as part of a fault divorce.
Happy Even After is a Connecticut family law firm with 60 years of combined experience on our staff. We bring calm to the chaos in divorce cases. If your spouse has abandoned your marriage, we are here to help you in any way possible 24/7. To get started, schedule a case consultation.
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