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James A. SaraceniAttorney at Law · Norwalk, Connecticut Call (203) 853-2700

Divorce & family

Divorce, custody, child support and property division, in Connecticut's judicial districts, including the family-violence cases that often run alongside a divorce.

Downtown Norwalk and the harbor from the air
Downtown Norwalk and the harbor from the air.

Family cases in Connecticut are heard in the judicial district where they are filed. They are decided on paperwork, financial disclosure and, for children, the court's judgment of their best interests. A case that starts calmly can turn when a protective order or a criminal charge lands in the middle of it. Many assault arrests in Connecticut are family-violence cases, and the office handles both sides of that: the divorce and the criminal case, together.

What the office handles

  • DivorceContested and uncontested divorces.
  • Child custodyLegal and physical custody, parenting plans, relocation, and the guardian ad litem process.
  • Child supportThe Connecticut guidelines, deviations from them, and modifications when the numbers change.
  • Property divisionConnecticut is an equitable-distribution state, which does not always mean an equal split.
  • Domestic violence in the family caseProtective orders, restraining orders and the criminal case that often runs alongside a divorce.

How a case starts

  1. CallTell the office whether there is a court date, a protective order or a criminal charge already in place.
  2. Free consultationThe first 30 minutes are free. Bring what you have: any orders, the financial picture as you understand it, and the children's schedule.
  3. Filing and disclosureThe financial affidavit is an important document in a divorce case. It should be prepared carefully.
  4. ResolutionFamily cases can often be resolved by settlement. The ones that are not are tried in Superior Court.

Questions people ask first

How long does a divorce take in Connecticut?

An uncontested divorce can be finished in a few months. A contested one depends on the issues, the court's calendar and how far apart the parties are on custody and money.

How is custody decided?

By the best interests of the child, weighed by the court across a list of statutory factors. Parents who can agree on a parenting plan keep that decision for themselves.

What if there is a protective order between us?

Then the divorce and the criminal case are running at the same time, and what happens in one affects the other. Tell the office at the first call.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Other practice areas

Talk to the office before you talk to anyone else.

The first 30 minutes are free. Call, or tell us about your case and the office will call you.

(203) 853-2700
Tell us about your caseContact page
Call(203) 853-2700If he is in court, the answering service takes the message and it reaches him.
Office9 Mott Avenue, Suite 307, Norwalk, CT 06850By appointment. In person or by phone.
ConsultationThe first 30 minutes are free.
PaymentCash, check, credit card, Venmo and Zelle.
Call (203) 853-2700 Tell us about your case

Tell us about your case

The first 30 minutes are free. Send the basics and the office will call you to set a time. If someone is being held right now, call (203) 853-2700 instead.

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Sending this form does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not a secure channel: leave out anything you would not want read by someone else until you have spoken with the office. This form is for adults, 18 or older; if you are contacting the office about a minor, a parent or guardian should send it.

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The office will call you back. If someone is being held right now, do not wait on the form: call (203) 853-2700.