Question 1

How long does a Connecticut divorce take?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut law requires a 90-day waiting period from the return date. Uncontested matters often resolve shortly after; contested matters depend on complexity and the court calendar, typically 9 to 18 months.

Question 2

Is Connecticut a no-fault state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most divorces proceed on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, though fault grounds remain available.

Question 3

What is the return date?

Accepted Answer

The Tuesday on which a Connecticut family case is officially returned to court. It starts the clock on the 90-day waiting period and all subsequent deadlines.

Question 4

What are the automatic orders?

Accepted Answer

The moment a CT divorce is filed, Practice Book § 25-5 automatic orders bind both spouses, restricting transfers of property, changes to beneficiary designations, and removal of minor children from the state.

Question 5

How is property divided in a Connecticut divorce?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide marital property fairly considering the factors in C.G.S. § 46b-81, which is not necessarily equally.

Question 6

How is child support calculated?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut applies the Child Support Guidelines, which use both parents' net incomes and the number of children to produce a presumptive weekly amount. Deviations are available on findings made on the record.

Question 7

Is alimony calculated by a formula in CT?

Accepted Answer

No. Connecticut has no fixed alimony formula. C.G.S. § 46b-82 lists the factors the court considers, length of marriage, age, health, income, vocational skills, the property division, and others.

Question 8

How are executive compensation and RSUs handled?

Accepted Answer

Restricted stock units, options, deferred compensation, and carried interest each have distinct vesting and tax profiles. They are typically addressed through specific schedules on the financial affidavit and, where appropriate, valuation memoranda.

Question 9

What does best interest of the child actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut courts apply the 17 statutory factors in C.G.S. § 46b-56, the child's needs, each parent's capacity to meet them, the child's relationships, and (in age-appropriate cases) the child's wishes.

Question 10

What is legal vs. physical custody?

Accepted Answer

Legal custody is decision-making authority for major issues (education, health care, religion). Physical custody describes where the child lives and the parenting-time schedule.

Question 11

Can custody orders be modified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on a showing of a material change in circumstances since the last order and that modification serves the child's best interest.

Question 12

What if the other parent wants to move out of state?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut requires a relocation analysis. A move that substantially affects the parenting schedule requires either consent or a court order weighing specific statutory factors.

Question 13

What does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are paid, $525 for 60 minutes, so that the time is substantive, not a sales call. Initial inquiries are reviewed by the office to determine fit before scheduling.

Question 14

Where do you practice?

Accepted Answer

Galbo Family Law represents clients in family courts throughout New Haven and Fairfield County and the surrounding Connecticut communities, from the office in Milford.

Question 15

How long has Attorney Galbo been practicing?

Accepted Answer

Attorney Tara J. Galbo has more than 25 years of experience practicing family law in Connecticut courts.

Question 16

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Accepted payment methods include traditional invoicing and Venmo.

Question 17

How do I start?

Accepted Answer

Use the message box above, call 203-943-1583, or submit the contact form. Inquiries are reviewed promptly to determine fit and next steps.

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