Fairfield County Divorce Lawyer
Last updated on April 1, 2026
When a marriage has come to an end, it is important to seek assistance from knowledgeable legal counsel who understands what you are going through. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, our attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of divorce cases, including cases involving significant assets. If you’re looking for a divorce lawyer in Fairfield County, our team is here to support you with the guidance you need.
Whether you are able to reach an agreement through mediation or require help from someone with the trial skills to guide you through litigation, our team of lawyers is here for you. From our office in Fairfield, we provide family law representation to people throughout Connecticut.
Grounds For Divorce
In Connecticut, a dissolution of marriage may be granted on the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown. Traditional fault grounds, such as adultery and intolerable cruelty, are available to obtain a dissolution but are rarely used. Once a divorce agreement has been finalized, either through mediation or through the courts, the parties will be considered to be single and unmarried.
Legal Separation
In a legal separation, the parties will go through the divorce process. However, at the end of the process they will be considered to be legally separated. It is important to note that living in separate homes is not the same as being legally separated in the eyes of the law.
The main difference between a legal separation and a divorce is that the legally separated parties are not free to remarry until the legal separation has been converted into dissolution of marriage.
If the parties have not resumed marital relations, this can be accomplished by a summary proceeding. If marital relations were resumed, dissolution of marriage action must be filed with the court. The court will review any financial orders in place when the parties move for a dissolution and may order changes before the divorce is finalized.
Why Seek A Legal Separation Instead Of A Divorce?
Parties may seek a legal separation instead of a divorce when medical benefits of the employed spouse are available to legally separated spouses. Another reason people may wish to pursue a legal separation is for religious reasons.
Whether you are going through a divorce or wish to be legally separated, we can help protect your interests and serve as your guides every step of the way. We always make the time to answer your questions and help address your concerns.
Common Questions About Alimony In Fairfield County
People going through divorce often have questions about spousal support and how Connecticut courts calculate payments. Here’s what clients ask us.
How is alimony calculated in Connecticut?
Judges evaluate several criteria to determine alimony, such as the marriage’s duration, each spouse’s income and their ability to earn. Additionally, the court reviews each party’s age and health, the lifestyle maintained during the marriage and the distribution of marital assets. There’s no fixed formula – judges evaluate each case individually to determine fair support amounts and duration.
Can the court modify alimony after a divorce?
Yes, a judge may modify alimony payments if a spouse demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances. Such changes often involve job loss, significant income shifts, retirement, remarriage or cohabitation of the spouse receiving support. You must petition the court and prove that circumstances have changed enough to warrant adjustment of the original alimony order.
How long will a spouse receive alimony in Connecticut?
The court determines alimony duration by evaluating the length of the marriage and the specific facts of each case. Short-term marriages may result in limited-duration alimony, while long-term marriages often lead to longer support periods. In some cases, involving lengthy marriages where one spouse has limited earning capacity, courts may award indefinite alimony subject to modification.
Is alimony taxable in Connecticut?
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, the paying spouse cannot deduct alimony payments from their taxes, and the receiving spouse does not need to report these payments as taxable income under federal law. This change can significantly impact the financial considerations in divorce negotiations and settlement discussions.
Contact Us If You Are Preparing For Divorce
It is important to seek qualified legal advice if your marriage has come to an end. To schedule a confidential consultation with a divorce lawyer, call 203-763-4969. You may also schedule a confidential consultation by contacting us online. We serve clients in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut.