You have just been served with Connecticut divorce papers . Whether the case is filed in Bridgeport or Stamford Court this is what you should do:
1. Keep cool. Perhaps you forecasted that a divorce was in the works or your spouse even told you that a Marshal or other process server was going to pay you a visit. But maybe you were blindsided by the filing. If so, stay calm. Your spouse may actually want to provoke you into doing something dumb like making a threat or committing an act of violence. Acting irrationally will only hurt your case. Any dealings with your soon to be ex should always be civil; especially concerning the children.
2. Get organized. Gather bank statements, tax returns, credit card statements, household bills, appraisals etc. These documents will help you prepare your Financial Affidavit. It will also allow you to plan how to meet short-term and long-term financial obligations. This is especially important if you and your spouse are no longer living together.
3. Review the Notice of Automatic Orders. Once you are served certain orders become effective regarding finances, insurance policies and access to the children. Under some circumstances, they can be modified but do not ignore these orders. Violations can affect your case dramatically.
4. Consult with a lawyer. You should speak to a lawyer or better yet at least two lawyers to have some general questions answered and gain a better understanding of the Connecticut divorce process. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may or may not need to retain a lawyer but at least do a consult. Many attorneys offer free or complimentary consultations.
I represent clients throughout Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Contact me online or call me in my Stamford office at (203) 356-1475 or in my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 for a consultation to learn more about the divorce process in Connecticut.