CT Bar Family Law & Domestic Relations Flashcards

Under Connecticut law, what is the minimum period of residency required before a party may file for divorce?

Answer: 6 months

Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-44 requires that one of the parties must have resided in Connecticut for at least 12 months before the divorce is granted, but a complaint may be filed after 6 months of residency.

In Connecticut, the doctrine of 'irretrievable breakdown' is classified as which type of divorce ground?

Answer: No-fault ground

Connecticut adopted irretrievable breakdown as a no-fault ground for dissolution under C.G.S. § 46b-40(c), eliminating the need to prove spousal misconduct.

When dividing marital property in Connecticut, courts apply which standard?

Answer: Equitable distribution

Connecticut is an equitable distribution state under C.G.S. § 46b-81, meaning courts divide marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally, considering factors like length of marriage and contributions.

Under Connecticut law, which standard governs all custody and visitation determinations?

Answer: Best interests of the child standard

Connecticut courts apply the best interests of the child standard under C.G.S. § 46b-56 when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

Which Connecticut statute governs orders of protection in domestic violence cases?

Answer: C.G.S. § 46b-15

C.G.S. § 46b-15 authorizes the Superior Court to issue civil restraining orders for relief from physical abuse, stalking, or sexual assault in family relationships.

In Connecticut, child support obligations are primarily calculated using which method?

Answer: Income shares model via Child Support Guidelines

Connecticut uses the income shares model under the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, combining both parents' net incomes to determine the support obligation.