When seeking a divorce, the checklist and theoretical outcomes can become a lot to absorb. Below is a simplified breakdown of beginning the divorce process with children and a guide to setting realistic expectations.
Divorce with kids
Almost every form needed for divorce in general and divorce with kids is on the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website. Divorce begins with filing these forms with the appropriate offices and a court clerk or notary public when needed. From there, you’ll need to present the documents to your spouse if you seek them out on your own. Then, parents with minor children need to participate in a parenting education program 60 days after filing their case.
Legal process
Once you’re in a waiting period for your hearing, you might be anxious to know the outcome. Staying calm and collected can help, but seeking background information on the custody court’s ins and outs is also essential.
First, it’s worth noting that the state’s judicial system prefers parents agree and avoid litigation. Whether or not there are points in your case that show friction between you and your spouse, a counselor provided by the state will help you devise an action plan to gather any vital information not provided already, schedule family services evaluation if necessary and set up pretrial and trial dates.
When all the case details rise to the surface, custody cases go through two to three more rounds. First, parents must attend a hearing with a judge who will give parents temporary orders on child custody and child support. This could take place in one or multiple sessions. After the final hearing with a judge, a pretrial settlement comes next. The goal is that parents can find a consensus before an official court trial during this pretrial session. But if that doesn’t happen, the trial will lead to final orders on custody and child support.
Even when family court officials can help here and there, professionals that can help with both the legal and behind-the-scenes details of a divorce can be a vital resource for parents.