Family Law

New London Connecticut Family Law Attorneys

Regardless of whether you're facing divorce or are embroiled in a visitation, custody or alimony dispute, understanding the legal and financial implications of your case is essential. While negotiation is often preferable to litigation, our lawyers, Jeffery Hill, Michael Blanchard, Bob Tukey, and Martin Schoepfer prepare each case for trial. If necessary, Suisman Shapiro hire psychologists in child custody cases, forensic accountants in disputes involving the division of marital property and spousal support and work with social workers and counselors when visitation rights are at issue. In cases involving child support in arrears, we assist clients in availing themselves of legal remedies to either collect back-owed child support or apply for a modification when illness or unemployment prevents them from adhering to the terms of their divorce settlement.

In order to assert your rights it's necessary to understand them. We have the experience and knowledge needed to defend your rights and interests in family law disputes. To schedule an appointment and discuss your case, contact family law attorneys at Suisman Shapiro today.

The family law attorneys at Suisman Shapiro represent clients in regard to the following:

• Divorce
• Child/spousal support
• Child custody
• Visitation rights
• Division of marital property
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
• Prenuptial/postnuptial agreements
• Post divorce modifications
• Restraining orders/domestic violence

Child support payments are determined by a formula set by Connecticut state law. Spousal support depends on a number of factors, including the earning potential and income of both spouses, who has custody of the children, who has healthcare coverage, what each spouse contributed to the marriage and whether one spouse worked to put the other through school. Additionally, whereas child support is a non-negotiable legal obligation that extends until a child reaches the legal age of adulthood (18), spousal support typically lasts only a few years.

In both cases, however, if ill-health or loss of employment affects either spouse, a post-divorce modification must be approved in order to reduce, increase or temporarily halt payments. Our attorneys prepare all necessary medical and financial information in order to request a modification before the court. When necessary, we consult medical and vocational experts as well as other professionals who can testify on behalf of our client. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and our Family Law Information Center.

Contrary to what most people think, the courts don't always award custody to the mother nor do they award custody to whoever makes the most money. While income and the attachment of children are both important, the court's primary standard for awarding custody is "what is in the best interest of a child." At Suisman Shapiro, we hire psychologists, work with social workers, and consult counselors in child custody cases. We present evidence establishing why our client should be awarded custody, underscoring the healthy, loving environment our client can provide.

There are a number of financial and legal considerations that must be taken into account in any family law matter. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge needed to ensure the rights and interests of you and your children are protected.

To schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you, contact family law attorneys at the law office of Suisman Shapiro today.