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FAMILY LAW IN CONNECTICUT ALIMONY & PROPERTY DIVISION Connecticut family law specifies 17 different criteria or yardsticks in deciding how to divide your property. The same criteria are used in deciding whether alimony will be paid. In a litigated divorce, the judge will make those decisions for you if you can't agree between yourselves. But when you collaborate or mediate your divorce, you and your spouse will make these crucial decisions. With the help of your collaborative attorneys or your mediator, both of you will identify your most important interests and needs. You will brainstorm various options based on those interests and needs as you develop proposals to resolve all the issues. You will both do this in an atmosphere of trust where you will be listened to respectfully. Finally, you will reach a fair and thorough settlement, one that will allow you both to resume your lives with dignity. Use the following table as a general guide to both property division and alimony. But remember, always, that your and your spouse's needs and interests will decide how much weight to give these criteria. CRITERIA for EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION | CRITERIA | PROPERTY | ALIMONY | | LENGTH OF MARRIAGE | Yes | Yes | | CAUSES FOR BREAKDOWN | Yes | Yes | | AGES OF THE PARTIES | Yes | Yes | | HEALTH | Yes | Yes | | STATION | Yes | Yes | | OCCUPATION | Yes | Yes | | INCOME: AMOUNT | Yes | Yes | | INCOME: SOURCES | Yes | Yes | | VOCATIONAL SKILLS | Yes | Yes | | EMPLOYABILITY | Yes | Yes | | ESTATE | Yes | Yes | | LIABILITIES | Yes | No | | NEEDS OF EACH PARTY | Yes | Yes | | PROPERTY AWARD | N/A | Yes | | OPPORTUNITY FOR FUTURE ACQUISITION OF CAPITAL ASSETS AND INCOME | Yes | No | | CONTRIBUTION OF EACH PARTY IN THE ACQUISITION, PRESERVATION OR APPRECIATION IN VALUE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE ESTATES (tracing of assets) | Yes | No | | DESIRABILITY OF CUSTODIAL PARENT SECURING EMPLOYMENT No Yes | No | Yes |
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